The Great Meat Debate: Flexitarianism for the Greedy Gourmet

 


The Great Meat Debate: Flexitarianism for the Greedy Gourmet

(Can I save the planet and still have my Sunday roast?)

I like food.
I like it a lot.

And I’m not ashamed to say that when I see a perfectly crispy roast chicken or a bacon sandwich on a Sunday morning, my inner eco-warrior gets… conflicted.

Enter: Flexitarianism – the halfway house between full-on veganism and “I eat steak with a side of steak.”

Turns out, it might be the planet’s best compromise.

🥩 Why Meat Matters (and Why It’s a Problem)

Let’s get the uncomfortable stats out of the way:

But going cold tofu isn’t easy for everyone. That’s where flexitarianism comes in.

🍽️ So, What Is a Flexitarian?

A flexitarian is:

  • Mostly vegetarian

  • Sometimes a carnivore

  • Always smug at dinner parties

You eat less meat, but you don’t cut it out entirely.
It’s about shifting habits, not shaming people.

Think:
✅ Meat-free Monday
✅ Chickpeas on Tuesday
✅ Bacon butty on Saturday (guilt optional)

🌱 Flexitarianism: The Delicious Middle Ground

Why it works:

  • 👍 Big environmental gains with small personal sacrifices

  • 🧠 Easier than full-time veganism for most people

  • 💰 Cheaper – meat is expensive

  • 👨‍🍳 Encourages creative cooking (hello lentil curry, mushroom burgers, and falafel you didn’t burn this time)

You still get your gourmet moments.
You just have fewer of them, and appreciate them more.

🛠️ How We Do It

At our house:

  • 🌿 We go vegetarian most weekdays

  • 🧀 We’ve discovered the wonders of halloumi

  • 🐟 We eat fish more often than red meat

  • 🔥 When we do meat, it’s usually local, organic, or rare (in frequency, not temperature)

  • 🧾 We’ve cut our food carbon footprint — and our shopping bill

No one’s weeping into a tofu scramble (well, not often).

🤔 Is It Perfect? No. Is It Better? Yes.

It’s not about being perfect.
It’s about being better, more often.
You don’t need to become a militant kale preacher overnight.

Just eat less meat. Make it matter when you do.
And maybe learn how to cook a lentil that doesn’t resemble cement.

🧘 Final Thought: Less Moo, More You

Whether you're saving the planet, your wallet, or just your arteries…
Flexitarianism gives you choice.
And maybe a smug little badge that says “I care, but also – I brunch.”

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