haha whoa I was just thinking about this when I walked home from class. I mostly eat vegetarian, the only meat I eat would be chicken.

I guess I'm flexitarian, but it's accidental! I've never cared much for meat and getting enough protein has always been a battle. I was an (educated) vegetarian for 12 years. I stopped getting sick when I made myself eat poultry or fish a few times a week. Flexitarian is definitely the way to go, for me.

I am, but have never felt the need to call myself a flexitarian. I only eat meat a few times a week and in very small portions. Most days I just really don't feel like eating meat.

I do enjoy meat but I try to to substitute meat-free protein as much as possible. I probably eat 2-3 servings of meat a week, mostly fish and poultry and red meat about once a month (sometimes I can't resist a burger or a great steak). I feel so much better when I eat less meat and wish I had the discipline to be a full-time veggie.

I do think it's important to point out that vegetarian does not equal healthy. Pizza and french fries are vegetarian but they usually aren't healthy. Going vegetarian, whether full or part-time needs to be done in the right way.

What is it with people always creating new "terms" and labels for things. Flexitarian? Really? You can't just say I don't eat a lot of meat. I'm sorry but I was vegetarian for 11 years and used to get so pissed at people who used to say "I'm vegetarian too, I only eat chicken and fish" (like you plant a seed in the dirt and out pops a fish). I guess this is just the new term for that weirdness.

And I'm not bashing any posters, I just don't get how someone is vegetarian who only eat meat sometimes. Thats like saying "I'm kosher half the time". IMO anyway.

AMEN Smacks83. how can you be a vegetarian if you eat chicken "sometimes". I've been a vegetarian for 10 years and it kind of irks me BUT I'm glad so many people are willing to give it a try! I'm not trying to bash anyone

I agree, Smacks, the term "flexitarian" is a little silly . . . but the concept behind the word is great, and I'm glad that people are rocking meatless meals. I guess it's a reflection on our culture that saying "I eat meat, just not that often" makes people want to invent a class of people just to classify you.

Having said that, though, I said "yes" in the poll, because we've been phasing in meatless meals, for the sake of our waistlines, wallets and environment. I just don't call myself a flexitarian, or anything, really

I would love to say no because I hate all of the goofy words that have sprung up to cover the range of diets out there. It's sort of like my irrational hatred of the word foodie - I may love food, but I would never describe myself as such. But yes, I eat a mostly vegetarian diet these days.

I can go days without eating meat, it's not necessary for me to feel like I've had a meal when beans and nuts and other protein sources are just as filling. My hubby definitely loves meat though, so we do have it in a lot of the dinners I cook. I have instituted a vegetarian dinner night though, so one night a week we have a meatless meal, which turns into lunch leftovers as well. He doesn't seem to mind that so much, and is even growing more fond of veggies (that's success in my book!).

You and me both, misskacie! I was a vegetarian from age 11 to about 20... now I eat meat about once or twice a week. I don't really care for more than that. But the meat definitely helps my recovery time when I'm injured!

I rarely eat meat before dinner.

But I almost always have meat, poultry or seafood for dinner.

A flexitarian before 6 pm?

Full-on vegetarian
Well, vegan actually

Seems a little silly... I haven't eaten meat in 15 years but I've never felt the need to label myself as "a vegetarian"... why bother? "I don't eat meat" does just as well...

I'm all for anything that encourages ppl to consume less meat... But really, if you feel guilty eating a hamburger then labeling yourself differently won't take away the guilt. Like, "I know this animal suffered but just for today my hunger trumps my compassion... it's okay, i'm Flexitarian."

OMG I got in the biggest fight with my friend about this a few years ago when she deemed herself a "flexitarian". Seems like such a silly label to me, like if that's your preference why label yourself at all? Does it matter?

I suppose I am, but I only eat meat about 3 times a year. And on those times, its bacon. I don't crave anything else. No chicken, hamburger, steak, etc. Granted bacon could be the worst of all meats out there, but with it being only about 3 times a year, I guess I'll deal.

Haven't eaten red meat for 5+ years. But eat pork,lamb,fish,&chicken and lots of veggies. And PIZZA!

The whole 'all or nothing' attitude gets to me sometimes. I don't understand why anyone would knock someone for cutting back on meat, whether it was in small doses or entirely. (not accusing anyone here, just a thing I've noticed)

To me it's like running a charity and being rude to the donors who only donate when they can afford it and tell them either they donate every month or never.

I don't know, that attitude just really turns me off. (sorry for the tangent)

I eat chicken 1-2 times/week and fish 1-2 times/month.

I tried for about a year to be a pescetarian (basically a vegetarian who eats seafood) but I've recently settled for eating meat only once in a while and not labeling the way I eat.

Let people call themselves what they want. I can't force someone to become a vegetarian but if they want to eat less meat and animal products I can get behind that. Maybe a person who starts of flexitarian will realize they don't need the meat and become a vegetarian and the vegan. I don't eat meat but I don't label myself a vegetarian because I consume animal by-products. I just doesn't matter that much to me.

Wow, I re-read it and that post was full of horrible grammar. My apologies.

I suppose I'm closer to a lacto/ovo pescetarian than anything. Does that make sense? I'm not going to lie & say I'm a vegetarian just because I eat a bunch of vegetables. I am getting more & more grossed out every time I go through the meat section at the store, though.

TLS, I hear you on the "goofy words." I don't like labels (unless they are on the food I'm eating).

" I don't like labels (unless they are on the food I'm eating). "

lol, so true!

I might become a flexitarian. I've been thinking about it alot

I agree with Smacks83...why do they need to create a label for people that only eat meat sometimes? Probably most of the whole world only eats meat 2 or 3 times a week...isn't the biological definition of an omnivore (which humans are) an animal that eats both meat and vegetables? Why go farther than that? Who cares if you eat meat every single day or not? That being said, I probably only eat meat once or twice a week max. I eat eggs on the weekends and I do eat dairy products. But I don't call myself a vegetarian or a flexitarian...it just seems ridiculous to me.

So, if flexitarians are defined as people that don't eat meat every single day, what the heck do you call a person who DOES eat meat every single day?? Carnivores? Carnitarians? C'mon, let's come up with a good new label for people who eat perfectly normally

I'm with a lot of you – I don’t see the need for a special label. As long as there have been peanut butter sandwiches or spaghetti with marinara there have been plenty of meat-free meals.

You could probably call me a flexitarian, but it’s not due to any effort on my part – it’s just that I like a lot of things that don’t contain meat. And I feel like to take a label like that should imply some effort.

I have a problem with people who go back and forth with being vegetarian or vegan. I personally am full-on vegetarian, and don't pretend to be anything else. I would never call myself a vegan, or pretend to be one for certain periods of time, and I feel the same about other diets. Pescetarians, for example: I find that almost all pescetarians refer to themselves as veg, but as soon as there's fish on the menu, they'll dig right in. I feel that vegetarianism has a purpose, and I think that people who waver in living veg defeat that purpose. I'm a vegetarian for my own reasons out of respect for animals, and I'm not going to antangonize a person for eating meat, but at least be up front about it. Don't just be a vegetarian for a week just for the sake of saying it to someone. Do it for the right reasons, and do it for something that's important and meaningful to you. It's not a fad diet, it means something.

I have a problem with people who go back and forth with being vegetarian or vegan. I personally am full-on vegetarian, and don't pretend to be anything else. I would never call myself a vegan, or pretend to be one for certain periods of time, and I feel the same about other diets. Pescetarians, for example: I find that almost all pescetarians refer to themselves as veg, but as soon as there's fish on the menu, they'll dig right in. I feel that vegetarianism has a purpose, and I think that people who waver in living veg defeat that purpose. I'm a vegetarian for my own reasons out of respect for animals, and I'm not going to antagonize a person for eating meat, but at least be up front about it. Don't just be a vegetarian for a week just for the sake of saying it to someone. Do it for the right reasons, and do it for something that's important and meaningful to you. It's not a fad diet, it means something.

Agreed, sy and smacks. I get asked if I'm a vegetarian all the time (I guess I just seem like the type? I don't eat much meat, but I don't bend over backwards to avoid it) and I don't use the word "vegetarian" or "flexitarian" because some people get super annoyed, which seems so dumb.

Another label? Sweet Goddess can't we be just who we are?
Well, just so I could answer I clicked yes, I suppose I would be a flexitarian. I hardly eat red meat anymore. I find myself enjoying fish and poultry more. But fruit and vegetables are my main consumption.

i need a meat fix twice a week, other days i just do without and don't even think about it.

i am a full vegetarian, and have been since i was 12. i honestly don't miss meat in the slightest.

I would consider myself about 98% vegetarian. I break for a really good BLT, or restaurants where I was unaware bacon was a part of the meal (like when it's crumbled on top of a salad). I don't call myself a vegetarian, a flexetarian, an almost-herbivore, whatever. I just eat what I want, and if someone is curious enough to ask, I'll just say I pretty much don't eat meat.

I like "almost-herbivore" Lukin. Maybe that's what I'll start calling myself

Labeling is definitely hard! I eat pretty much vegan, except for eggs (free-range or from co-op) and fish occasionally! Fish is great because that's all we need for "animal" protein and I don't feel as guilty eating fish as I would if I ate other types of meat.

i'm flexible

social gatherings make it difficult for me just to eat veggies (ack.. i just made an excuse there! haha)

Yeah, I eat fish more than anything.. I had pizza last night though. The chicken I eat is from our own happy free range chickens.

I'm totally behind people who cut back on meat, but as a full-on vegetarian I don't like the label flexitarian because really everyone eats meat in moderation...I don't think anyone has meat with every single meal. I also hate when people call themselves a vegetarian, except for "fish" or except for "chicken".

But lilxmissxmolly, some people don't consider a meal complete without meat. There's a huge difference there. I don't care for the people who say, "vegetarian except for..." but it seems like the word flexitarian is an attempt to give them a succinct way to describe their eating habits without stepping on vegetarian toes.

The debate over the label is ridiculous. Sure, it's silly and unnecessary, but it's simpler than saying "I almost always eat veggies but occasionally add fish or chicken or ...". A lot of the issue is serious vegetarians and vegans thinking that it's insulting because they actually "stand for something". Most people limiting meat intake stand for health! Any positive change should be lauded, not debated in stupid ways!

I was a (full, neurotic) vegetarian for three years. I interrogated people about where they had bought the cheese for the veggie lasagna they had cooked and so on and so forth. Then I got annoyed with hearing myself do this and switched back to eating meat.

I won't cook meat for JUST me though and 4/7 nights we'll eat entirely veggie meals. My boyfriend doesn't seem to notice he isn't getting his meat quota and I top it up by making him sausage sandwiches to take to work.

its either vegatarian or not. no in betweens why do they have to have a saying for what diet you follow?

Jess8902, you crack me up!

You eat only your "happy" chickens, huh? LOL Guess they were happy till they got the axe? Why does everyone feel compelled to justify their eating habits? Nuts! Just eat whatever you feel is good for you to eat. If you aren't educated about the reality of how commericially raised animals (and that includes ALL of them) are treated and how they suffer, then fine...eat all the meat and poultry you like. If you're ok with hormones and antibiotics flooding your palate and system, fine. Eat up. It's your life. No one else's beeswas. But don't demean yourself with silly labels. And while we're on the subject, if everyone knew how FARM RAISED fish (read up on aquaculture...the US as well as abroad) are fed and housed, I daresay that the consumption of fish would plummet. Meat, fish poultry...it's all the same to me. I eat none of it. Never have. Even as a babe. But that'ws just my preference. I've no taste for it. Simple as that. And I don't explain myself either. In social settings, I simply order what I want with no explanationa. I daresay, I'd consider it rude to ask my dining companions "why" they're eating this or that meat! Would never dream of doing that! Yet people have no issues asking me why I've ordered veggies only and they take notice if I only eat from the salad bar. LOL Wonders never cease. I vote it's time to stop worrying about what other people are eating. Eat meat or not and be happy, allowing others to do the same without asking questions. Your life, your health, your environment, your fitness, your choice. I'll close with an old Irish saying: "May ye live as long as ye want and ne're want for as long as ye live".
Inkster

I thought Jess8902 was funny as well...it's like "Oh, I only beat my OWN kids, so it's o.k." lol. Anyway, I am vegan and will not flip-flop like lots of other "vegetarians". I don't see how you can go back to eating meat once you have stopped. Have you not read anything about it? It's like people that start smoking after quitting for 2 years. But, different strokes...

i think i fit into the accidental flexitarian label; i try to eat soyrizo instead of chorizo; fresh herbs when available; indulge in a burger as necessary; switched to almond or hempmilk instead of soy; whole/multi grain as much as possible; cut way back on diet soda one a week on therapist advice; practice BRAT diet trhee times a week

who cares what you are called. Is it really that detrimental to everyone's lives to criticize labels and other individual opinions? I am pescetarian, not for the environmental issues; but for the health benefits. To the people that judge those in my situations, I say, please walk outside and get hit by a car or simply live your own life without imposing judgements every step of the way... thank you