A vegan that eats meat is a contradiction in terms, based on the foundational definition of veganism. Veganism is a philosophy and way of living that seeks to exclude all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose. This means a vegan diet includes no meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, or honey. Therefore, an individual eating meat is simply not a vegan, regardless of how often they include animal products in their diet. The correct term for someone who follows a mostly plant-based diet but occasionally eats meat is a flexitarian or semi-vegetarian.
Demystifying Semi-Vegetarian Diets
For many people, reducing meat consumption without eliminating it entirely is a practical, healthy, and sustainable choice. This is where semi-vegetarian diets fit in, offering a spectrum of flexibility that contrasts sharply with the strict rules of veganism.
The Flexitarian Diet
The most fitting label for a 'vegan that eats meat' is a flexitarian. The name is a portmanteau of "flexible" and "vegetarian," and the diet emphasizes eating plenty of whole, plant-based foods while allowing the occasional inclusion of meat, poultry, and fish. This approach is guided by a desire to reap the health benefits of a plant-rich diet without the strict limitations of full vegetarianism or veganism. Flexitarians might eat meat only on special occasions, on weekends, or simply in smaller portions than in a typical omnivorous diet. Research has shown that a flexitarian approach can contribute to better health outcomes, including weight management and a lower risk of chronic diseases.
The Pescatarian Diet
Another common semi-vegetarian diet is the pescatarian diet. A pescatarian is someone who follows a primarily plant-based diet but also eats fish and other seafood. This diet excludes all other types of animal meat, such as beef, pork, and poultry. Many people choose this path to gain the heart-healthy benefits of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish while still reducing their overall consumption of red and processed meats.
The Pollotarian Diet
Less common but still part of the spectrum is the pollotarian diet. A pollotarian is a semi-vegetarian who eats poultry, such as chicken and turkey, but avoids red meat and pork. As with other semi-vegetarian approaches, this diet emphasizes plant-based foods, and some pollotarians may also choose to include fish.
The Vegan Misconception
It's important to differentiate these flexible diets from veganism. The core difference is ethical. Veganism is rooted in a deep-seated philosophical opposition to animal exploitation, not just a preference for plant-based foods. A vegan would not consume meat under any circumstance, as it fundamentally violates their ethical code. Therefore, anyone consuming meat, even sporadically, has stepped outside the vegan identity and adopted a different dietary pattern.
Nutritional Considerations for Reintroducing Meat
When someone who has been strictly vegan for an extended period decides to reintroduce meat into their diet, their body may need an adjustment period. Dietitians note that this can cause temporary digestive changes.
- Digestive Adaptation: After a long period without meat, the gut bacteria and digestive enzymes adapt to a high-fiber, plant-based diet. Reintroducing concentrated protein and fat from meat requires the digestive system to re-adapt, which can cause bloating or discomfort initially.
- Energy Levels: Some people report an increase in energy upon reintroducing meat, which can be due to higher levels of B vitamins, iron, and other nutrients. However, a well-planned vegan diet can also provide ample energy.
- Nutrient Levels: Adding meat back into the diet can swiftly replenish certain nutrients like vitamin B12, zinc, and iron, which can be lower in poorly-planned vegan diets.
How to Reintroduce Meat Successfully
If someone chooses to add meat back into their diet, experts recommend a slow, gradual approach to minimize digestive distress.
- Start with Small Portions: Begin with very small servings of lean cuts of poultry or fish. This allows your digestive system to adjust gradually to the change in protein and fat density.
- Choose Easily Digestible Sides: Pair meat with easily digestible carbohydrates like cooked rice or potatoes, as this can aid the process.
- Monitor Your Body's Response: Pay attention to how your body reacts and adjust your intake accordingly. Many find that symptoms like bloating resolve as their system adapts.
Conclusion: The Importance of Accurate Dietary Language
The phrase "What is a vegan that eats meat called?" highlights a significant misunderstanding of dietary labels. The correct term for this eating pattern is likely flexitarian, which accurately describes a person who prioritizes plant-based meals but maintains the flexibility to eat meat occasionally. Other semi-vegetarian options like pescatarianism and pollotarianism also exist for those with specific preferences. Understanding these labels not only resolves confusion but also helps individuals make more informed and accurate decisions about their nutritional and ethical choices. Regardless of the label, a well-planned and balanced diet is key to supporting long-term health and well-being.
Comparison of Diets
| Feature | Vegan | Flexitarian | Pescatarian | Omnivore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meat and Poultry | No | Occasional | No | Yes |
| Fish and Seafood | No | Occasional | Yes | Yes |
| Dairy | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Eggs | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Honey | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Primary Food Focus | Plants, no animal products | Plants, some animal products | Plants and seafood | All food groups |
| Associated Ethics | Strong ethical and environmental focus | Health and environmental focus | Health and environmental focus | No specific ethical focus |
| Key Nutrient Concerns | B12, Iron, Calcium, Omega-3s | None, if well-planned | Mercury intake from fish | Saturated fat, cholesterol, fiber intake |
How Dietary Choices Evolve
For many, transitioning to a different eating pattern is a journey. A person might start as an omnivore, move to flexitarianism to reduce their environmental impact, and then explore pescatarianism for heart health benefits. Some may even attempt a strict vegan diet before finding it too restrictive and settling into a flexitarian lifestyle. This evolution is natural and can be driven by a variety of personal reasons, including:
- Health Concerns: Lowering cholesterol, managing weight, or reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
- Ethical Beliefs: Concerns about animal welfare and industrial farming practices.
- Environmental Impact: A desire to reduce their carbon footprint, as plant-based diets generally have a lower impact than meat-heavy diets.
- Lifestyle and Convenience: Finding a diet that is sustainable and enjoyable long-term without feeling deprived.
Conclusion
In summary, the question "What is a vegan that eats meat called?" is based on a mistaken premise. A true vegan never eats meat. The most accurate term for someone who mainly follows a plant-based diet but includes meat is a flexitarian. Understanding the nuances between veganism, flexitarianism, pescatarianism, and other dietary patterns is key to making informed decisions that align with one's personal health goals, ethical values, and lifestyle.
What are the different types of vegetarian diets?
There are various types of vegetarian diets based on what animal products are included:
- Lacto-ovo vegetarian: Excludes meat and fish but includes dairy and eggs.
- Lacto-vegetarian: Excludes meat, fish, and eggs but includes dairy products.
- Ovo-vegetarian: Excludes meat, fish, and dairy but includes eggs.
- Vegan: Excludes all animal products, including meat, fish, dairy, eggs, and honey.
Flexitarianism: An Accessible Pathway
The flexibility of the flexitarian diet makes it a popular starting point for those looking to reduce their meat intake gradually. It provides a pathway to explore the benefits of a plant-rich diet without the feeling of strict rules or the need for a complete overhaul. The principles focus on adding more plant-based whole foods to your diet rather than obsessing over what you are excluding, which can make the process more enjoyable and sustainable.
Final Takeaway
Whether someone is a committed vegan, a flexible flexitarian, or simply exploring a healthier relationship with food, understanding the specific terminology is a crucial first step. It empowers individuals to communicate their choices clearly and allows for more accurate discussions about nutrition and ethics. The rise in plant-forward eating, in its many forms, demonstrates a global shift toward more mindful and health-conscious food choices, and that's a change everyone can support.
Mayo Clinic - Vegetarian Diet: How to get the best nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a flexitarian diet? A flexitarian diet is an eating pattern that primarily emphasizes plant-based foods but includes meat, poultry, and fish in moderation. It is considered a semi-vegetarian diet and is often chosen for its health and environmental benefits.
2. Is a person who eats meat occasionally a vegan? No. A vegan, by definition, is someone who does not consume any animal products, including meat. An individual who occasionally eats meat is not a vegan.
3. What is a pescatarian? A pescatarian is a type of semi-vegetarian who eats fish and seafood in addition to plant-based foods but avoids other meats, such as red meat and poultry.
4. What happens when a person who was vegan eats meat again? A person who has been vegan for a long time and reintroduces meat might experience temporary digestive issues like bloating or constipation as their body adjusts to digesting higher concentrations of protein and fat. It's recommended to start with small portions of lean meats.
5. What's the main difference between being vegan and being plant-based? Veganism is a lifestyle and ethical philosophy that seeks to exclude all animal products and exploitation, while a plant-based diet refers specifically to the food choices, which may or may not be 100% free of animal products.
6. Is a flexitarian diet healthier than an omnivorous one? Studies have shown that flexitarian diets, which are typically high in fiber and low in saturated fat, may offer health benefits such as lower body mass index (BMI) and reduced risk of chronic diseases compared to a traditional omnivorous diet.
7. Why do some people transition from a vegan diet to including meat again? Reasons for returning to eating meat can vary, including nutritional concerns (like deficiencies in B12, iron, or zinc), cravings, or finding the lifestyle too restrictive or inconvenient.
8. Are there any health risks for someone who identifies as a 'vegan that eats meat'? There are no specific health risks associated with the label itself, but rather the dietary choices. If someone is not following a consistently plant-based diet, they may miss out on some benefits while also potentially exposing themselves to the higher risks of processed meat consumption. The key is mindful, balanced nutrition regardless of the specific pattern.
9. What is a pollotarian diet? A pollotarian diet is a semi-vegetarian diet that includes poultry, such as chicken and turkey, but avoids red meat and pork. It emphasizes plant-based foods, and some followers may also eat fish.
10. What are some easy ways to start a flexitarian diet? To start a flexitarian diet, you can try incorporating more meatless days, experimenting with plant-based protein sources like beans and lentils, and focusing on adding more fruits and vegetables to your meals.
11. Is it hypocritical for a vegan to eat meat substitutes? No, many vegans eat meat substitutes because their decision to avoid meat is based on ethical, environmental, or health concerns, not a dislike of the taste or texture. Substitutes can help satisfy cravings without harming animals.
12. Can flexitarianism improve gut health? Yes, because the flexitarian diet emphasizes plant-based foods, it can lead to a higher intake of dietary fiber, which promotes healthy gut bacteria and improves overall digestive health.
