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Five Reasons to Eat Meat

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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.


5 Reasons to Eat Meat

  1. 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.
  2. 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. 
  3. 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.
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  4. 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.
  5. 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!
Pure Via Summer Fit Kit Giveaway via Fitful Focus Bani Bands Giveaway via Fitful Focus

Reader Interactions

Comments

    • 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.

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  5. 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 FestMy Profile

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  6. 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!My Profile

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  7. 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. 🙂

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    • 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.

      Reply

  8. 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 MuffinsMy Profile

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    • 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 🙂

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  11. 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 ReviewMy Profile

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  13. 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…My Profile

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  19. 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!

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