This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Nottingham chapter.

We all know that cutting back on meat and dairy not only has a dramatic effect on the industries that produce such products, but also on the effect that the industries have on the world. However, making a difference doesn’t mean that we have to cut these out of our diets entirely. Here we meet the latest diet label ‘flexitarianism’, as well as the pros and cons of the supposed fad diet.

Con: Is it a fad?

Whilst it may seem as though you are actively seeking to change your diet around to one less meat and dairy oriented, as well as choosing to be more conscious of the environment, some people may simply fail to recognise the term. They may take it to mean more of a diet fad than an ethical decision that is on the same level as veganism, vegetarianism or pescetarianism.

Pro: You get to make a difference without making the sacrifice.

Although others may not understand, you above all people know your own needs and desires. If you want meet one day, or if there is simply no other option, you understand that we are all only human and your flexitarian diet will allow you to enjoy the foods that you do whilst being more ethically conscious than the average meat-eater.

Con: People won’t take you seriously

Alongside the con of whether or not flexitarianism is a fad, some people may just completely undermine you. One day you’ll eat meat, the next you won’t. People around you will find it hard to understand why you don’t just eat meat all the time like they do, and will call you out for it and not take your diet choices as seriously as they would a vegetarian’s, for example.

Pro: It’s more understanding of cultural differences

A lot of cultures heavily embrace eating meat, such as Chinese cuisine, and it can be hard to respect both a culture and a diet as restrictive as veganism or even vegetarianism above another person or family’s culture. If a family welcome you into their home and cook a meat-oriented dish for you and you decline it, this will come off as bad etiquette or just plain rude. Flexitarianism, on the other hand, will allow you to indulge in different cultures and their cuisine whilst still being mindful of the bigger picture.

Lastly, flexitarianism is a far more practical option for those who can’t see themselves cutting out meat for the rest of their lives. Whilst vegans, vegetarians and pescetarians are all doing wonders for our world and environment, flexitarianism makes room for those who are more likely to say ‘no’ to each of the aforementioned diets and yet still try out a more ethical lifestyle on their own terms. Whatever it may mean to you, the more people there are cutting down on meat and dairy, the better, fad or not.

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Is the Flexitarian Diet Really Just a Fad?

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