Transitioning Off Veganism Tips?
BeanieBean93
Posts: 55 Member
I'm interested to see if anyone has had success transitioning off vegan. I've been vegetarian for years and I moved to veganism about 1.5 years ago. Since then, I lost 40 lbs, re-ignited a brutal eating disorder, became extremely picky and have had issues with my focus at work and my overall social life. After months of frustration, arguments with my fiance and health issues, I'm making the decision to transition off veganism. I want to finally fully recover from my eating disorder and enjoy my social life again. I kept with it because I noticed my skin cleared up, digestion improved and I felt great eating tons of veggies. But, I'm also underweight, tired all the time, freezing cold and covered in little downy hairs. I also found I really don't like many vegan options like tofu, seitan and soy. I'm partial to nuts and seeds, but could only eat so much of those before I got bored. Has anyone done something similar? Any tips? Foods you found helpful? Things that didn't work?
I'm 3 weeks in at this point and I have re-introduced some dairy products like cottage cheese and regular cheese. I've also moved off vegan protein bars and am now eating RX bars which have egg whites. It's little steps but coupling in the eating disorder makes change so much harder! I'm working with a registered dietician as well who is wonderful and aware of the issues. I'm determined to get to the end of this and finally be happy, healthy and recovered!
I'm 3 weeks in at this point and I have re-introduced some dairy products like cottage cheese and regular cheese. I've also moved off vegan protein bars and am now eating RX bars which have egg whites. It's little steps but coupling in the eating disorder makes change so much harder! I'm working with a registered dietician as well who is wonderful and aware of the issues. I'm determined to get to the end of this and finally be happy, healthy and recovered!
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I haven't done it, but I think you're following a good approach. (I'm a long term vegetarian, fairly old (67), figure I'll need to do that transition when I need to move to assisted living someday, in order to get adequate nutrition in an omnivore setting, so I've given it some thought.)
I can't find the cite quickly, but I saw a small crossover study that examined gut microbiome adaptation when vegetarians started eating animal foods, and omnivores started eating only plant foods. The adaptation period was shorter than the researchers had speculated beforehand, I think something like 2 weeks. Obviously, that's only part of what needs to happen to make the shift, but it's relevant. I'll try to remember to look later when I have more time, see if I can find it or similar.5 -
Just have some meat👍🏼
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Have some animals
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Lol! I actually used to love meat and ideally I'll be able to get back to a place where I can eat meat occasionally. I'm not sure the ultimate goal for my long-term diet (omnivore, vegetarian, pescatarian etc) but I want to be able to go out to restaurants without being "that person." My fiance is a major carnivore and it's been a struggle for us to find places that we can both enjoy. Going out for dinners and trying new foods was such a key bonding point in our early relationship and we've both really missed having those experiences. I'll re-introduce meat at some point but haven't quite taken the leap yet.2
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I went vegan for a year. Although I did enjoy feeling light. I began to lose hair. So all I did was eat a burger. The thing I'd suggest is eat a meat dish you enjoy. One that you liked before you went vegetarian and vegan. That way it wont gross you out. Burgers and ribs are my favorite meat dishes, so that's how I transitioned. Than began to make my own dishes with meat in them. Not sure that'll help. But that's what worked for me.0
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One friend said the best thing she ever did was to watch and listen to people transitioning from veganism. She laughs about it now, but she refers to it as a, culture shock. Apparently it was a revelation for her. Not only did her health improve immediately, but her guilt pretty much disappeared. Cheers.1
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I haven't done it, but I think you're following a good approach. (I'm a long term vegetarian, fairly old (67), figure I'll need to do that transition when I need to move to assisted living someday, in order to get adequate nutrition in an omnivore setting, so I've given it some thought.)
I can't find the cite quickly, but I saw a small crossover study that examined gut microbiome adaptation when vegetarians started eating animal foods, and omnivores started eating only plant foods. The adaptation period was shorter than the researchers had speculated beforehand, I think something like 2 weeks. Obviously, that's only part of what needs to happen to make the shift, but it's relevant. I'll try to remember to look later when I have more time, see if I can find it or similar.
With apologies: Though I didn't forget, I poked around a bit and didn't find the study I was thinking of. I swear I didn't make it up!
As an aside, I was in a "mixed marriage" for over 20 years: I'm a long-term vegetarian, he was a meat eater/hunter. (Widowed - for reasons with zero to do with meat AFAIK! - not divorced. Reasonably happy marriage throughout, I'd say better than average.)
I'm not trying to talk you out of transitioning back to eating meat, if that's your preference, and/or you feel it would enhance or simplify your valued relationship. That's 100% your call. My point is more that if there's an assumption that different eating styles are inherently a deal-breaker, I don't think they necessarily have to be. It does require some empathy and flexibility from both parties, though. For us, it was worth it.1 -
I haven't done it, but I think you're following a good approach. (I'm a long term vegetarian, fairly old (67), figure I'll need to do that transition when I need to move to assisted living someday, in order to get adequate nutrition in an omnivore setting, so I've given it some thought.)
I can't find the cite quickly, but I saw a small crossover study that examined gut microbiome adaptation when vegetarians started eating animal foods, and omnivores started eating only plant foods. The adaptation period was shorter than the researchers had speculated beforehand, I think something like 2 weeks. Obviously, that's only part of what needs to happen to make the shift, but it's relevant. I'll try to remember to look later when I have more time, see if I can find it or similar.
With apologies: Though I didn't forget, I poked around a bit and didn't find the study I was thinking of. I swear I didn't make it up!
As an aside, I was in a "mixed marriage" for over 20 years: I'm a long-term vegetarian, he was a meat eater/hunter. (Widowed - for reasons with zero to do with meat AFAIK! - not divorced. Reasonably happy marriage throughout, I'd say better than average.)
I'm not trying to talk you out of transitioning back to eating meat, if that's your preference, and/or you feel it would enhance or simplify your valued relationship. That's 100% your call. My point is more that if there's an assumption that different eating styles are inherently a deal-breaker, I don't think they necessarily have to be. It does require some empathy and flexibility from both parties, though. For us, it was worth it.
Oh yes, I completely agree! Eating styles would never be a relationship deal breaker for us but we do miss being able to go out together. Part of this was because I became so restricted in what I was eating that even going to a vegan restaurant was a challenge. He knows I'll never be the type of foodie that he is but if we could go out without me panicking about there being butter in the sauce or egg in the breading, that would be a nice change of pace for us.
I do like living a mostly plant based lifestyle but I am noticing that adding in eggs has had some nice initial health benefits. Maybe as I widen my diet in general, I'll be able to balance plant based with a varied and nutritious diet. We shall see!1 -
BeanieBean93 wrote: »I haven't done it, but I think you're following a good approach. (I'm a long term vegetarian, fairly old (67), figure I'll need to do that transition when I need to move to assisted living someday, in order to get adequate nutrition in an omnivore setting, so I've given it some thought.)
I can't find the cite quickly, but I saw a small crossover study that examined gut microbiome adaptation when vegetarians started eating animal foods, and omnivores started eating only plant foods. The adaptation period was shorter than the researchers had speculated beforehand, I think something like 2 weeks. Obviously, that's only part of what needs to happen to make the shift, but it's relevant. I'll try to remember to look later when I have more time, see if I can find it or similar.
With apologies: Though I didn't forget, I poked around a bit and didn't find the study I was thinking of. I swear I didn't make it up!
As an aside, I was in a "mixed marriage" for over 20 years: I'm a long-term vegetarian, he was a meat eater/hunter. (Widowed - for reasons with zero to do with meat AFAIK! - not divorced. Reasonably happy marriage throughout, I'd say better than average.)
I'm not trying to talk you out of transitioning back to eating meat, if that's your preference, and/or you feel it would enhance or simplify your valued relationship. That's 100% your call. My point is more that if there's an assumption that different eating styles are inherently a deal-breaker, I don't think they necessarily have to be. It does require some empathy and flexibility from both parties, though. For us, it was worth it.
Oh yes, I completely agree! Eating styles would never be a relationship deal breaker for us but we do miss being able to go out together. Part of this was because I became so restricted in what I was eating that even going to a vegan restaurant was a challenge. He knows I'll never be the type of foodie that he is but if we could go out without me panicking about there being butter in the sauce or egg in the breading, that would be a nice change of pace for us.
I do like living a mostly plant based lifestyle but I am noticing that adding in eggs has had some nice initial health benefits. Maybe as I widen my diet in general, I'll be able to balance plant based with a varied and nutritious diet. We shall see!
That sounds really positive: Food anxiety beyond any hard limitations (like allergies or contraindicating health conditions) can be life-limiting and joy-limiting. You're showing strength in and character in taking this on. I wish you great outcomes!1 -
I haven't done it, but it sounds like you have a good approach. Take things slowly and find things you enjoy first. I would imagine reintroducing eggs and dairy may be the easiest to start, and then meat in things like spaghetti or chicken caesar salads - things where meat isn't the main dish, but it is included in it.0
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I'm wondering if it would be easier if, instead of trying to come up with a plan to transition to omnivore, you just decided you're now an omnivore. That doesn't mean that every meal has to include animal foods. That way, you can eat what you want from what's available at any given time, which is pretty much what being an omnivore means. I'm an omnivore, but I'm not always in the mood for meat/poultry/fish.
Maybe I'm missing the point. Is it that you're never in the mood for meat/poultry/fish and you feel you need them for better health, so you have to have a plan to adhere to or you'll never get there? I think the suggestions just above about starting with eggs and dairy makes sense, if you have less resistance to those foods, and then trying dishes that only have a small portion of meat/poultry/fish -- like a "mostly bean" chili, or a salad that you add a limited amount of chicken, steak, or shrimp to. You can make a chicken/tuna/egg/ham salad spread for sandwiches that is half (or more) mild beans, like chickpeas or cannellini. And you don't ever have to move beyond that at home if you don't want to -- most restaurants these days will have at least a couple of vegetarian or vegan dishes. Or you could order a dinner salad with whatever protein you want, and not have to eat all of the protein if you don't want.1 -
I haven't done it, but I think you're following a good approach. (I'm a long term vegetarian, fairly old (67), figure I'll need to do that transition when I need to move to assisted living someday, in order to get adequate nutrition in an omnivore setting, so I've given it some thought.)
Well, that's a depressing thought that hadn't occurred to me -- getting to the point where I just have to eat what some institutional dietician trying to satisfy the "average" palate thinks I should be eating. I probably won't see a legume from one week to the next.
One more item on the list of reasons to do everything I can to forestall that day.
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lynn_glenmont wrote: »I'm wondering if it would be easier if, instead of trying to come up with a plan to transition to omnivore, you just decided you're now an omnivore. That doesn't mean that every meal has to include animal foods. That way, you can eat what you want from what's available at any given time, which is pretty much what being an omnivore means. I'm an omnivore, but I'm not always in the mood for meat/poultry/fish.
Maybe I'm missing the point. Is it that you're never in the mood for meat/poultry/fish and you feel you need them for better health, so you have to have a plan to adhere to or you'll never get there? I think the suggestions just above about starting with eggs and dairy makes sense, if you have less resistance to those foods, and then trying dishes that only have a small portion of meat/poultry/fish -- like a "mostly bean" chili, or a salad that you add a limited amount of chicken, steak, or shrimp to. You can make a chicken/tuna/egg/ham salad spread for sandwiches that is half (or more) mild beans, like chickpeas or cannellini. And you don't ever have to move beyond that at home if you don't want to -- most restaurants these days will have at least a couple of vegetarian or vegan dishes. Or you could order a dinner salad with whatever protein you want, and not have to eat all of the protein if you don't want.
I needed a plan because I haven't been eating any animal products and the re-introduction period is not always nice to my stomach. The first time I ate cheese I felt so sick that I seriously regretted it. Same with the first time I ate cottage cheese again. Because I'm balancing working on my eating disorder and re-introducing foods, I can't give myself the option to just not eat if I feel sick. I used to always say I wasn't hungry or that my stomach was bothering me and I used it to avoid eating. I also wanted to avoid creating negative connotations with food so I don't automatically think "dairy, oh that makes me sick."
I've managed to work up to eating 1/2c cottage cheese, 1 slice of cheese and 1 whole egg per day in addition to the other things I'm eating. Initially, my skin broke out a bit and I had a lot of bloating and nausea but I feel like I'm adapting well.
I'm still weary on adding in meat. It'll be a big step when I can get myself to a point where I'm able to stomach it again. The thought of eating it is a little nauseating still. I like the idea of graduating to soups or chilis where there is a little meat without slicing into a whole piece of chicken. Still small steps but making progress!
I also might have gained a lb this month which is what my dietician wants. We'll see if it sticks!2 -
BeanieBean93 wrote: »lynn_glenmont wrote: »I'm wondering if it would be easier if, instead of trying to come up with a plan to transition to omnivore, you just decided you're now an omnivore. That doesn't mean that every meal has to include animal foods. That way, you can eat what you want from what's available at any given time, which is pretty much what being an omnivore means. I'm an omnivore, but I'm not always in the mood for meat/poultry/fish.
Maybe I'm missing the point. Is it that you're never in the mood for meat/poultry/fish and you feel you need them for better health, so you have to have a plan to adhere to or you'll never get there? I think the suggestions just above about starting with eggs and dairy makes sense, if you have less resistance to those foods, and then trying dishes that only have a small portion of meat/poultry/fish -- like a "mostly bean" chili, or a salad that you add a limited amount of chicken, steak, or shrimp to. You can make a chicken/tuna/egg/ham salad spread for sandwiches that is half (or more) mild beans, like chickpeas or cannellini. And you don't ever have to move beyond that at home if you don't want to -- most restaurants these days will have at least a couple of vegetarian or vegan dishes. Or you could order a dinner salad with whatever protein you want, and not have to eat all of the protein if you don't want.
I needed a plan because I haven't been eating any animal products and the re-introduction period is not always nice to my stomach. The first time I ate cheese I felt so sick that I seriously regretted it. Same with the first time I ate cottage cheese again. Because I'm balancing working on my eating disorder and re-introducing foods, I can't give myself the option to just not eat if I feel sick. I used to always say I wasn't hungry or that my stomach was bothering me and I used it to avoid eating. I also wanted to avoid creating negative connotations with food so I don't automatically think "dairy, oh that makes me sick."
I've managed to work up to eating 1/2c cottage cheese, 1 slice of cheese and 1 whole egg per day in addition to the other things I'm eating. Initially, my skin broke out a bit and I had a lot of bloating and nausea but I feel like I'm adapting well.
I'm still weary on adding in meat. It'll be a big step when I can get myself to a point where I'm able to stomach it again. The thought of eating it is a little nauseating still. I like the idea of graduating to soups or chilis where there is a little meat without slicing into a whole piece of chicken. Still small steps but making progress!
I also might have gained a lb this month which is what my dietician wants. We'll see if it sticks!
I had one other thought, but I have no idea if it would work. Maybe as a first step toward reintroducing meat, try toddler foods -- you know, the pureed stuff in jars that might have beef or chicken mixed with a veggie?
Best of luck.1 -
lynn_glenmont wrote: »BeanieBean93 wrote: »lynn_glenmont wrote: »I'm wondering if it would be easier if, instead of trying to come up with a plan to transition to omnivore, you just decided you're now an omnivore. That doesn't mean that every meal has to include animal foods. That way, you can eat what you want from what's available at any given time, which is pretty much what being an omnivore means. I'm an omnivore, but I'm not always in the mood for meat/poultry/fish.
Maybe I'm missing the point. Is it that you're never in the mood for meat/poultry/fish and you feel you need them for better health, so you have to have a plan to adhere to or you'll never get there? I think the suggestions just above about starting with eggs and dairy makes sense, if you have less resistance to those foods, and then trying dishes that only have a small portion of meat/poultry/fish -- like a "mostly bean" chili, or a salad that you add a limited amount of chicken, steak, or shrimp to. You can make a chicken/tuna/egg/ham salad spread for sandwiches that is half (or more) mild beans, like chickpeas or cannellini. And you don't ever have to move beyond that at home if you don't want to -- most restaurants these days will have at least a couple of vegetarian or vegan dishes. Or you could order a dinner salad with whatever protein you want, and not have to eat all of the protein if you don't want.
I needed a plan because I haven't been eating any animal products and the re-introduction period is not always nice to my stomach. The first time I ate cheese I felt so sick that I seriously regretted it. Same with the first time I ate cottage cheese again. Because I'm balancing working on my eating disorder and re-introducing foods, I can't give myself the option to just not eat if I feel sick. I used to always say I wasn't hungry or that my stomach was bothering me and I used it to avoid eating. I also wanted to avoid creating negative connotations with food so I don't automatically think "dairy, oh that makes me sick."
I've managed to work up to eating 1/2c cottage cheese, 1 slice of cheese and 1 whole egg per day in addition to the other things I'm eating. Initially, my skin broke out a bit and I had a lot of bloating and nausea but I feel like I'm adapting well.
I'm still weary on adding in meat. It'll be a big step when I can get myself to a point where I'm able to stomach it again. The thought of eating it is a little nauseating still. I like the idea of graduating to soups or chilis where there is a little meat without slicing into a whole piece of chicken. Still small steps but making progress!
I also might have gained a lb this month which is what my dietician wants. We'll see if it sticks!
I had one other thought, but I have no idea if it would work. Maybe as a first step toward reintroducing meat, try toddler foods -- you know, the pureed stuff in jars that might have beef or chicken mixed with a veggie?
Best of luck.
Hmm, I hadn't thought of that. But it's an interesting idea. I'm going to have a really hard time with the texture of meat to begin with. And honestly, I love soft, mushy foods - soup, mashed potato, mushy peas, smoothie etc are all super yum to me. I might be able to mix little bits into something else. I still have a ways to go before I get there but I'm loving the suggestions!0 -
I haven't done it, but I think you're following a good approach. (I'm a long term vegetarian, fairly old (67), figure I'll need to do that transition when I need to move to assisted living someday, in order to get adequate nutrition in an omnivore setting, so I've given it some thought.)lynn_glenmont wrote: »Well, that's a depressing thought that hadn't occurred to me -- getting to the point where I just have to eat what some institutional dietician trying to satisfy the "average" palate thinks I should be eating. I probably won't see a legume from one week to the next. One more item on the list of reasons to do everything I can to forestall that day.
@AnnPT77 I had a big negative reaction to your statement "when I need to move to assisted living someday" and mentally changed it to "IF*" with an asterisk for disclaimers.
I've often mentioned that my partner's mother ended up in a nursing home after years of being sedentary, losing muscle, and losing the ability to go to the bathroom unassisted, while my mother is at the other end of the activity spectrum, and if she ends up in a nursing home it will be due to something like falling off a ladder while cleaning gutters. (Which she should have stopped doing years ago as she is 85 and has osteoporosis.)
Since you are far more active than his mom and much more sensible than my mom, I have higher hopes for your independence
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I'm wondering, reading the totality of responses, whether some of the omnivores giving kind advice also realize that the conversion from fully plant based to omni, or the reverse as well, can have unpleasant though temporary physical consequences.
OP clearly has some additional issues with food and eating that have more to do with established taste preferences/habits or some personal psychological slippery slopes as well. That complicates the process. But any major dietary switch, especially taken suddenly, can result in some significant physical distress - usually digestive - that isn't "all in one's head".
There have been a few times when I ate something with meat broth in it by accident, and figured out that there was meat protein because I experienced symptoms before knowing what the ingredients were. IOW, I questioned the ingredients after experiencing minor digestive upset. There isn't a way that can be purely psychological, that I can see. With small amounts like that, it was pretty mild, but noticeable. For sure, if/when I start eating meat again, I'm phasing it in rather than starting with a big ol' juicy steak.
With apologies to OP for the extremely off-topic digression (and a trigger warning for gentle souls):kshama2001 wrote: »I haven't done it, but I think you're following a good approach. (I'm a long term vegetarian, fairly old (67), figure I'll need to do that transition when I need to move to assisted living someday, in order to get adequate nutrition in an omnivore setting, so I've given it some thought.)lynn_glenmont wrote: »Well, that's a depressing thought that hadn't occurred to me -- getting to the point where I just have to eat what some institutional dietician trying to satisfy the "average" palate thinks I should be eating. I probably won't see a legume from one week to the next. One more item on the list of reasons to do everything I can to forestall that day.
@AnnPT77 I had a big negative reaction to your statement "when I need to move to assisted living someday" and mentally changed it to "IF*" with an asterisk for disclaimers.
I've often mentioned that my partner's mother ended up in a nursing home after years of being sedentary, losing muscle, and losing the ability to go to the bathroom unassisted, while my mother is at the other end of the activity spectrum, and if she ends up in a nursing home it will be due to something like falling off a ladder while cleaning gutters. (Which she should have stopped doing years ago as she is 85 and has osteoporosis.)
Since you are far more active than his mom and much more sensible than my mom, I have higher hopes for your independence
Thank you! I have the same hope for both you and me, @kshama2001.
But my very independent dad, at 83, fell off a workbench (where he was standing while changing a fluorescent light bulb), bounced on a sawhorse on the way to the floor, broke all the bones around his good eye, and fully ruptured the eyeball. (Yes, that's awful, and the whole story is worse.)
Instantly, he was legally blind. No significant things limited him physically (once he fully healed from the totality of injuries), and his mind/intellect was completely sound (better than mine TBH). But he tried visiting his home for a weekend (with me), decided entirely on his own that he could no longer live alone, and moved to assisted living. Boom, just like that. (NB, he didn't want to live with me, nor move away from his hometown 90-some miles from where I lived/worked.)
I don't have children, siblings, a partner, or anyone psychologically/socially close to me who's going to look out for me "when I get old". (Friends tend to be around my age, many of them already less physically/mentally capable, realistically.)
At 67 now, I'm not there yet, but I suspect my smart move will be to go live somewhere with support services before I'm too far gone intellectually/physically to handle the move myself, because there literally isn't anyone else who'll look out for me. The only alternative likelihood is one of those sudden-drop deaths while still independent, but can't count on that, either.
So I think about the implications a bit, even now. If that's too grim, I apologize. From my perspective, it's just realistically how things are. 🤷♀️
ETA: I was on a tall ladder in my driveway just today, reaching overhead as far as (?) "safe" (?), trimming overhanging branches off a maple tree with long-handled loppers. Don't count on me having good sense. I'm related to that "standing on workbench" guy, after all.
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No apology needed @AnnPT77 ! I love good conversations like this. And input from all parties is always welcome and of interest. Yes, I definitely have some additional things going on that make this more complicated. But, the first time I ate dairy after not having it, I was extremely sick to my stomach. The side effects were definitely unpleasant and that was when I realized I should probably get some help because I was already wanting to give up.1
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While I didn't transition from vegan to omnivore, a few years back I transitioned back to allowing dairy, eggs and gluten into my life after several years without, and it was definitely a slow and steady process. (We were planning a trip to France and I knew I didn't want to worry about submitting to the Call of the Almighty Croissant or the Seduction of the Wine and Cheese). Dairy was by far the hardest intestinally, and ultimately it became a compromise: I avoid cow milk (because in all honestly, humans aren't meant to drink ANY type of mother's milk after the age of 6 or 7, which is why cow milk in particular does a doozy on the gut for a lot of us, and focus on goat milk if I feel I really need animal dairy, otherwise stick with homemade organic oat milk.
As far as cheese goes, it's still definitely in moderation years later - except when I make my homemade Mac & Cheese on Thanskgiving. Too much gluten still makes me tired, and we raise backyard ducks so I automatically watch how many I eat of those since they are considerably larger than chicken eggs. My tummy has never done well with beef, so it's a rarity that I eat that, and now that I'm on MFP, pork is treated like a delicacy - a treat every once in a while, as my husband is a butcher at our local co-op, and we occasionally cure our own bacon.
The more you are without animal products, the more the dietary change will affect you when you introduce it. So try it in moderation if you really want to add meat back - when we cure our own bacon, for example, I have my husband cut it into lardons and put it in the freezer, so they are more used as little 'salty flavor bombs' in dishes like Carbonara instead of a big greasy thing on a breakfast plate that I know will give my tummy some trouble. The fact it's from pasture-raised pork is a big deal as well - the animals who have the least amount of stress in their lives emit the fewest hormones at slaughter, not to mention have a healthier diet, and therefore ultimately tastes better - and it's richer, so you also eat less of it! Same goes with chickens - before we recently downsized back to the city, we raised pastured heirloom chickens on our farm, which not only showed me how much tastier they are than the bland chicken at the grocery store (FYI folks - the 'organic' chicken at the store will say if it is pasture raised - which is not the same as 'free range', a meaningless trope - and therefore not as humane as folks like to think it is), along with the fact that we processed our own birds, giving us hella more respect for our food having shepherded them through their entire life cycle...which makes you eat less of it as well.
A bit of a run on response, but it goes back to the Michael Pollan quote about 'Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.' Meaning, it's OK to eat animals as long as you eat ones that are humanely and sustainably raised, and you don't make it the main part of your diet. Even though I've got a butcher at my side, we eat vegetarian or vegan usually 5 out of 7 days a week. And we definitely don't just rely on tofu -its more about using vegetables in creative ways, like subbing cauliflower for chicken, or mushrooms for pork (there's a great cookbook called Shroom that has a recipe for Trumpet Mushroom "scallops" that made me think I'd died and gone to heaven). One can definitely not survive on tofu alone - nor should they! Diversity is the spice of life!0 -
I haven't done it, but I think you're following a good approach. (I'm a long term vegetarian, fairly old (67), figure I'll need to do that transition when I need to move to assisted living someday, in order to get adequate nutrition in an omnivore setting, so I've given it some thought.)
I can't find the cite quickly, but I saw a small crossover study that examined gut microbiome adaptation when vegetarians started eating animal foods, and omnivores started eating only plant foods. The adaptation period was shorter than the researchers had speculated beforehand, I think something like 2 weeks. Obviously, that's only part of what needs to happen to make the shift, but it's relevant. I'll try to remember to look later when I have more time, see if I can find it or similar.
Agree - we've transitioned to about 80% vegetarian (which usually means vegan, intentional or unintentional), and it took us a few weeks to get used to it. My husband is still, ahem, somewhat 'tooty' at the increase of veggies and beans, but loves how creative our eating has gotten as we get more and more diversified with the cuisines we make at home. My biggest physical change has been how much more I use the toilet at night, as the foods I eat are so much higher in water content (which is why I'm losing weight fairly efficiently as well)!
I think the biggest thing for anyone transitioning is a somewhat obvious recommendation - stay away from anything processed or unsustainably grown/produced. My hometown of Portland was once termed 'the home of the fat vegan' because of all the processed options, especially fake meats, and I took that to heart when I transitioned my diet to ensure everything we made at home was minimally or zero processed.0 -
tomcustombuilder wrote: »Just have some meat👍🏼
If you haven't eaten meat in a long time, "just" eating it is not a wise suggestion, as it can give you some serious tummy troubles. No one wants to reintroduce something in their diet and go too far and get the runs...
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BeanieBean93 wrote: »Lol! I actually used to love meat and ideally I'll be able to get back to a place where I can eat meat occasionally. I'm not sure the ultimate goal for my long-term diet (omnivore, vegetarian, pescatarian etc) but I want to be able to go out to restaurants without being "that person." My fiance is a major carnivore and it's been a struggle for us to find places that we can both enjoy. Going out for dinners and trying new foods was such a key bonding point in our early relationship and we've both really missed having those experiences. I'll re-introduce meat at some point but haven't quite taken the leap yet.
I'm not sure where you're writing from but it definitely makes a difference where you live geographically! I'm Pacific Northwest born and raised, and we have a crazy awesome number of restaurants and grocers here that are a dream for both the meat-ful and meat-less. We also adore any food from Southeast Asia, from Vietnamese to Thai to Indian and more, and that helps as there's a gazillion options at those restaurants automatically. I've also found a ton of awesome recipes on Pinterest, especially for all kinds of Buddha Bowls, which are awesome for the omnivore and vegetarian, since you can just cook up some good meat for one person and some mushrooms or tofu or beans or what-not for the veg and add them in at the end!0 -
BeanieBean93 wrote: »No apology needed @AnnPT77 ! I love good conversations like this. And input from all parties is always welcome and of interest. Yes, I definitely have some additional things going on that make this more complicated. But, the first time I ate dairy after not having it, I was extremely sick to my stomach. The side effects were definitely unpleasant and that was when I realized I should probably get some help because I was already wanting to give up.
Oh yeah. Anyone reintroducing dairy should start out with dry cheeses (like Parm) &/or goat milk (which btw tastes INSANELY good for hot chocolate) before going into anything heavier than that. Nothing like a pint of pure cow's milk ice cream to send many of us (vegan or not) straight to the throne with regret in our hearts...
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