The Reducetarian diet: how to eat less meat

The idea of cutting back on meat consumption is not new. It is widely recognised that incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet can offer significant health benefits.

Shifting to fewer animal products and more plant-based foods supports better health. However, committing to a new way of eating may seem overwhelming.

What is the reducetarian diet?

The term 'Reducetarian' was formally introduced in 2015 by Brian Kateman, co-founder of the Reducetarian Foundation.

The reducetarian diet encourages reducing your intake of meat, dairy, and eggs, rather than following more restrictive eating patterns such as veganism or vegetarianism, which eliminate these food groups entirely.

Olympic athlete and committed vegan Dotsie Bausch believes that your journey to a plant-based lifestyle isn’t about being perfect, it’s about making progress. She sees reducetarianism as a powerful starting point - a way for people to begin cutting back on animal products without the pressure to eliminate them all at once.

Reducetarian vs flexitarian

While the reducetarian diet encourages a gradual, sustainable reduction in meat consumption, the flexitarian diet focuses on primarily plant-based foods with occasional meat included.

For Dotsie, flexitarianism felt more like a passive approach, lacking the intentional, forward-looking mindset around health and long-term change that reducetarianism promotes.

"Reducetarianism is actively choosing to reduce your reliance on animal products because you care - whether it's about your health, the environment, or animal welfare.” she says.

"That clarity of purpose makes it a powerful stepping stone toward transformation. It’s not just flexibility, it’s powerful mission-driven moderation."

Changes you might feel on a reducetarian diet

Even small, gradual reductions in meat consumption - paired with more plant-based foods - can lead to noticeable and significant health benefits.

"Anecdotally, people often experience clearer skin, better digestion, improved energy, and reduced inflammation," says Dotsie. "For me, I noticed faster recovery, enhanced endurance, and mental clarity that honestly gave me a competitive edge.

"You don’t have to be training for the Olympics to feel those benefits." says the silver medal winner at the 2012 London Olympic Games, and winner of two Pan American gold medals.

The 'baby steps' approach

Many people find the idea of eliminating animal products to be challenging. However, Dotsie offers some helpful tips and advice if you find the thought of reducing meat and dairy consumption a tough one.

Dotsie believes that the consumption of animal products is so deeply ingrained in our daily routines that making an immediate switch can feel overwhelming. That’s why she sees the reducetarian mindset as a valuable and sustainable alternative for those who can’t go cold turkey.

"Once you start feeling better - for me, that meant less bloating and more energy - you’ll naturally feel more motivated to make bigger changes. It’s all about building confidence, one choice at a time.

"Be proud of every step you take. Don’t dwell on the idea that you’re giving up something you once enjoyed. Instead, focus on what you’re gaining - health, empowerment, and, for some, alignment with your values. This journey is yours. Go at your own pace, and know that progress, not perfection, is where the magic happens."