Any flexitarians? How do you explain your diet to others?

KandGRanch

I was vegetarian for 11 years-never once did I explain my diet to anyone. If they asked, I said, "Yes, I am vegetarian." and went back to my meal. Flexetarian isn't a thing. You eat food. If you consume meat, you aren't vegetarian. There is no label for it. That's like saying im flexetarian because 80% of my food is plant based. that's the dumbest thing I have ever heard.

TheBigFb

I prefer to dine at the Y

ItsCasey

I am not sure my diet is of concern to others, so I don't explain it to them.

Since you asked, I eat meat as often as I can. I love animals. They're delicious.

McGristy

OMG! I do this too!! My husband is strictly veggie, The kids and I eat meat on occasion though, so we just say that our household eat herbivorily (not a word at all) about 85% of the time. I actually prefer the Boca Chik'n pattys and Quinoa burgers to meat burgers, which is why I eat them without feeling like it's a chore. It helps that they have WAY less calories. We also eat Veggie Pot Pie, and Veggie Fajitas, and Veggie tacos regularly because we just don't even notice the missing meat. Better overall! I just didn't feel good as a strict vegetarian any more than I felt good having meat with every meal. This is the way we like it

MyRummyHens

My husband could possibly be the most carnivorous human on the planet and even he occasionally orders the vegetarian options when we eat out, especially if there is a starter of cheese stuffed mushrooms! I don't think anyone has ever asked him if he's a vegetarian!

People just love to give advice, tell you where you're going wrong, how to improve etc. Even if they have absolutely no idea what they are talking about either in credentials or experience. Not just in diets and food choices but all aspects of life. Everyone always has an opinion!

Need2Exerc1se

How do you answer that question "are you a vegetarian?"

Isn't no a good and truthful answer? Why is any further explanation needed?

csuhar

So I usually go into detail about how I eat vegetarian most of the time, but eat meat sometimes, they usually have a lot of questions, and I end up getting annoyed, and then some people can get rude or are just dumbfounded. People seem to be comfortable with people fitting into the categories of vegetarians or meat-eaters, but have trouble with the ambiguity of someone who orders vegetarian meals but who is not technically a vegetarian. It's like they don't know what to do with me..

I don't identify as a flexitarian, myself, but I have had to explain myself on a couple of occasions.

It especially happened back in college, where I'd frequently grab a veggie-burger at the cafeteria despite regular burgers being available. For me, the solution was to say "I grabbed a vegetarian dish because it still tastes good". And that was the truth. Yes, as a replacement for a hamburger, it was a disappointment. It tasted nothing like a regular burger. But I liked it on its own merits. I never expected it to taste like a hamburger, but like a veggie burger, and I would use different toppings that went with its flavor profile..

And I think that's part of the challenge. Especially if something is labeled specifically or is highlighted as vegetarian, people tend to view it as something that exists just to be an alternative to meat. They don't realize that it can be a tasty dish on its own without having to always be defined within the vegetarian / non-vegetarian dichotomy. If you ordered a salad, something that is frequently vegetarian in nature but not usually labeled or highlighted as such, they probably wouldn't notice.

So perhaps you can try simply saying "No. I'm not vegetarian. I just try to keep the meat in my diet down and / or I like how this dish tastes."

teresamwhite

My standard reply is typically something along the lines of, "I'm an opportunistic eater...I'll eat anything that doesn't eat me first!" I eat things that taste good...my friends think it is hilarious that I order veggie burgers with bacon on them...I think some brands of veggie burgers are delicious and if I want one, then I will order one.

A restaurant nearby makes the best pasta primavera...and I order it often because it's delicious. I don't care that it's a vegetarian meal...

I think you should just tell people that whatever you've ordered is delicious and they should try it and not worry about labels or what category of foodie you are. "No, not a vegetarian, I just really like this dish...want a bite?"

brilliantwords

Nope. No to this. You answer "No, I'm not a vegetarian" because you still eat meat. It doesn't matter how little meat you consume, you consume it. To call yourself a vegetarian would be an insult. You aren't a "flexitarian" either, you eat meat. You're a normal person that isn't that into meat. You don't call yourself anything.

This.

I don't even know why the term flexitarian exists to begin with. The term "pescetarian" I can understand slightly more since it does describe a person's dietary limitations. However, If you eat meat, whether it's seven days a week or only once in a while, you're not vegetarian. There isn't any dietary restriction. You're just a person who doesn't eat meat daily. If people ask if you're vegetarian, it's a simple no.

GBrady43068

I would just say "That vegetarian meal looks like it fits into my calorie budget better" as someone else suggested. I don't bother with labels but by your description I'm a "flexitarian" too. I usually get the garden burger at work not because I have any moral objections to eating meat but because it saves me calories for late-night snacking if I want. I will eat vegetarian sometimes to keep the fat level down for the day. Sometimes it's just because I need to get more fiber in (hey, I'm older )

likitisplit

When I order something vegetarian or suggest a vegetarian restaurant, and am asked if I am vegetarian, I say "No, but I'm not an obligate carnivore either."

I'm not flexitarian either. I just eat food.

Jim_Barteck

For about 6 months, I've been eating primarily vegetarian, but haven't entirely given up meat, and don't intend to. I eat meat maybe 2-3 meals a week or so, usually on the weekends, usually at restaurants or take-out. I don't cook with meat at home. I hear folks like me are called 'flexitarians'.

Actually there's been a word for "folks like [you]" for a very, very, very long time. That word is "omnivore." It's what human beings are.

There's no need to go around making up new words to fit the latest food fashion trend. If you eat both meat and vegetables, then you're an omnivore. It's not complicated.

J72FIT

Clearly, the solution is that people should be able to eat whatever they want and not have to defend it, but that's not the reality. So my question for other flexitarians out there.. how do you identify yourself to others? How do you answer that question "are you a vegetarian?"

IMO, you defend it because (probably sub-conciously) you think you need to defend it. If you say you believe people should be able to eat whatever they want and not have to defend it, then don't. If you are asked, "Are you a vegetarian?" simply say... no.

J72FIT

Actually there's been a word for "folks like [you]" for a very, very, very long time. That word is "omnivore." It's what human beings are.

There's no need to go around making up new words to fit the latest food fashion trend. If you eat both meat and vegetables, then you're an omnivore. It's not complicated.

+1

Blacklance36

I agree with ontheground. I am Gluten free and get really tired of people asking if I do it as a "fad". It really is no ones business why or how you choose your foods.

I have to wonder how people know you are gluten free unless you bring it up?

If you are really tired of people asking you if you do it as a fad why tell them you are gluten free in the first place?

carrieliz81

I had a friend who is Jewish and eats Kosher. She was the opposite.... would eat meat at home if she prepared it herself, but in all other arenas, she would eat vegetarian only, and would usually just tell people, "yes, I'm a vegetarian" because it is easier than explaining all the details.

McGristy

“I just don’t eat a lot of meat.”
That sums it up for me.

Are you a vegetarian?
No, I just don’t eat a lot of meat.

So you do eat meat?
Yes, but not a lot.

So why did you request a vegetarian meal?
Because I don’t eat a lot of meat.

But you’re not vegetarian?
No. I just don’t eat a lot of meat.

Haha very much ^this^

TheBigFb

LOOK AT ME PLEASE

likitisplit

I agree with ontheground. I am Gluten free and get really tired of people asking if I do it as a "fad". It really is no ones business why or how you choose your foods.

I have to wonder how people know you are gluten free unless you bring it up?

If you are really tired of people asking you if you do it as a fad why tell them you are gluten free in the first place?

Because if you really do have celiac disease, gluten will put you in the hospital and it's in EVERYTHING.

kommodevaran

Flexitarian, "part time vegetarian", just as silly as "a little bit pregnant".

I eat meat, but not all the time. I don't eat all the time, either, when I think about it...

chezjuan

In the rare instances when people ask, I just say "no."

Me: <gets vegetarian option>
Friend: "Oh, are you a vegetarian?"
Me: "No, it just looked good."

I used to get the vegetarian option on planes (when they actually served meals) because it was generally tastier. I still do sometimes on International flights.

ETA: Sometimes people I've recently met will ask so they won't give me meat, other times I suspect it is idle curiosity. I've never had anyone badger me about it or ask for more of an explanation.

kathyk519

I never thought about a label before. My husband and I don't eat a lot of meat, we use beans and nuts for protein mainly. That is not say that we don't occasionally eat a hot dog or burger, or ground turkey or something. We just choose to not eat a lot of meat. We both come from families that eat lots of meat ("it is not a meal unless there is meat."), and we choose to think differently. I have never had to defend our choices to anyone (other than my MIL at first).

JoRocka

In the rare instances when people ask, I just say "no."

Me: <gets vegetarian option>
Friend: "Oh, are you a vegetarian?"
Me: "No, it just looked good."

I used to get the vegetarian option on planes (when they actually served meals) because it was generally tastier. I still do sometimes on International flights.

ETA: Sometimes people I've recently met will ask so they won't give me meat, other times I suspect it is idle curiosity. I've never had anyone badger me about it or ask for more of an explanation.

why does this question not get asked when you order a purely pasta based dish? it's not even a "vegetarian" label- it's just pasta... why does no one flip *kitten* on that??

I don't get people. Just eat what you like. period.

likitisplit

In the rare instances when people ask, I just say "no."

Me: <gets vegetarian option>
Friend: "Oh, are you a vegetarian?"
Me: "No, it just looked good."

I used to get the vegetarian option on planes (when they actually served meals) because it was generally tastier. I still do sometimes on International flights.

ETA: Sometimes people I've recently met will ask so they won't give me meat, other times I suspect it is idle curiosity. I've never had anyone badger me about it or ask for more of an explanation.

why does this question not get asked when you order a purely pasta based dish? it's not even a "vegetarian" label- it's just pasta... why does no one flip *kitten* on that??

I don't get people. Just eat what you like. period.

And what about chocolate cake? No bacon in that and yet everybody considers it *completely normal*

SemperAnticus1643

Flexitarian, "part time vegetarian", just as silly as "a little bit pregnant".

I eat meat, but not all the time. I don't eat all the time, either, when I think about it...

flexi-omnivorian?

earlnabby

Interesting responses so far. Thanks for your input all! Ultimately it's my choice how I label myself, but you can see from the varied responses why I want to be careful about how I answer this question.. I want to try to offend as few people as possible on all sides!

If someone asks, just answer "no". If they ask you why you ordered a vegetarian or vegan dish if you are not, just say "because it looks good". If they don't ask, keep it to yourself. I really don't understand why people feel it is necessary to explain why they are eating what they have in front of them all of the time or why they feel the need to label themselves. Can't we just keep our food choices to ourselves. Yes, if it is part of a larger discussion, go ahead and tell them that you tend to not eat meat all that often but otherwise just keep it to yourself.

DaniJeanine

I'm pescatarian (only fish) now, but I used to be flex.To keep it simple I pretty much just tell everyone that I don't eat meat. Once you get into the flex part it becomes a big to-do haha

rybo

How about, "The vegetarian dish sounded good to me, today" and leave it at that?

This

likitisplit

Interesting responses so far. Thanks for your input all! Ultimately it's my choice how I label myself, but you can see from the varied responses why I want to be careful about how I answer this question.. I want to try to offend as few people as possible on all sides!

Actually, I don't see why you want to be careful. There's not that much variation. 90% of the answers are saying that you should just say "No, I ordered this because I wanted to."

It doesn't look like anybody's offended. Just annoyed at a new term that appears to be meaningless.

chadya07

there is a family member who is vegetarian, one christmas she mentioned she was vegetarian and this other family member jumped on her and hounded her all night calling her unnatural and crazy and why why why and seriously all night. (actually he friended me on here and i denied it for that reason, even though he is family, i dont need food shamers thanks) on the other hand i had a facebook friend who went vegetarian and then started daily posting things that talked about the evils of eating meat, and how horrible and stupid people were for doing it and arguing with her friends about it... i ended up deleting her from my life for it. shaming in either direction is just not acceptable to me.

i am not vegetarian but like you i dont eat meat as my main source of food, most of the time i am ok with bread veggies and dairy and then i get that deep hunger and have a steak or turkey sandwich or whatever. but honestly i will never tell anyone why i do or dont eat meat, i just say "i dont eat a lot of meat" and leave it at that. it is a personal choice. that means my business.

i dont really call myself anything anyway though. i just dont like meat as much as i like other things. dont see why it has to be a term. but it does raise questions with people sometimes.