What's it called when someone only eats white meat? Understanding Pollotarianism

According to research published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, both red and white meat can affect cholesterol levels, yet for some, excluding red meat is a conscious dietary choice. When someone only eats white meat, such as poultry, while abstaining from red meat, this specific eating pattern is called pollotarianism. This article explores the pollotarian diet, its motivations, and what to consider before adopting it.

Quick Summary

A pollotarian follows a semi-vegetarian diet that incorporates poultry as the sole source of meat, while excluding red meat like beef, pork, and lamb.

Key Points

• Pollotarianism is the term: The official name for a diet that includes white meat (poultry) but excludes red meat is pollotarianism.

• Semi-vegetarian diet: This eating pattern is a form of semi-vegetarianism, not true vegetarianism, because it includes meat.

• Motivations vary: People choose this diet for health reasons, environmental concerns, ethical beliefs, or as a transitional diet.

• Lean protein and plants are key: A healthy pollotarian diet is rich in plant-based foods and lean poultry, focusing on whole, unprocessed ingredients.

• Nutrient awareness is important: Without careful planning, a pollotarian diet could lead to deficiencies in nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

• Health benefits depend on choices: While often seen as healthier than diets high in red meat, the overall healthfulness depends on the quality of food choices and not simply the exclusion of red meat.

What is a Pollotarian Diet?

Pollotarianism is a dietary pattern that is often considered a type of semi-vegetarianism. The core principle of this diet is the consumption of poultry—such as chicken, turkey, and duck—along with plant-based foods, eggs, and dairy, while excluding all red meat. The name derives from the Spanish and Italian word for chicken, "pollo," though the diet includes all forms of poultry. People may choose this diet for a variety of reasons, including perceived health benefits, environmental concerns, or as a stepping stone toward a fully vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.

Motivations Behind Pollotarianism

• Health: Many individuals opt for a pollotarian diet believing it to be healthier than a diet heavy in red meat. Red meat is often higher in saturated fat, and some studies have linked its consumption to an increased risk of heart disease and certain cancers. By replacing red meat with leaner white meat, people aim to reduce these health risks. A 2019 study, however, suggested that high consumption of both red and white meat might similarly affect cholesterol levels.
• Environmental Impact: Some choose a pollotarian diet due to environmental considerations. The production of red meat, particularly beef, is known to have a larger environmental footprint compared to poultry and plant-based foods. This includes factors like land use, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Ethical Reasons: For some, it is a gradual transition away from all meat. They may feel more comfortable consuming poultry than red meat, viewing it as a compromise that aligns better with their ethical views on animal welfare.

Potential Health Benefits and Downsides

While a pollotarian diet can be a healthy eating pattern, its nutritional quality depends heavily on individual food choices. Focusing on whole, plant-based foods alongside moderate poultry intake is key.

Potential Benefits

• Heart Health: Reducing or eliminating red and processed meats in favor of lean poultry and plant-based foods can lead to better heart health outcomes.
• Weight Management: Poultry is a good source of protein, which can increase satiety and help with weight control.
• Reduced Risk of Chronic Disease: The emphasis on plant-based foods may lower the risk of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes.

Potential Downsides

• Nutrient Deficiencies: Depending on the specific foods included, a pollotarian diet could lead to deficiencies in nutrients like iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. Adequate planning is required to ensure these nutrients are obtained through poultry, dairy, eggs, or supplementation.
• High Saturated Fat: Not all white meat is lean. Dark meat poultry still contains more fat, and preparation methods can add unhealthy fats. Overconsumption could negatively impact health, regardless of avoiding red meat.

Pollotarian vs. Other Semi-Vegetarian Diets

Dietary Pattern	Description	Includes Red Meat?	Includes Poultry?	Includes Seafood?	Includes Eggs & Dairy?
Pollotarian	Excludes red meat and pork, eats poultry and plant-based foods.	No	Yes	May or may not	Yes, unless specified
Pescetarian	Excludes all meat except fish and seafood, eats plant-based foods.	No	No	Yes	May or may not
Pesce-Pollotarian	Excludes red meat, eats both poultry and seafood.	No	Yes	Yes	May or may not
Flexitarian	Primarily plant-based, but occasionally includes meat and other animal products.	Sometimes	Sometimes	Sometimes	Yes

Creating a Balanced Pollotarian Diet

A healthy pollotarian diet prioritizes whole, unprocessed foods. Here are some examples of what to include:

• Lean Poultry: Focus on skinless chicken and turkey breast, which are excellent sources of lean protein.
• Fruits and Vegetables: Consume a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to ensure a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Whole Grains: Incorporate quinoa, oats, farro, and brown rice for fiber and energy.
• Legumes and Nuts: Use lentils, chickpeas, black beans, and walnuts as additional protein sources and for healthy fats.
• Dairy and Eggs: If desired, include eggs and dairy for essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and calcium.

Conclusion

In summary, the term for someone who only eats white meat is a pollotarian. This semi-vegetarian diet focuses on poultry and plant-based foods while abstaining from red meat. While often motivated by health and environmental concerns, the overall healthfulness of a pollotarian diet depends on balanced food choices. It is crucial to be mindful of potential nutrient deficiencies and to focus on lean protein sources and a wide variety of plant foods to ensure a nutritionally complete diet. For anyone considering this or any significant dietary change, it is wise to consult with a registered dietitian or other healthcare professional to create a plan that meets their specific health needs. For further reading on dietary choices and health, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition is a respected resource for peer-reviewed research.

What's it called when someone only eats white meat?

Pollotarianism: The practice is known as pollotarianism.

What are the key health differences between red and white meat?

Health differences: While red meat is often higher in saturated fat, a 2019 study showed that white meat can have similar effects on cholesterol levels as red meat when saturated fat intake is comparable.

What does a pollotarian diet include?

Includes: A pollotarian diet typically includes poultry (chicken, turkey, duck), plant-based foods, eggs, and dairy products, but no red meat.

Is pollotarianism a type of vegetarianism?

Semi-vegetarianism: No, it is not strict vegetarianism, as it includes animal meat. It is more accurately described as a semi-vegetarian or flexitarian diet.

Why do people choose to become pollotarian?

Reasons: Motivations often include perceived health benefits from reducing red meat, environmental concerns, and ethical reasons.

What are the nutritional risks of a pollotarian diet?

Nutritional risks: Without careful planning, a pollotarian diet might be deficient in certain nutrients found more readily in red meat, such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

What is the difference between a pollotarian and a pescetarian?

Difference: A pollotarian eats poultry but not seafood, while a pescetarian eats seafood but not poultry or other meat.

Can a pollotarian diet aid in weight loss?

Weight loss: Yes, due to its emphasis on lean protein and plant-based foods, a pollotarian diet can be beneficial for weight management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the specific name for someone who eats white meat only?

The specific name for someone who eats white meat (poultry) but no red meat is a pollotarian.

Is a pollotarian diet considered vegetarian?

No, a pollotarian diet is not considered strictly vegetarian, as it includes poultry. It is more accurately classified as a form of semi-vegetarianism.

Does being a pollotarian mean you also eat fish?

A standard pollotarian diet excludes fish. However, some who also eat fish are known as a 'pesce-pollotarian'.

Is eating only white meat healthier than eating red meat?

While white meat is generally leaner, recent studies suggest that its effect on cholesterol can be similar to red meat, especially if consumption is high and preparation methods involve saturated fats.

What are the common benefits of following a pollotarian diet?

Common benefits include potentially reduced intake of saturated fat, support for weight management due to high protein intake, and a possibly lower risk of some chronic diseases.

What nutrients might a pollotarian diet lack?

Depending on food choices, a pollotarian diet may be deficient in nutrients such as iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. Careful planning or supplementation is necessary.

Are there any environmental benefits to a pollotarian diet?

Yes, some people adopt this diet for environmental reasons, as poultry production generally has a smaller environmental footprint compared to red meat production.