Apr 01

Go with What Grows: Why Real Food Wins Every Time!

In a world where convenience is king and shelves are lined with shiny packages, it’s easy to forget one simple truth: the best food grows from the earth, not in a factory.

At Flexetarian, we believe in a flexible approach to eating that honors your body and the planet. One of the easiest, most powerful ways to feel better, live better, and eat better is to go with what grows.

Nature Knows Best 🌿

Let’s take a moment to appreciate what nature gives us—vibrant vegetables, juicy fruits, hearty grains, protein-packed legumes, and nuts and seeds that are basically little nutrition bombs. These foods don’t need an ingredients list because they are the ingredients.

What do they have in common? They grow. They’re not assembled in a lab. They don’t have a shelf life that rivals your grandma’s antique furniture. They come straight from the earth, and your body knows exactly what to do with them.

The Problem with Processed

Processed foods are designed to be addictive, cheap, and long-lasting. Unfortunately, they often come with a long list of unpronounceable additives, preservatives, and fillers. The more a food is processed, the more it tends to lose in the nutrient department—and the more it tends to gain in sugar, salt, and empty calories.

You might fill your stomach, but your body is still left hungry for what it really needs: real nutrients.

More Nutrients, Less Nonsense

When you choose food that grows—whether it’s kale from your backyard, apples from a local orchard, or lentils from your pantry—you’re getting vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that your body craves. These are the things that keep your immune system strong, your digestion happy, your skin glowing, and your energy up.

Compare that to the average processed snack, which is more about engineered flavor than actual fuel. Your body is a brilliant machine. Give it the good stuff and it thrives.

Flex It, Don’t Fix It

We’re not saying you have to be perfect. That’s not the flexetarian way. It’s okay to enjoy a treat or reach for convenience now and then—we’re all human. But by simply shifting your focus to more foods that grow—and fewer that come in a wrapper—you’re already making a huge difference for your health and the environment.

Start small. Swap a processed snack for a handful of almonds and berries. Trade out sugary cereal for overnight oats with banana and cinnamon. Build your meals around what’s in season and what’s in your garden or farmers’ market.

Final Thought: Roots Over Robots

Food should nourish you, not just fill you up. When you go with what grows, you’re choosing food that’s alive, vibrant, and full of the nutrients your body needs to function at its best. You’re connecting to the earth, honoring your health, and voting for a food system that values people over profits.

So next time you’re standing in the grocery aisle wondering what to eat—remember: go with what grows. Your body (and the planet) will thank you.

May 24

Melyrical

I was writing in my journal and thought about song writing. How the creator will sit down and either start with a Melody or with Lyrics. And I thought, how would I describe to someone a song that perfectly combines the two, the melody being so deeply felt, and the lyrics being so richly woven into the music that it creates something in harmony between the two.

Melyrical

“Melyrical,” combining melody and lyrical elements into a vibrant, harmonious, and poetic whole.

Obviously I like to play with language. Take Flexetarian. Flexible. Vegetarian.

Words carry power. They can change our feelings, and they can change nations. As a Flexetarian I do not preach, I share. And my hope is that as you read the word Melyrical you find a change in your heart. Look for the beauty in everything around you, and if you find something that makes you happy. Share it!

And in sharing we plant the seeds of ideas. Those ideas may grow into anything. From the way we eat, to the way we embrace a song and the way that it delights our souls.

Apr 12

A Journey to Joy: Celebrating Plant-Based Eating

In the tapestry of life’s many pleasures, few are as simple and profound as the joy of eating. It’s an act that connects us to the earth, to cultures, and to each other. And when we choose to fill our plates with the vibrant colors and textures of plant-based foods, this joy is magnified. It becomes not just about taste, but about health, sustainability, and a deep sense of well-being. This is the essence of my journey since embracing a Flexetarian lifestyle, a journey that has led to an incredible transformation, both physically and spiritually, including the shedding of 55 pounds.

The Vibrant World of Plant-Based Eating

Imagine a plate filled with the rich greens of spinach and kale, the bright orange of sweet potatoes, the deep red of tomatoes, and the earthy browns of mushrooms and lentils. This is the palette of plant-based eating, a spectrum of nutrients and flavors that nourish the body and delight the senses. Each meal is an opportunity to explore, to experiment, and to enjoy the abundance nature offers.

Eating more plants than meat is not just a pathway to joy but also to unparalleled health benefits. Plants are powerhouses of nutrients, packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that work together to support our body’s functions. They help in lowering inflammation, boosting heart health, stabilizing blood sugar levels, and enhancing our immune system. Moreover, the high fiber content in plants leads to better digestion and satiety, helping in weight management and overall well-being.

My Transformation Journey

Since adopting a Flexetarian approach, emphasizing plant-based meals with occasional meat inclusion, I have witnessed a remarkable transformation in my life. I have lost 55 pounds, but the benefits have extended far beyond the scale. My energy levels have soared, my skin glows, and I feel a sense of vitality that was previously unknown to me. This change wasn’t just about losing weight; it was about gaining health, joy, and a deeper appreciation for the food I eat.

This journey has been as much about discovering the nutritional richness of plants as it has been about learning to listen to my body. I’ve learned that nourishment isn’t solely about calories or nutrients; it’s about balance, enjoyment, and respect for the natural world. And in this respect, plant-based eating shines, offering a sustainable way to feed ourselves that’s in harmony with the planet.

Beyond Nutrition: The Joy of Plant-Based Eating

But the joy of plant-based eating goes beyond nutrition and weight loss. It’s about the thrill of discovering new foods and flavors, the creativity of cooking, and the pleasure of sharing meals with loved ones. It’s about the peace of mind that comes from making ethical food choices and the satisfaction of contributing to environmental conservation.

Embracing a plant-heavy Flexetarian diet has been a journey of joy and discovery. It has taught me that food can be both delicious and nourishing, that eating well doesn’t have to be restrictive or complicated, and that each meal is an opportunity to do something good for myself, my community, and the planet.

A Heartfelt Invitation

If you’re curious about plant-based eating, or if you’re seeking a path to better health and deeper joy, I warmly invite you to explore the Flexetarian lifestyle. It’s a journey that doesn’t ask for perfection but for openness, curiosity, and a desire to live well. You might be surprised by the transformation that awaits, not just in weight, but in wellness, happiness, and a renewed love for food.

Let’s celebrate the beauty of plants, the joy of eating, and the journey of health and transformation that awaits us all. Here’s to a vibrant, joyful life, one plant-based meal at a time.

Apr 10

Embracing the Flexetarian Lifestyle: A Journey Towards Sustainable Nourishment

A serene image of a picnic or meal set in a natural landscape, such as a forest, beach, or garden. The focus is on the connection between eating sustainably and the health of our planet, reinforcing the message that every meal is a choice that impacts our environment.
The focus is on the connection between eating sustainably and the health of our planet

In the vibrant tapestry of our planet, where every leaf, every drop of water, and every creature plays a crucial role, we find ourselves at a crossroads. The choices we make about what we eat not only sculpt our health but also the health of our planet. Amidst the plethora of diets and lifestyle choices, one approach stands out for its balance, sustainability, and respect for nature: the Flexetarian lifestyle.

The Essence of Flexetarianism

Flexetarianism is a symphony of flexibility and vegetarianism. It’s a lifestyle choice that encourages predominantly plant-based foods while allowing meat and animal products in moderation. This isn’t about strict restrictions or labels; it’s about making more conscious choices that benefit both our bodies and the world around us. It’s about nourishing ourselves with a rich variety of plant-based foods and, when we do choose to eat meat, doing so thoughtfully and sustainably.

Why Plants?

Plant-based diets are a kaleidoscope of colors, flavors, and nutrients. They’re rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, which work in harmony to support our health. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

But the benefits of a plant-based diet extend far beyond our personal health. It’s a step towards sustainability, a gesture of kindness to our planet. Growing plants require significantly less water, land, and energy than raising animals for food. By tilting our diets towards plants, we can reduce our carbon footprint, conserve water, and help preserve the natural habitats of countless species.

The Role of Meat

While the Flexetarian lifestyle emphasizes plant-based foods, it also acknowledges the nutritional benefits and pleasures that meat can provide. Meat is a source of high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals such as iron, zinc, and B12, which can be more challenging to obtain from plant sources alone.

Incorporating meat into a Flexetarian diet isn’t about quantity; it’s about quality and mindfulness. It’s choosing grass-fed over grain-fed, local over imported, and organic over conventional. It’s about embracing the joy of a well-rounded diet while respecting the lives and welfare of animals and the balance of our ecosystem.

Living Flexetarian

Adopting a Flexetarian lifestyle is like becoming an artist of your diet. It invites creativity in the kitchen, encouraging us to explore a world of grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables, and to experiment with how we incorporate meat into our meals. It’s a journey of discovering new tastes, textures, and culinary traditions from around the globe.

But more than that, being Flexetarian is about connection. It’s about reconnecting with the sources of our food, understanding the journey from seed to plate, and respecting the natural cycles that sustain us. It’s a commitment to nourishing ourselves, our communities, and our planet with every bite.

A Path Forward

The Flexetarian lifestyle is a testament to the fact that small, mindful changes can have a profound impact. It’s a way of living that celebrates diversity, encourages sustainability, and fosters harmony between our bodies and the earth. By choosing to eat mostly plants, and when we do eat meat, doing so thoughtfully, we’re not just feeding ourselves; we’re nurturing the world.

In the end, embracing the Flexetarian way isn’t just about diet; it’s about making a positive, lasting difference. It’s about being flexible, kind, and conscious in our choices, and in doing so, contributing to a healthier, more sustainable, and more compassionate world. Join the movement, and let’s thrive together on this beautiful journey of nourishment and care.

Apr 09

Flourishing with Flexetarianism: A Journey to Healthier, Simpler Living

A person preparing a meal in a bright, modern kitchen, with ingredients that include both plant-based options and a small portion of sustainably sourced meat or fish. This image represents the balanced approach of a flexetarian diet, highlighting choice and moderation.
A person preparing a meal in a bright, modern kitchen, with ingredients that include both plant-based options and a small portion of sustainably sourced meat or fish.

In a world bustling with endless diets and lifestyle choices, there emerges a beacon of balance and sustainability: the Flexetarian lifestyle. This gentle, inclusive approach to eating celebrates the richness of plant-based foods while welcoming meat in moderation, creating a harmonious blend that nurtures our bodies, respects the earth, and simplifies our lives. Embarking on the Flexetarian path isn’t just a dietary decision—it’s a step towards a more vibrant, healthful, and sustainable existence.

The Heart of Flexetarianism

Flexetarianism is the culinary canvas where vegetables, fruits, legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds paint a colorful array of meals, with occasional strokes of meat adding depth and texture. This lifestyle choice isn’t about exclusion but about reducing meat consumption and elevating plant-based foods to the starring role on our plates. It’s a testament to the power of balance, offering a diet that is as diverse as it is delicious, and as healthy as it is humane.

A Symphony of Health Benefits

Choosing the Flexetarian way can lead to a chorus of health benefits. By filling our plates with a variety of plant-based foods, we’re treating our bodies to a wealth of nutrients essential for vibrant health. These foods are loaded with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which work in concert to improve digestion, boost immune function, lower inflammation, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

But the benefits don’t stop at prevention. Many who embrace the Flexetarian lifestyle report feeling more energetic and vibrant, attributing their newfound vitality to the nutrient-rich, plant-forward diet. The inclusion of moderate amounts of meat ensures that Flexetarians still receive essential nutrients like B12, iron, and high-quality protein, making this lifestyle a holistic approach to nourishment.

Simplicity in Preparation, Longevity in Preservation

One of the unsung melodies of the Flexetarian lifestyle is the simplicity it brings to meal preparation and food storage. With a focus on plants, meals can often be quicker to prepare. Vegetables and grains can be easily and quickly transformed into nourishing, satisfying dishes without the lengthy cooking times that meat often requires. This efficiency in the kitchen opens up more time for enjoyment and relaxation, aligning our meal prep with a more leisurely pace of life.

Moreover, a diet with less meat is inherently more forgiving when it comes to food spoilage. Plant-based foods, when stored properly, can have a longer shelf life, reducing waste and frequent trips to the grocery store. This not only makes the Flexetarian lifestyle more convenient but also more sustainable, minimizing our environmental footprint through reduced food waste and lower demand for resource-intensive meat production.

A Gentle Invitation

Now, we extend a gentle invitation to consider the Flexetarian path. Imagine a lifestyle where food brings joy, health, and simplicity. Picture your meals as a celebration of the earth’s bounty, filled with the vibrant colors and flavors of seasonal vegetables and fruits, complemented by the occasional, mindful inclusion of meat.

Becoming a Flexetarian means joining a movement towards a more sustainable, healthy, and balanced way of living. It’s about making choices that are good for you and good for the planet. It’s about discovering the joy of cooking with whole, fresh ingredients and reveling in the abundance of options that a plant-based diet offers, with the flexibility to enjoy meat in moderation.

In adopting the Flexetarian lifestyle, you’re not just choosing a diet; you’re choosing a way of life that embraces moderation, variety, and mindfulness. It’s a path that leads to better health, simpler living, and a deeper connection to the world around us.

So, we invite you to step into this journey of exploration and transformation. Embrace the Flexetarian way, and discover how this balanced approach to eating can enrich your life in ways you never imagined. Together, let’s flourish with Flexetarianism.

Apr 05

Flexetarianism: Weaving Threads of Community and Diversity

A diverse group of people smiling and sharing a meal together, showcasing a variety of ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles. This image highlights inclusivity and the communal joy found in sharing foods that are kind to the planet.
The communal joy found in sharing foods that are kind to the planet.

In the rich mosaic of our global community, where every culture, every individual, and every bite of food tells a story, there lies a powerful, unifying lifestyle choice: Flexetarianism. This approach to eating and living not only nourishes our bodies with a harmonious blend of plant-based and animal foods but also cultivates a deeper connection to our communities and celebrates the diversity that makes our world so vibrant. The Flexetarian path is more than a dietary preference; it’s a celebration of life’s diversity, a gesture of support to our local economies, and a bridge between cultures.

Nourishing Communities from the Ground Up

At the heart of Flexetarianism is a profound respect for the earth and its bounty, which naturally extends to the people who cultivate and provide our food. Choosing a Flexetarian lifestyle means prioritizing locally sourced fruits, vegetables, grains, and meats, directly supporting the farmers and producers in our communities. This support is vital, as it not only sustains local economies but also fosters a sense of belonging and interconnectedness among community members.

When we buy locally, we do more than just purchase food; we invest in the future of our community. We provide stability and encouragement to the farmers working to bring us fresh, nutritious food, reinforcing the value of sustainable agricultural practices. This cycle of support and sustainability strengthens community bonds, ensuring that we can all thrive together, nourished by the land that surrounds us.

A Celebration of Diversity

Flexetarianism inherently encourages exploration and openness, traits that are also fundamental to embracing diversity. Just as this lifestyle embraces a wide array of foods, it also opens doors to experiencing and appreciating the myriad cultures around us. Food is a universal language, one that transcends borders and brings people together. Through Flexetarianism, we embark on a culinary journey that is as diverse as humanity itself, sampling and savoring dishes from around the globe.

This diversity on our plates encourages a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures. Each meal becomes an opportunity to explore new flavors, ingredients, and cooking methods, broadening our horizons and deepening our connection to the global community. By celebrating the diversity of food, we mirror the respect and appreciation for the diversity of people, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate world.

Strengthening Ties with Shared Meals

Food has the extraordinary power to unite people, and the Flexetarian lifestyle amplifies this power. By embracing both plant-based and animal-based foods, Flexetarianism creates more opportunities for shared meals and gatherings, regardless of individual dietary preferences. This inclusivity invites more conversations, more laughter, and more shared moments around the dinner table. It’s in these gatherings that we find common ground, share our stories, and weave tighter the fabric of our communities.

A Call to Action: Embrace Diversity, Support Community

Adopting a Flexetarian lifestyle is a call to action. It’s a choice to actively support our local farmers and economies, to celebrate and explore the rich tapestry of global cuisines, and to bring people together in a spirit of understanding and joy. It’s a commitment to living in a way that values diversity, nurtures community, and respects the abundance the earth offers us.

As we journey through life, let us choose paths that lead us closer to each other and to the planet that sustains us. Let Flexetarianism be more than a way of eating; let it be a way of living that honors our interdependence, cherishes our diversity, and strengthens our communities. In every bite, every meal, and every gathering, we have the opportunity to build a more connected, sustainable, and vibrant world. Together, let’s embrace the diversity of food and people, nourishing our bodies, our communities, and our spirits.

Apr 03

Savoring the Seasons: The Joy of Eating Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables

An image focused on the beauty of seasonal fruits and vegetables, arranged artistically to showcase their natural beauty and abundance. This can include a backdrop of a farmer's market or a kitchen counter, emphasizing the connection to the earth and local produce.
The beauty of seasonal fruits and vegetables, arranged artistically to showcase their natural beauty and abundance

In the ever-spinning cycle of the seasons, nature offers us a bountiful feast. Each turn of the calendar page brings a new harvest of fruits and vegetables, ripe and ready to nourish our bodies and delight our senses. Embracing the rhythm of eating seasonally not only deepens our connection to the natural world but also invites us to participate in a sustainable, local food system that supports our health, our communities, and our planet.

The Symphony of Seasons

Imagine biting into a crisp apple picked in the cool days of autumn, or savoring the sweet burst of a strawberry in the warmth of spring. Eating seasonally is like dancing to the earth’s natural rhythms, enjoying foods when they are at their peak of flavor, nutrition, and abundance. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are often fresher and tastier than their out-of-season counterparts, which have traveled long distances and may have been harvested before they were truly ripe.

But the benefits of eating seasonally extend far beyond the joy of taste. Seasonal produce is typically more nutrient-dense, as the fruits and vegetables are allowed to ripen fully in the sun and are harvested at the right time. This not only maximizes their flavor but also their vitamin and mineral content, offering a powerful boost to our health with every bite.

Local Love: Supporting Our Farmers and Our Planet

Choosing to eat seasonally goes hand in hand with buying and sourcing food locally. When we opt for local produce, we’re making a conscious choice to reduce transportation costs and fuel use, significantly lowering the carbon footprint of our meals. But the benefits don’t stop there. By supporting local farmers and producers, we’re investing in our community’s economy and helping to ensure the sustainability of local food sources for future generations.

Moreover, buying locally encourages a closer connection to our food. It opens up opportunities to learn about where our food comes from, how it’s grown, and who grows it. This connection not only enriches our eating experience but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the hard work and dedication of our local farmers.

Joining the Movement: Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

One of the most impactful ways to embrace seasonal eating and support local agriculture is by joining a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. CSAs represent a partnership between local farmers and the communities they feed. Members purchase a “share” of the harvest at the beginning of the growing season and, in return, receive a regular supply of fresh, seasonal produce directly from the farm.

This model benefits the farmers, providing them with a stable income and a guaranteed market for their produce. For members, it’s an opportunity to explore a variety of fruits and vegetables, some of which might be new to their kitchen. It encourages creativity in cooking, experimentation with different flavors and textures, and a seasonally inspired diet that’s diverse and nutritious.

The Ripple Effect

Eating seasonally and supporting local food systems creates ripples that extend far beyond our individual plates. It’s about building a more sustainable world, one meal at a time. It’s about strengthening our communities, protecting our planet, and nurturing our bodies with the best nature has to offer.

As we savor the seasonal bounty, let’s remember the power of our choices. Let’s celebrate the farmers who toil to bring us these gifts, the earth that provides, and the magical cycle of the seasons that sustains us all. Together, we can foster a food system that is rooted in respect, sustainability, and joy.

Join the movement, and let’s rejoice in the beauty of eating with the seasons.

As always, it’s your choice.

Feb 23

What is a Flexetarian?

The image has been created to visually represent the global impact and mission of the flexetarian lifestyle for your website, Flexetarian.com. It aims to inspire and convey the message that adopting a flexetarian diet is a step towards a more sustainable and harmonious planet. This image, designed to be the main visual on your website, highlights the connection between individual choices and global environmental health, embracing the essence of your mission.
Representing the many choices a Flexetarian has, not the limits others place on us.

The essence of a Flexetarian lifestyle, emphasizing environmental consciousness, the joy of plant-based eating, and the flexibility in dietary choices without being confrontational about meat consumption.

We have choices. Some would say too many choices. And each of our choices affects our bodies, our minds, our community, and to some extent, our planet. We are all caretakers here on the planet and the idea of the Flexetarian lifestyle is one that takes these choices into account, but does not bully others.

Our philosophy is to show, not tell. Practice, not preach.

If you want to be a Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Omnivore, Carnivore, or something in between, please do. It’s your choice.

For a Flexetarian we look at the overall good it will do for us and our planet. For us as individuals, eating meat is sustainable and healthy. Science and history bear this out. But as with many things in this world, moderation is the key to long term sustainability.

Who are we? We are aware of all the data and we use the gifts that our planet has to offer without purging our ecosystems of resources.

To highlight our approach we will be publishing a series of basic principals. Follow them. Ignore them. Find fault. Find joy. It is your choice. Our basic principals are:

  • Joyful Plant-Based Eating
  • Community and Diversity of Food
  • Seasonal Harvest
  • Flexetarian Lifestyle
  • Nature and Nourishment

Our aim is to inspire and convey the message that adopting a Flexetarian diet is a step towards a more sustainable and harmonious planet. This highlights the connection between individual choices and global environmental health, embracing the essence of our mission.

But, as always, it’s your choice.

May 30

And suddenly… 2023

You would think that after all this time things might have changed. Is some ways they have, but the song remains the same. (Thank you, Led Zepplin)

Over the course of the past (hard to believe) decade, there have been just over 3200 spam messages and hundreds of poorly worded comments to the site, but do date, no real, measurable traffic that we would classify as “positive”. Hardly the movement one may have imagined this to be.

So, are we going to take this in a new direction? Not at this time. It still amuses me, and that is really the best part of having a spot on the Internet. A place where we can control things, if we want. Right now, there is no need, so we will let things continue to ride.

We do have an idea about maybe doing a contest. No clue what that would look like, but it is fun to think about.

Be well.

May 09

Miracle Noodle

This is by far one of the best finds that are out there on the market. Mix them with your favorite sauce and enjoy an amazing meal. Shirataki Noodles, Shirataki Pasta, Konjac products, konjac noodles, glucomannan, so low in calories . . . its a miracle!

Source: Miracle Noodle