Ok gang, this is a biggy – as you can probably tell by the title – and I apologize in advance that this post won’t be as light hearted as most.
I’ve been a vegetarian (with the exception of a fish dish here and there) for over two years. Recently, however, I’ve had a lot of tummy troubles and after many a trial-and-error, have come to the conclusion that introducing meat back into my diet is the best thing for me and my current goals.
Though this isn’t the theme of this week’s Friday Five (check out You Signed Up For What?!, Eat Pray Run DC, and Mar On The Run for the linkup), I thought now would be a good time to share why I’m diving back into the omnivorous world.
- I recently discovered that I am allergic to wheat and soy. Most vegetarian proteins are made with wheat and soy. My current fitness goals require a high-protein diet. See the problemo? When I eliminate wheat and soy from the equation, it is extremely difficult to reach my protein requirement for the day without turning to meat. Of course there are things like beans and quinoa, but for reasons you’ll see later on – those are not good options for me.
- With all my new food allergies (nuts, corn, wheat, soy) and my lactose intolerance, I am finding it very difficult, if not impossible, to enjoy myself while eating out or attending social functions. I recently attended two BBQs and there wasn’t a single thing I could eat at either. I left hungry and grumpy. Sure, I could plan ahead and bring my own food, but I don’t enjoy doing that. I love the social aspect of food, and hate having to worry if there will be something I can eat wherever I go.
- I have also discovered I am very sensitive to fiber. The recommended daily fiber intake for a woman of my height and weight is about 25 grams. Sticking to my allergen-free high-protein vegetarian diet, I was having about 50 grams of fiber or more a day, and it was causing my stomach to be upset, bloated, and in pain constantly. This is also the reason I have a hard time getting my protein from vegetarian sources like beans and quinoa – they are high protein but also high fiber. If I eat them, I have to limit the rest of my fruit and veggie intake for fear of over-doing it on the fiber front.
- I am a foodie with the belief that food should be enjoyed. These food allergies force me to be a picky eater when I don’t want to be. I don’t need another food restriction on top of all of that to keep me from enjoying food. Don’t get me wrong, I NEVER saw being a vegetarian as restrictive – I always found options. But many of those options contained nuts, wheat, soy, or corn, which I can no longer have (at least not in large quantities). When I have to stay away from all that and watch my fiber, it’s hard to go out to eat or be in a social setting and enjoy the food present.
- I became a vegetarian for health reasons. When I cut out meat, I found new staples and got creative with my cooking. Over the past two+ years, I have learned so much about health and food and I believe I can add meat back in a healthy way. I know a lot more about lean meats, healthy portions, and how to incorporate them into good-for-you dishes. I still believe a plant-based diet is a VERY healthy one. It just isn’t the healthiest option for me right now.
Eating meat may not be the right or the healthiest path for everyone, but it is for me. Though chicken and turkey and yes, even the occasional cow, may find it’s way to my plate, I will continue to support the vegetarian and vegan communities and participate in Meatless Mondays.
I’m going to go slowly, starting with just a little bit at a time and only lean poultry to begin with. I need to see what my digestive system can handle.
Please know this decision was not easy. I went back and forth about it for months. I am nervous about how I will feel morally. I am nervous about how you all will feel. I hope those of you who look to this blog for vegetarian and plant-based recipes won’t be disappointed or be led astray. I still love my smoothies, healthy desserts, and vegetarian dishes, I’ll just be adding some meat into the mix, as well. If I do post recipes that incorporate meat, I will always try to include vegetarian and/or vegan alternatives.
Talk to me:
Did you ever go back to meat after leading a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle?
How do you enjoy meat in a healthy way?
Also, don’t forget about the TWO giveaways going on right now! You can enter to win a Pure Via Summer Fit Kit and/or 3 Bani Bands!
If you can’t eat wheat, soy or dairy I imagine it’s pretty hard to be a vegetarian. I’ve been one my whole life and could not live without dairy or wheat or soy. You have to do what works best for you-we won’t judge!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…5 Tips to Beat the Heat this Summer
Thank you so much, Deborah! I
I could never be a vegetarian… I’m in love with chicken and steak – hopelessly and for the lifetime 🙂
Hey, if that’s what your body needs – go for it.
Talk to your Doc first.
Start with small amounts of lean meets if the Doc ok’s it.
Lean Lena recently posted…POPSUGAR Must Have June Box Review
that’s the plan 🙂 small small portions, one bite at a time – see how my tummy feels.
I could never go back to eating meat as I am a vegan for ethical reasons and the health aspects are just a side benefit. I sorry that you couldn’t find alternatives that would enable you to stay vegetarian.
Debbie @ Live from La Quinta recently posted…Feeling Electric! Asics Gel Electro33 Running Shoe Review
I am, as well. I really enjoy following a plant-based diet and knowing that I am helping both animals and the environment in the process. I will definitely stay as plant-based as possible, but this is what is best for my body right now.
I comment you for doing what you feel is best for your health as you learn about your body in terms of its allergies and also its fitness potential. Good luck with the transition!
Cynthia @ You Signed Up For What?! recently posted…Friday Five: Five Ways To Beat The Heat
Thank you, Cynthia!!
I don’t doubt that it was a tough decision for you to go back to meat!! I have been vegetarian for 5 years (health and environmental reasons) and I recently had fish when I was in Europe. It was REALLY difficult for me to choose that, but the restaurant I was at with a friend had very few options for me as a vegetarian, so I chose a local fish and called it even. I don’t foresee myself returning to eating meat in the future, but I am sure you had a tough time. I’m glad that you’re doing what’s best for you, though, because ultimately, it’s your body, and you have to live with it. So, if you were living in discomfort each day after eating… I don’t feel like that’s really living at all! I wish you luck with your transition :)!
Rachel @ Undercover Diva: A Sitcom recently posted…5k Foam Fest
Thank you! That really means a lot. It is a big lifestyle change, but hopefully I can stay healthy and stick to plant-based when I can 🙂
I would say that I am a light Omnivore. There are days where I go meatless, but I love chicken and I love fish/seafood, and pork, so it is more out of regards to what is available to me. I’m not big on red meats, but I by no means adverse to them. I just want them to be done properly. When they aren’t, I just find myself wishing I had ordered poultry or seafood!
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…#FlatsFriday Numero Dos and Friday Favorites!
I like that – light omnivore 🙂
I found my stomach issues to be 100% better after giving up meat. I don’t think I could ever go back… but it shows how individual everyone’s body is. 🙂
For sure! Not eating meat has SO many health benefits – one of the reasons I stopped initially – but with so many other tummy troubles, a gal has to eat something! Hopefully it won’t upset my tummy more, otherwise it will have to go again.
I feel like it’s impossible to decide were going to eat one specific way for the rest of our lives ya know? I’ve tried to many different things and every day I still feel like I’m figuring out what works and what doesn’t. I’m glad you’re doing what’s best for you! Plus, grilling season is an excellent time to eat meat, I have to say. 😉
Ari @ Ari’s Menu recently posted…Lemon Blueberry Buttermilk Muffins
Thanks, Ari! I agree that it’s impossible to decide what we’re going to eat forever and ever. I also think we need to stop putting so many labels on ourselves. And yes, now I have a new reason to look forward to the summer and grilling season 🙂
At the end of the day, you do you. Have you thought about going Paleo?
Linda @ Fit Fed and Happy recently posted…Athletic Banquet and The Pickel Barrel Adventures
I haven’t really. Are you a Paleo person? Do you like it?
I enjoy eating meat by eating my cousin Hank’s pig. I know where it’s been and that it’s had a good life.
And I know the pig would want me too : )
Momshomerun recently posted…Five ways to beat the heat
Sound’s like your cousin Hank’s pig is a good guy ;-P
Nicole, you have to do what’s best for YOUR body, and if anyone gives you flack about switching back to meat, you can either tell them to 1. Buzz off or 2. Share with them the fun and gruesome medical details that occur to you, depending on WHO is giving me a hard time, I decide on MY response, since I often get flack for how limiting my IBS can be with certain foods. I FEEL YOU ON THE FIBER FRONT, fiber is NOT my friend, we’re frenemies, okay in small doses 🙂 I think MEAT IS WONDERFUL and a safe option for many of the reasons you listed above. I welcome you back to the carnivorous community with open arms 🙂 <3
Amber recently posted…My Oatmeal PB Lean – Peanut Batter Review
Thank you so so much, Amber! That means a lot to me, and anyone that’s a frenemy to fiber is a friend to me 😛
You have to do what works best for you especially with nutrition! YOU are the expert on what your body needs!
jill conyers recently posted…Recipe Redux: Fresh Floral Tomato and Avocado Salad
Thanks, Jill!
You have to listen to your body. I have been experimenting with my diet for awhile and once tried to go meatless. It didn’t work for me. I’ve cut down on grains a lot and my body seems to respond to it. I think our bodies just change as we get older and we have to go with it. Good luck with your transition!
Michele @ A Pace of Balance recently posted…Friday Five: Strong is…
Thanks, Michele!
i agree with everyone else that you have to do what works for you and anyone who judges you for that is living in a glass house!
Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC recently posted…Friday Five: Five Ways to Beat the Heat
Thanks, Courtney! 🙂
Really good read. The important thing is you’re doing what’s best for you.
John @ run. geek. run(Disney) recently posted…Five Unconventional Ways to Beat the Heat
Thanks, John! I really appreciate how supportive everyone is being 🙂
it’s definitely all about YOU and what is best for your body. I’m a meat lover and couldn’t ever give that up but know people have health and ethical reasons for doing so – and to each their own!! 🙂
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Papa Was a Rolling Stone
Thanks, Mar! I think I’ll enjoy opening my world (and tastebuds) back up to a whole new culinary sector.
When it comes down to it, you have to do what’s best for you and your body. Sounds like you are doing just that! My husband always jokes that I’m mostly a vegetarian because the only meat I really like is beef.
Lora @ Crazy Running Girl recently posted…Back to regular programming…
haha thanks, Lora!
No hating! I’ve been a meat eater all my life but thought about going vegetarian at some point before I discovered the Paleo diet. I can’t wait to fully adapt the lifestyle. Glad to have you back 🙂 You just have to do you.
Linda @ Fit Fed and Happy recently posted…10 Things I Think About When I Don’t Want To Exercise
Thanks! I might have to give Paleo a try!
I don’t think you should feel any guilt about this or care what anyone else thinks about your decision. If they are your friend they will support you in your decisions whether they agree or not! Friendship isn’t based on such conditional things. You should always do what is best for your health!
Thank you so much, Lauren! You are right 100% 🙂
i think we have a similar stomach. Meat =good. Too much fiber= bad. LOL!
haha that is pretty much the gist! that and lots of your healthy bites will make for a happy tummy!
Two of my sisters were vegetarians for a very long time. They slowly reintroduced meat into their diets as well, but are still a bit wary. Good luck with the process! It sounds like you’re doing it for all the right reasons.
Brooke @ wreckingroutine recently posted…4 Suggestions to Know What to Eat and When
Thanks, Brooke! Slow and steady definitely seems like the way to go.
Great article. I was vegetarian for about a decade, and like you slowly started introducing meat as I found I just wasn’t feeling how I wanted to feel. In my case, I actually gained weight when I went vegetarian. But that was largely because I didn’t yet have the proper knowledge of food and nutrition that came later.
And it would definitely be hard to be vegetarian if you’re allergic to wheat and soy!
Good luck on this journey!
Jeff
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I have learned huge knowledge from here. I am waiting for your updates
I’d like to add that the more we have cows the more we have organic fertilizer that farmers get by the price of just grass seed (Timothy, alfalfa, ryegrass, clovers etc..) Now that ain’t good for the artificial fertilizer business. And that also explains why processed food is pushed on us, less profit for Farmers, more profit for other industries in the food chain.
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The taste part is the best in it 🙂
Strive recently posted…Is a diet packed with protein always costly???
There is a typical color we look for in beef, such as a bright red color. After the meat is slaughtered, it reacts with oxygen in the air and turns the red color. As it ages, it does tend to turn a gray color, so this may or may not indicate that it is old, just that it is lacking oxygen.
best butcher Brisbane recently posted…The Pattemores Difference
By buying from butchers, less dollars end up in pockets of the large meat manufacturers and distributors which means more for the farmer & small business owner.