Trying to eat more plants? Follow a flexitarian diet

If you’re trying to cut down on meat consumption, this semi-vegetarian eating pattern is a good place to start.

Hands down, one of the best things you can do for your health (and the health of the planet) this year is to adopt a plant-focused diet. A flexitarian eating pattern emphasizes plant foods, such as veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, pulses (beans and legumes) and whole grains, but leaves some room for meat, dairy and other animal foods.

According to the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Diet Rankings, this eating pattern, specifically the one outlined in the book “The Flexitarian Diet” by registered dietitian nutritionist, Dawn Jackson Blatner, came in second healthiest overall and was considered among the easiest to follow. If you’re actively looking for ways to eat more plants and limit your meat consumption, adopting a flexitarian way of eating is a great way to go. Here’s what you need to know before you get started.

What are the health benefits of the flexitarian diet?

When you boost your intake of plant foods and reduce your intake of red and processed meats and other less healthful foods, such as heavily processed snack foods, refined grains and sweets, you’ll experience some major perks. Studies have linked a dietary pattern rich in wholesome, minimally processed plant foods with:

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