While the flexitarian diet is quite flexible and doesn't strictly prohibit any specific foods, it encourages reducing the consumption of certain types of foods. Here's a list of foods that you should limit or avoid on a flexitarian diet:
Processed meats: Hot dogs, sausages, bacon, salami, and other processed meat products.
High-fat meats: Fatty cuts of beef, pork, and lamb, as well as poultry with skin.
Refined grains: White rice, white bread, white pasta, and other products made with refined flour.
Added sugars: Sugary beverages, candies, pastries, cookies, cakes, and other products high in added sugars.
Processed and packaged foods: Ready-to-eat meals, packaged snacks, chips, and other highly processed food items.
Fried foods: Deep-fried items like French fries, fried chicken, and other fried dishes.
Artificial sweeteners and additives: Food and beverages containing artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or other additives.
Unhealthy fats: Trans fats (found in some margarines, packaged snacks, and baked goods) and excessive amounts of saturated fats.
While following a flexitarian diet, focus on consuming a variety of whole, minimally processed plant-based foods and moderate amounts of animal-based products. Limit or avoid the foods mentioned above to optimize your health and enjoy the benefits associated with a predominantly plant-based diet.