Time to be more FLEXIBLE?

Vegetarian? Vegan? Flexitarian? Can reducing, or cutting out, meat from your diet be good for your health?

- TANYA PEAREY

Most health experts agree that cutting back on red meat and eating more plants would improve our health. A more plant-based diet can help lower blood pressure and keep your heart healthy, reduce your risk of certain cancers, while also lowering your risk of type 2 diabetes and helping you maintain a healthy weight.

You don't have to go the whole hog, pardon the pun, and become vegetarian or vegan - although both can be healthy options. Simply having more meat-free meals during the week can be a big boost to your wellbeing. But if you're cutting out anything from your diet, you need to be aware of the nutrients you may be losing and make changes to include them in your new meals.

'It's important to make changes gradually,' says nutritionist Sophie Dillon*. 'If that means starting with two meat-free lunches a week, then that's a great place to begin. As with any "diet", sustainable changes take time.’

Instead of focusing on what you’re removing, focus on all the amazing ingredients you can add in and try. The latest advice is to try to include 30 different plants in your diet each week – that includes seeds, nuts, herbs and legumes, plus fruit and veg.

‘A good place to start might be with removing the ingredients you will miss the least, first,’ says Sophie. It may take a bit more thought and planning at first. ‘Take the time to stock up with the ingredients you need,’ advises Sophie. ‘And try to bookmark some recipes you will look forward to trying.’