Rethinking being a vegetarian - my experience

caprica · January 2011

Well as of today after 10 years of being a lacto-ovo vegetarian, I ate meat for the first time.

I started 10 years ago as part of a health kick or was it the vegetarian girlfriend? - I actually cant remember. Anyway, the health kick ended a long time ago, the relationship ended a long time ago, but the vegetarian thing just became ingrained. Since then I have come to doubt the health benefits. I have had some marvellous cholesterol results (to the point my doctor wanted to know if I was secretly taking statins), but my weight has just ballooned. The lack of protein has just made me crave carbs. Extra carbs plus middle age plus a desk job is not a good combo. When my non-vege wife first met me should could not believe how much I snacked on sweet things.

In the last year, I have tried to fix my protein intake by increasing my legumes and fake vege food, but there comes a point where you think is all this fake vege food and estrongenic soy good for me. I had tried to fix it with protein shakes, consuming upwards of 3 shakes a day. I felt so much better, but the number of shakes is just not sustainable long term. So then I tried eggs and shakes and felt even better again, less cravings. Then my daughters egg allergy flared up and the eggs had to go out of the house again. So I figured it was the combination of protein and some fat that really helps satiate me.

So here I am wondering what the next step was - and I was left with 2 choices: eat meat or just put up. After reading all the ex-vegetarian material on the "net" for weeks and having a long chat with my wife I pulled the pin today and ate meat for lunch.

So about an hour ago I snuck off to a restaurant by myself for lunch to break a 10 year no meat thing. I found the menu very very confusing as I am so used to having only one thing to pick. After scratching my head I ordered lamb. I don't know why - I just did. I felt very weird ordering lamb. I felt like someone from the vegetarian police were going to come and arrest me.

I can tell you the taste wasn't bad. It wasn't horrible like I fell like I am going to vomit. It wasn't great either, like WOW I cant believe I didn't eat meat all these years. It tasted just ok - funny texture, salty/fatty taste and a very strong smell. I wonder what my poor gut will make of it? I am sure my enzymes will adapt.

Anyway, thought I would share my experience. I will try eating meat for a month again and then decide. I will let my MFP ticker decide if it was the right step or not.

If you have had a similar experience or struggles as well, let me know, I would love to hear about it.

regards, Caprica

p.s. Even though I ate an hour ago, everything around me still smells like cooked meat. Also I still feel like the vege police are coming to arrest me soon ...

kcdrake · January 2011

I'm actually really interested in your experience. I've never been vegetarian, but I know some people who have been (or are) vegetarians. Some seem fine, others have had health issues flair up and chose to start eating meat again. I hope things work out for you!

mishmash73 · January 2011

did you stop eating meat because our bodies weren't made to process it, or because of how they are killed? You could have done fish & vegetables to help stick to the vegetarian kick... i'm a meat eater myself but my sister isn't.... well she does if it's been killed by a hunter but not a commercialized kill.

NatalieWinning · January 2011

That's so funny, because my neighbor is a vegetarian. All she talks about is sweets! I wondered if that's a vegetarian thing!

IceFaith · January 2011

Interesting post. I'm not a vegetarian but I will keep track of this. For your next meat consumption you might consider eating fish, chicken or turkey. Those might be lighter in flavor and easier on your system since it isn't accustomed to meat anymore. Good luck

juliedk · January 2011

i've tried the vegetarian thing ... then just added back in eggs ... then added sea food back in ... i was craving everything ... needed protein ... nuts and beans weren't doing it ... took multi vitamins cuz somebody said i might be low on iron (especially that time of the month) ... i only lasted about 6 months ... i feel better all around ... i still mostly don't eat meat ... but sometimes i just have a hamburger and i'm w/out craving meat for another cpl weeks ... i do eat quite a bit of eggs and cheese as my protein source (as well as nuts and beans and peanut butter)

sara_m83 · January 2011

The decision to eat or not eat meat is a personal one, of course, but I think it would be wrong to say that a vegetarian diet is unhealthy. All information available on vegetarianism claims it's a healthier lifestyle. That isn't to say it's easy getting all the appropriate nutrients. I don't struggle with protein, but I do struggle with iron.

I think the question to ask yourself is why you would choose not to eat meat. If you are familiar with and convinced by the environmental arguments or the ethical arguments, then it's a small sacrifice to have to plan your food intake around maximizing nutrients needed.

bethvandenberg · January 2011

Wow lamb is where you started? That's a really "strong" meat. I hope you feel good. Your body is going to not be used to it.
I hope it works well for you. Chicken and fish might be a better starting place.

TheMaidOfAstolat · January 2011

Odd. I've been a vegetarian my entire life and have never had a health problem because of it nor have I not been able to get in at least 60 grams of protein a day with resorting to faux meats and shakes. I'll say it again....I feel like a broken record sometimes...but even vegetarians that have been in this lifestyle for a long time need to do their research. Open your eyes to the possibilites around you when it comes to food. It's not all about faux meats, there are tons of ways to get in protein and vitamins.
Take a step back and examine why you became a veg to begin with. Once you have that figured out all you have to do is make a simple choice as to eat meat or not.

caprica · January 2011

did you stop eating meat because our bodies weren't made to process it, or because of how they are killed? You could have done fish & vegetables to help stick to the vegetarian kick... i'm a meat eater myself but my sister isn't.... well she does if it's been killed by a hunter but not a commercialized kill.

I cant remember exactly why - it is such a long time ago. But basically I was hanging around people at the time who were into saving the animals, I liked the sound of the health benefits and it just stuck.

In terms of the pescotarian thing - I don't know if that is where I will settle. Most fish eating vegetarians I have met are typically people who dont like the texture of red meat. They also t eat chicken sometimes. Once you eat fish and chicken, I dont know if you can call yourself a vegetarian anymore. But it is all of this is a matter of degree. I have vegan friends who cant believe that I would eat "liquid flesh" (i.e. eggs).

yummiyummimummi · January 2011

I can totally understand your dilemma. And yes meat does taste good! Whether you eat it or not I think is a personal choice so you shouldn't feel like the veggie police are gonna hunt you down hahaha.

Eating loads of fake meats is extremely unhealthy. Our bodies are not designed to process it either. And all the soy causes serious estrogen problems. But I also struggle to get my daily 100g of protein that I need to sustain my muscles whilst losing fat purely from animal sources. I just dont want to eat 10 egg whites and two steaks a day! So I looked at protein shakes but eventually threw out the ones I had after reading the label. (we want to gave another baby soon and I don't want to eat any artificial sweetners).

So anyway, long story short I just wanted to share with you that I now use a vegan protein powder which uses sprouts and rice to create a complete protein mix. It doesn't taste like anything ( the manufacturer calls it a neutral flavor) but I actually think that's ok because I can add vanilla extract or stevia if i want some flavour. Unlike other veggie protein powders it's very low carb (3g for 18g of protein) . It's called Raw Protein and I think the company is called Garden of Life or Life Garden.

Anyway there are other products, but this is the only one I have found that's got a good protein/ carb balance and doesn't have all those nasty fillers.

I hope you find a way that works for you. By the way you really chose the most pungent of meats to fall off the wagon with! Lol even non-vegetarians find the flavor lasts forever!

1983Miller · January 2011

My daughter was a vegetarian for 2 years. She began to notice some health issues, some as bad as hair loss this was her "sign" that maybe she should change. She started with chicken and will include shrimp and fish now, but she wont eat beef, pork or any other choices. But the family meals are much more enjoyable now and she looks healthier and slimmer too, and you know the sweet thing, yes she had sweet munchies next to her bed all the time during her 2 year vegetarian stint. Now she prefers popcorn, vegis, hummus, much more variety in her snacking! I also think the lamb was a brave choice to start with, but I hope what ever you decide that you continue to do what feels good for you! Enjoy the new adventure in healthy food!

HEATHERB500 · January 2011

Something to think about. I have started moving toward a very low sat fat diet. I only eat red meat one serving bi-weekly if that and I know I'll hear people argue but I consider (anything that isn't a bird, egg, or fish) red meat. I drink only unsweetened almond milk and water, and have one fiber one yogurt every other day and eat cheese maybe once a week. I eat 1-2 servings of dry roasted or raw unsalted nuts a day. I eat egg omlets every morning w/ vegetables. Dinner is usually some type of legume and whole grain. mybe one day I'll have fish and one day chicken in a week. I am not a fan of fake meats. Any other food is a fruit or vegetable usually no more than two fruits/day.I always stick with logging and eating in portion sizes even if I eat two portions. I used to have major snack and sweet cravings, and then I heard that if you start the day low carb that is what your body will expect all day. I swear to you I am not having the cravings for sweets or salty snacks anymore. I will occasionally figure one into my calorie alotment but even then I stick to the serving size. I have lowered my cholesterol and lost weight eating like this, and it's not that far off from lacto- ovo vegetarian. I

TheMaidOfAstolat · January 2011

My daughter was a vegetarian for 2 years. She began to notice some health issues, some as bad as hair loss this was her "sign" that maybe she should change. She started with chicken and will include shrimp and fish now, but she wont eat beef, pork or any other choices. But the family meals are much more enjoyable now and she looks healthier and slimmer too, and you know the sweet thing, yes she had sweet munchies next to her bed all the time during her 2 year vegetarian stint. Now she prefers popcorn, vegis, hummus, much more variety in her snacking! I also think the lamb was a brave choice to start with, but I hope what ever you decide that you continue to do what feels good for you! Enjoy the new adventure in healthy food!

I hate to say this...but your daughter wasn't doing a proper vegetarian diet. If she had been the sweets and hair loss wouldn't have happened. Take a look though my photos to see my hair....I've been a vegetarian for almost 26 years and I have never had an issue like this.

lmvolk · January 2011

I am not a vegetarian, although my friends call me one. I tell people I don't eat anything with a neck. I have been watching my protein intake and I seem to get plenty, from whole grains, milk products and the occasional egg or fake veggie food. I do use a lot of TVP (texturized soy) in recipes.
I am also a sugar-holic. I'm pretty sure I was one before I became vegetarian, which was about 25 years ago. But anyhow, I do crave sweets, and it makes it hard to stick to 1200 cal/day without compromising my nutrition. I'm going to follow this thread to see if other "vegetarians" have the same cravings. I have never thought about it before to tie it to my diet.

TheMaidOfAstolat · January 2011

I'm going to follow this thread to see if other "vegetarians" have the same cravings. I have never thought about it before to tie it to my diet.

I'm not a big sweets fan, lol. Most of the vegetarians and vegans I know are not. I tend to crave salty foods more.

lmvolk · January 2011

I always loved sweets, maybe it's just my nature

MobiusMan · January 2011

Earlier someone mentioned lamb to be strong. it is in flavor but it is probably one of the easiest to digest red meats. veal is very digestible (please no baby cow comments I am speaking only to digestibility) Lamb, chicken, fish being the easiest beef and pork the hardest to digest so it's not a bag intestinal choice as long as the flavor is ok to you. I am a huge lamb and veal fan due having grown up very Italian and those were family staples.

canoekayak · January 2011

I have a friend who a vegetarian - but he eats seafood to supplement his protein needs = tuna - salmon - talipia - shrimp - crab meat - sushi. So you might try adding it to your system. Also eggs as well - try the organic and cage free ones - with less hormonal injections in them. Also since you were cooking your foods - have you tried doing some raw foods, with out cooking - once your food is above 112 - 115 temps it destroys a lot of vitamins and nutrients, just try some new things to see if you like it.

Depplover28 · January 2011

I'm a vegetarian, and I completely understand about the carbs and sweets! When I first made the change 4 years ago, I didn't know what to eat, so I ate a bunch of noodles every day and gained some weight. Being a vegetarian isn't for everyone though...

SaraWo24 · January 2011

I agree that this is a very interesting post, and I will definitely be following it. I have also thought about becoming a vegan after I read Alicia Silverstone's book, "The Kind Diet." It's a very enlightening book in my opinion, but I felt that even though I absolutely despise the idea of eating animal flesh, I couldn't keep up with the cost/"difficulty" of this new way of living. My time as a vegan only lasted about 2 1/2 weeks, and I felt better mentally for sure. Don't worry, I definitely know that my lack of commitment stemmed from a lack of knowledge about this lifestyle. I've been considering it again, and I will keep following up on your journey.

Best of luck!

ajbeans · January 2011

I'm not a vegetarian, but I'll agree with the folks who are saying that it is quite possible to live a healthy vegetarian lifestyle. It's a matter of finding the right foods to give you the nutrients you need. If you're a "vegetarian" who eats nothing but pasta and apples and candy, then of course you're going to have health problems. That sounds like an extreme, but I've known vegetarians who eat like that. But I've also known vegetarians (and even a vegan or two) who are healthier than I'll ever be, because they eat right. Lots of vegetarians all over the world are wonderfully healthy, just as lots of carnivores around the world are wonderfully UNhealthy. It's all in the balance of your diet.

If you have decided that a vegetarian lifestyle is not right for you, that's fine, that's wonderful, good for you for doing what you feel is right. But vegetarianism doesn't have to be unhealthy, and for many people it's actually a much healthier choice.

PonyTailedLoser · January 2011

I've been a vegetarian for almost 7 years and I'[ve never really wanted sweets. Carbs are where my weakness lies : ( So i dodn't think being vegetarian itself is what makes you take up sweets.

lmvolk · January 2011

*bump* want to hear more thoughts on this topic... Is there any evidence that being a vegetarian increases one's craving for sweets? I am 90% vegetarian for the last 25 years (I eat dairy often, occasional eggs and rarely seafood) and I also have a very low resistance for sweets... but I always did, I think. What are your thoughts, other vegetarians? Anybody know of any actual research on this?

kysmet · January 2011

Be careful. As I'm sure you know, your body has stopped producing the enzymes needed to digest meat so I would start off very slowly.

I've gone back and forth from being a vegetarian and pescetarian for 14 years. Ideally, I would prefer to be a vegetarian but my body just seems to work better with some type of animal protein. If you're at all familiar with eating for your blood type, I'm O, which supposedly needs animal protein. I've seen a couple friends have major success with following the guidelines (both of which went from being meat-eaters to almost vegetarians) so I believe there is some credibility to it.

I started eating fish/seafood again 3 years ago, which was a very hard decision for me that took 6 months to make. I was a vegetarian for pretty much all the reasons out there: spiritual, health, environment, factory farming and so on so I feel that eating fish is doing my body good with the least amount of effect on those factors.

Anyway, that's my story. I wish you luck with yours!

salmonpi · January 2011

My general rule for the past few years has been to avoid eating meat for breakfast and lunch and make sure to incorporate a few low-meat or no-meat dinners each week. My husband and I also try to stick to only patured/organic/natural meats and find that the added cost helps to keep down the quantity we consume.

firedragon064 · January 2011

Sorry, I think you are going the wrong way, vegetarian is the way to go or should only eat meat 2,3 days a week.
I eat lots of bean quinoa burgers, yogurt. I do take fermented cod liver oil with butter and vitamin B12.
Free range egg is also a perfect protein.
I take protein powder after my weight lifting workout.

NatalieWinning · January 2011

It sounds like the vegetarians that really put in the research work and put together a good diet do just fine, just by the posters here if that's a good sample. My neighbor is a deficient mess. taking all kinds of supplements, and the faux food eaters make me think that you better not be just "well meaning" if you are going to have a specialized diet and cut out whole food groups. I'm glad to hear it's not necessarily true. It does sound like more work than I can put into eating for myself!

caprica · January 2011

ok - so here I am a few days in trying meat again after 10 years. In case you are interested here are my observations:

1) Calorie for Calorie meat is definitely more satisfying than the vegetarian alternatives, be it complete proteins like quinoa or proteins you need to combine like grains and legumes. A serve of meat can stop my hunger pangs for up to six hours. A vegetarian equivalent will stop it may be for 3 hours or possibly 4 hours if I am lucky. I think it is the combination of protein and saturated fat that is doing this.

2) While sat fat plus protein satisfies you, going back thru my food diary, as a vegetarian there have been very long periods (up to a month or longer) where I have never blown my RDI for saturated fat or cholesterol. As a vegetarian it is real easy to stay under your sat fat and cholesterol RDIs. As a meat eater, unless you aim for the leanest serves of meat it is very difficult to keep your sat fat and cholesterol under.

3) I have not been eating meat for long enough to prove to my self that weight loss on a vegetarian or omnivore diet is any better.

4) After eating meat, there is no meat I particularly crave. Most of it tastes - ok. About the only meat I actually enjoyed eating was bacon (no surprises there). However there are some meats I still cannot eat. I went off to our local organic restaurant and ordered a piece of ocean trout. By the end of the meal, I had eaten up the side dishes of salad and seasonal veges, and could not get thru more than a couple of bites of trout as the flavour was just too strong.

5) As a recent vegetarian, there are somethings I learned I still cannot do. I went down to the organic butcher to stock up on locally farmed lean meats. The smell of the butcher was so over powering for me, that I had to send my omnivore wife in with a list to buy stuff for me.

6) Every meal which involves meat for me is a guilt ridden exercise. Things pop into your mind that never occur to you when eating other sources of food, like where did this meat come from?, did the animal live a good life? are you forgetting that meat is a real waste of resources? .... aren't you forgetting that eating meat has been linked to cancer, disease? ... etc ... etc ... the inner guilt monologue goes on and on and on and on .....

The last point is actually starting to make me downright unhappy and every day I think about ending this experiment with meat.

Anyway, that is where I am up to in my experiment with meat. I will give you another update in time.

caprica · February 2011

ok - I am back again. I am currently 2 weeks into my trial of eating meat again after being a vego for 10 years.

A few points:

1) My weight loss plateaued for a week after introducing meat again and now after 2 weeks of eating meat again my weight loss has started again. Obviously the body takes time to adjust.

2) Something in the meat has triggered my hormone system. I do to some degree "feel" better and I now have pimples again after 20 years of not having them. I have been eating mainly organic meat, so my guess is either it aint organic or as a long term vegetarian my body is still adapting to eating meat again.

3) Keeping my sat fats under the target is still a real challenge and you always have to aim at lean meat to do it.

4) My satiation levels have been the best they have ever been. If I miss a meal, because of every day life getting in the way, I am no longer the raging carb deprived monster I used to be.

5) My ability to tolerate the strong flavours and smell of meat is improving.

6) I have been regaining my lost meat cooking skills. Somethings you don't forget. I surprised my omnivore wife the other night by making her a crispy skinned salmon - first time in 10+ years. She asked me why in all the years we have been married I never ever cooked for her like that. Then the next night she laughed at me for pricking the sausages, saying we have not needed to prick a sausage in over 10 years, Go figure....

7) After a couple of week that inner vegetarian voice in your head which continuously keeps on reminding you about the welfare of the animal, the environment, the health effects of meat, etc, gets a little quieter, but is still there.

Anyway, thats it for me for now. I will let you know how my experience goes. I have 2 weeks left on my experiment.

hippiechel · February 2011

very interesting. i've been vegetarian for over 4 years and in recent months i have "cheated" because i have had this INSATIABLE hunger for meat. i've in fact had a double down burger from KFC. i don't know if this urge also has to do with my binge eating (mild disorder) or something else entirely. i tried to eat some fish finger things (mr praeger's) but those were too fishy for me. had tilapia and enjoyed it. i am back to eating mostly vegan though i am not going to lie, some of my cravings are still there. i have been taking vitamins to curb some of these cravings as well. not too sure what is going on here..

would really love to see your progress on this.

Rethinking being a vegetarian - my experience

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