Hey there, fellow foodies and eco-warriors! Let’s dive into something that’s been lighting up our foodie radar: flexitarians. You might be thinking, “What’s the deal?” Well, get ready because I’m about to spill the tea on why we Gen Z’ers are totally on board with this whole flexitarian thing.
7 times Flex Values
Saving the Planet? You Bet! 🌎
Okay, so we grew up hearing all about climate change and the mess our planet is in. But guess what? We’re not just sittin’ around, doing nothing. Flexitarianism is like our cape, helping us take on climate change. We know that cutting back on meat and digging into plant-based options helps shrink our carbon footprint. It’s like saying, “Hey Earth, we’ve got your back!”
Animals and Ethical Feel
Animal lovers, gather around! We’ve got mad love for our furry and feathered buddies, and seeing them suffer? Not on our watch. That’s why a bunch of us Gen Zers are jumping onto the flexitarian train. It’s all about treating animals with kindness and making sure we’re not contributing to their mistreatment in factory farms.
Keeping It Real with Health Goals 🍏
Let’s get real – we’re all about smashing those dreams and goals and staying healthy is a big piece of the puzzle. We’re not saying “bye-bye” to burgers and bacon forever, but we’re also not ignoring the fact that more veggies and less processed stuff can give our bodies some serious love. Flexitarianism gives us the best of both worlds.
Food Adventures, Anyone? 🌮
Hands up if you’re all about exploring new flavors! Raises hand. Flexitarianism is our passport to a world of culinary excitement. Think unique veggies, crazy-good tastes, and recipes that make our taste buds bust a move. Who knew plant-based could be so dang awesome?
Internet, You’re the Real MVP 🌐
Shoutout to the internet for being our go-to source of info and inspo. We’ve stumbled upon docs, TikToks, and Insta posts that spill the beans on how flexitarianism can totally change the game for the planet. It’s like having a virtual squad that’s hyping us up as we make mindful food choices.
Standing Up for What’s Right ✊
You ever get that itch to make a difference but don’t know where to start? Flexitarianism is like our entry ticket to the world of change-making. By chowing down on more plants and less meat, we’re sending a message for a brighter future. It’s about more than just food – it’s about joining a movement.
Flexibility Is Our Jam 🧘
We’re all about going with the flow – in life and in our diets. That’s why flexitarianism is a perfect fit for us. It’s not all strict and serious; it’s about finding that balance and doing our thing. We’re all about those chill vibes.
So, there you have it, friends! Flexitarianism isn’t just some trendy thing; it’s a lifestyle that speaks to the majority of us on a whole new level. (and the Dutch, btw.) We’re proving that we care about the planet, animals, and our well-being, all while keeping our taste buds thrilled. Who would’ve thought changing up our eats could have such a huge impact? It’s all about being flex and fab! ✌️🌱
Make every day a flex day
Selecting specific ingredients or themes for different days of the week is a fun and creative way to structure a flexitarian meal plan. Here’s my example of how you might associate ingredients with different days while following a flexitarian approach:
Meatless Monday: Kick off the week with a plant-based start. Focus on hearty vegetable dishes, legumes, and grains. Try dishes like lentil soup, chickpea curry, or a veggie-packed stir-fry.
Tofu Tuesday: Explore the versatility of tofu. Prepare dishes like tofu stir-fry, tofu scramble, or marinated grilled tofu. Culinary Argan oil gives a delicate smooth nuttiness flavor to tofu.
Whole Grain Wednesday: Embrace whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, farro, or barley. Create grain bowls, salads, or stuffed peppers filled with a mix of grains and vegetables.
Tempeh Thursday: Your Tuesday and Thursday hopefully differ way more than Tofu from Tempeh. But nothing with a “T” came to mind at once, other than turkey -and I’m not a fan, so turkey is not on my menu. But lean animal proteins like skinless poultry or lean cuts of meat can do. Pair them with plenty of vegetables and whole grains.
Fish Friday: Incorporate fish into your diet for Omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Choose sustainable choices like wild-caught salmon, sardines, or trout. Prepare them grilled, baked, or pan-seared.
Salad Saturday: Enjoy vibrant salads featuring a variety of vegetables, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and a light dressing. Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, eggs, or beans for protein. Try alt Protein.
Sensational Sunday: Make Sunday meals ‘funday’ by experimenting with global flavors. Try international recipes like vegetable curry, falafel wraps, or vegetable paella. Experiment with spices, no worries as there’s always chocolate or strawberry ice cream.
Get inspired to create other themes such as dishes on color, from regions or seasons. Think apples! This year’s harvest is much larger than in 2022.
Remember, the key to a successful flexitarian meal plan is to prioritize plant-based foods throughout the week while allowing for flexibility in incorporating animal products in moderation. This approach supports health, sustainability, and balanced eating.