You might have heard about the latest trend to take the health world by storm – being a flexitarian. But what actually is a flexitarian and what do they eat? Erin Holland, former Miss World Australia and Sumo Salad Flexitarian Ambassador, says that the flexitarian food philosophy is all about balance.
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“Flexitarianism essentially means that I always try to make the healthiest choices for my diet, whilst never depriving myself 100 percent of anything,” she explains. “So if I’m heading out for dinner that night, I’ll try to keep it to salads, protein and vegetables during the day so that I can indulge in dessert later!”
Flexitarianism can also mean changing up the type of foods you eat on certain days. “It can be as simple as only eating meat for one meal of the day, to try and cut down on my overall weekly consumption,” she adds. “It’s the best way for me to stay on track while still enjoying my food.”
So what does a typical day in the life of a flexitarian look like? Take a look at Erin Holland’s day on a plate to find out.
Breakfast
Image via Sumo Salad Instagram
“My breakfast is completely dependant on my schedule, which is all over the shop! This morning I had an early flight so it was 6:30am, but tomorrow it will be around 8 as I can have a bit of a sleep in. I usually start my day with a nutrient-packed smoothie (think blueberries, Greek yoghurt, almond milk, raspberries and vanilla protein) or a great green juice (kale, spinach, celery, apple, lemon and ginger is my fave!) for an easy brekkie on the run. If I have time, I love poached eggs on rye with avocado and a little fetta and tomato, or protein-loaded oats with Greek yoghurt and fresh fruit in winter.”
Snacks
Image via Erin Holland Instagram
“On days I train (I aim for 5 days a week), I pay extra attention to diet to make sure I’m fuelling up and hydrating accordingly. I am generally always hungrier on days I train, so I listen to my body and add in a few extra snacks (Quest protein bars and or bliss balls are my fave for that post-workout snack attack!). In the afternoon, a good smoothie or soy crisp really satisfies any sweet or salty cravings.”
Lunch
Image via Erin Holland Instagram
“Usually around 1pm my body tells me it’s time to chow down. If I’m at home, I love throwing together a big salad with roast chicken, avocado and balsamic dressing. This is a very rare event though, so Sumo Salad is my fave healthy go-to. The Teriyaki Salmon and Snow Pea Grain Bowl or the Vietnamese chicken salad are my current faves! They have a great range of cold pressed juices too to round off a delish and nutritional meal.”
Dinner
Image via Erin Holland Instagram
“Lately I’ve been having dinner at around 7:30pm (when The Block or The Bachelor is on!). I love to eat salads as they are so versatile and satisfying so often I will double up and have another for dinner – a Sumo Salad Lamb and Haloumi or Green Goddess grain bowl are absolutely delicious takeaway dinner options. If I’m cooking myself, I love a simple grilled meat and veg, or a stir-fry with lots of yummy fresh veggies and oyster sauce on a bed of brown rice.”
Dessert
Image via Erin Holland Instagram
“I have the biggest sweet tooth in the world – all my friends with attest to that! I don’t eat dessert every night, but I do eat it often. As I very rarely drink, and I train regularly, dessert is my one vice and I LOVE it! Anything from sticky date, to a brownie, to a row of Lindt dark chocolate. I actually don’t think there is such thing as a bad dessert! Coming into mango season though, I’d be satisfied with a delicious Kensington Pride for a healthier option.”
What do you think of Erin’s day on a plate? Would you try a flexitarian approach to food?
