The Core Answer: Omnivore vs. Flexitarian
To address the primary query—what do you call a person who is both veg and non-veg?—it is crucial to distinguish between a biological classification and a modern lifestyle label. The term 'omnivore' is the scientific and biological answer, while 'flexitarian' is the contemporary, descriptive term for a specific, conscious choice in diet. These two terms, while overlapping, carry different connotations that are important to understand when discussing dietary habits.
The Scientific Definition: Omnivore
An omnivore is an animal that has the physiological ability to digest and draw energy from both plant and animal matter. This is a broad, scientific classification based on an organism's evolutionary adaptations. Humans are naturally omnivores, with teeth and a digestive system designed to process a wide variety of foods. This inherent biological capacity remains true for all humans, regardless of their dietary choices. For example, a person who chooses to be vegan is still an omnivore from a biological standpoint, even if their behavioral diet is strictly plant-based. The term omnivore describes potential, not practice.
The Modern Lifestyle Choice: Flexitarian
In contrast, 'flexitarian' is a portmanteau of the words 'flexible' and 'vegetarian', and describes a modern dietary trend. A flexitarian follows a mostly plant-based diet but occasionally incorporates meat, poultry, or fish. This label emphasizes a conscious effort to reduce meat consumption, not eliminate it entirely. This approach is often driven by a combination of health, ethical, or environmental reasons. The key difference is that a flexitarian is an omnivore making a deliberate choice to eat less meat, whereas a traditional omnivore might not actively moderate their meat consumption. This distinction is why many people who eat both veg and non-veg prefer the term flexitarian to describe their eating habits, as it conveys a specific lifestyle and not just a biological fact.
Other Related Terms and Diets
The world of dietary labels is diverse, and a person who eats a mixed diet might identify with other, more specific terms depending on their particular choices. These include:
Semi-Vegetarian
Often used interchangeably with 'flexitarian,' semi-vegetarianism describes a dietary pattern that is primarily vegetarian with occasional inclusion of meat or fish. It is a slightly older term but captures the same essence of reduced, not eliminated, meat intake.
Pescetarianism
A pescetarian is a type of semi-vegetarian who includes fish and other seafood in their diet but avoids meat from land animals and poultry. For individuals who eat fish but still enjoy a plant-heavy diet, this is a more precise label.
Pollotarianism
This diet includes poultry, but excludes other types of meat, such as red meat and fish. The name comes from the Spanish word for chicken, 'pollo'.
Comparison of Dietary Labels
To clarify the distinctions, the following table compares omnivorous and semi-vegetarian diets:
| Feature | Omnivore | Flexitarian / Semi-Vegetarian | Pescetarian | Pollotarian |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biological Basis | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dietary Focus | Eats both plants and animals; no specific focus on one over the other | Primarily plant-based | Primarily plant-based with fish and seafood | Primarily plant-based with poultry |
| Meat Consumption | Regular, unrestricted | Occasional, reduced | Fish/seafood only | Poultry only |
| Flexibility | Highly flexible, follows no rules | Flexible, but with conscious reduction of meat | No red meat or poultry | No red meat or fish |
| Typical Motivation | Natural human diet, cultural norm | Health, environment, ethics | Health, environment | Health, ethical concerns over red meat |
Why Do People Follow a Mixed Diet?
People choose a diet that includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian elements for a variety of personal and practical reasons. The conscious reduction of meat, in particular, is a driving factor behind the rise of flexitarianism.
Health Motivations
Many individuals adopt a flexitarian diet to reap the proven health benefits of a plant-based diet while still enjoying meat in moderation. Research indicates that such diets can lead to lower body weight, improved metabolic health markers, and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The emphasis is on nutrient-dense plant foods while limiting processed meats and excess fat.
Ethical and Environmental Considerations
Growing awareness of animal welfare and the environmental impact of large-scale meat production has prompted many to reduce their consumption without giving it up entirely. A mixed diet can be seen as a manageable compromise that aligns with a more conscious approach to eating.
Social and Practical Flexibility
For some, adhering to a strict dietary label is simply too restrictive. A flexitarian approach allows for greater social flexibility, such as when dining out, visiting friends, or traveling, without the pressure of being 100% committed. This approach is often more sustainable in the long run for many people.
A Journey to Full Vegetarianism
For others, a flexitarian diet is a transitional step toward a more strictly plant-based lifestyle. By gradually reducing meat intake, it becomes easier to adopt more committed dietary changes over time.
Navigating a Mixed Diet
For those who eat both veg and non-veg, proper planning is essential to ensure adequate nutrition and maximize the benefits of a balanced diet.
Nutritional Planning
Because a flexitarian diet involves consciously limiting animal products, it is important to pay attention to potential nutrient deficiencies. The UK's National Health Service recommends being mindful of nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are more readily available in meat. Strategies to combat this include:
- Pairing iron sources: Eating plant-based iron sources like spinach or legumes with vitamin C-rich foods (e.g., peppers, citrus) to enhance absorption.
- Choosing fortified foods: Opting for plant-based milks and cereals fortified with Vitamin B12.
- Prioritizing certain sources: Including nuts, seeds, and fatty fish (if applicable) for omega-3s.
Meal Preparation
Building a meal around plant-based ingredients is a key strategy for a flexitarian diet. This can involve:
- Incorporating plant proteins like tofu, lentils, and beans as the centerpiece of a meal.
- Using a small amount of high-quality meat or fish as an accompaniment rather than the main event.
- Exploring a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds to ensure a wide spectrum of nutrients.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Label
So, what do you call a person who is both veg and non-veg? The simplest biological term is 'omnivore,' as humans are naturally equipped to consume both plant and animal matter. However, for those who intentionally moderate their meat consumption, the term 'flexitarian' is the most accurate and descriptive label. It signifies a lifestyle choice that embraces the health, ethical, and environmental benefits of a plant-focused diet while allowing for the occasional inclusion of meat. Ultimately, the best label is the one that best reflects an individual's personal dietary philosophy. Whether one identifies as an omnivore, a flexitarian, or a more specific category like a pescetarian, what matters most is a balanced, mindful, and healthy approach to eating.
For further reading on the health implications of flexitarian diets, consider exploring research published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Flexitarian Diets and Health: A Review of the Evidence-Based Literature.
