CINCINNATI (WKRC) - A new report says a popular way of eating is good for your health and the environment.
Flexitarians eat mostly a plant-based diet which may also reduce the risk for diabetes and heart disease. People can eat vegetarian yet still make choices that are not healthy so this diet is focused on plant foods and flexibility
If you want to embrace this flexible menu, you may need to expand what's on your menu.
The great thing about flexitarian eating is you can buy whatever is needed at any food market. Since the diet is mainly plant-based, it's also good for the environment.
The top picks for plant foods, according to a new report on flexitarian eating from the Center for Science in the Public Interest, include;
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Beans (such as black or kidney beans)
- Nuts
- Soy foods and whole grains
These items make up the foundation of your diet. Then, the study recommends adding about one serving of milk, cheese or yogurt per day as well as one serving of seafood, chicken or eggs per day.
Flexitarians can swap one of these with meat once a week if desired.
After Allison Hatton was diagnosed with thyroid and blood pressures issues, she made changes to her diet.
"I check it on a weekly basis to make sure that I'm staying where I should be and also altering my diet," said Hatton.
As Hatton learned, your health and metabolism can shift over time so she stays on top of her blood pressure numbers.
"I really look at what I'm intaking, foodwise or stress wise, to make sure I'm adapting my lifestyle for that," said Hatton.
There's no magic to these foods but they do lower total fat intake and most of the foods in the diet are high in nutritional value.
