Eating meat again?

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-13-2004
Eating meat again?
5
Mon, 05-16-2005 - 5:34pm

I've been a vegetarian for nearly 15 years -- about half my life -- and until about two months ago never had the slightest doubt about my lifestyle. Not only do I disagree with the practice of factory farming, but I find the notion of eating meat totally repellant. I love tofu and beans and fruits and veggies.

Yet, for the past few months, I've found myself craving...something more. So, I started eating free-range eggs and shellfish. I felt good but still found myself having strange cravings. So for the past month, I've been eating fish (of low-mercury varieties) once or twice a week. For a day or two after I eat fish, I feel terrific. I feel stronger, happier, more energetic. Now, I find myself thinking about reintroducing certain meats to my diet -- free-range poultry, buffalo and venison. But that would mark such a tremendous change, I worry that I'd regret it. And though they are meat-eaters, my husband and family members are totally opposed to the idea of eating meat. They think that being a vegetarian and animal lover is part of who I am.

But to be honest, I really think my body is telling me something. Even though I am careful to get at least 60 g of protein a day, take daily multivitamins, and eat lots of fresh fruits and veggies and whole grains, I feel tired and weak much of the time, my gums are receding, and I'm losing hair. Ultimately, I don't oppose the practice of eating meat per se: I just oppose factory farming. And I have a vivid imagination that has made meat unappealing to me.

Do any of these health issues sound familiar? Has anyone else wrestled with this dilemma?

Your input would be welcomed!

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-21-2003
Fri, 05-20-2005 - 6:13am

This sounds like a very difficult dilemma, both emotionally and physically.

Thisby

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-13-2004
Fri, 05-20-2005 - 11:27am

Thank you, Thisby! I think you are right about a possible B12 deficiency. When I first became a vegetarian as a young teenager, I was diagnosed with a severe B12 deficiency and had to have injections. I've since taken supplements, but I may not be absorbing them properly. I saw a dermatologist about the hair loss, and she suggested being tested for anemia (which also can result from a B12 deficiency) and a thyroid problem. I plan to have these tests done as a first step. I also think you're right about a possible Omega 3 deficiency. Even the fish I've eaten have been white fish that are low in Omega 3s.

Like you, I can't imagine actually eating meat after nearly 15 years! Eating fish was an enormous step, but I'm not sure I actually could eat poultry or red meat. I did find a company that sells free-range buffalo that are not confined to feed-lots before slaughter and supposedly slaughtered humanely. I also like your idea of visiting an organic farm to find out about their farming and slaughtering methods. Again, I don't know if I actually can go through with it, but I really appreciate your kind words and reassurance. Those I've talked to recently about my dilemma, including meat-eaters, have been judgmental and made me feel guilty. But I know that whatever I decide will come after much soul-searching and "listening" to my body.

Thank you again!

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-21-2003
Fri, 05-20-2005 - 5:04pm

You're so welcome!

Thisby

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-20-2003
Mon, 05-23-2005 - 2:33am

I agree with Ithisby. Since you feel uncomfortable eating meat, first have a full physical and bloodwork done to find out what your body is telling you. I occasionally have had cravings for meat when I am under the weather, and I think it is my body demanding the protien, iron, etc, in order to fight whatever is wrong. Eating extra nuts and other foods and taking care of myself helps. You may need supplements in the form of shots- I have trouble keeping my copper levels up, so I know how hard it can be. I can't eat wheat and the other grains that supply copper, and don't eat shellfish, and my body is unusually sensitive to copper deficiency because I have a disorder that causes the same symptoms.


If you find that adding supplements, etc, doesn't help, you should listen to your body. Find the best source for whatever animal products you chose to add into your diet, and don't worry about your family. Didn't some of them say that "oh, it's a phase most young people go through, it'll last a week"? And you will be able to say that you bought the poultry from a free range farm, that the animal suffered as little as possible. Who are

Jaseann

co-cl-Celiac Disease

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-11-2003
Thu, 06-09-2005 - 3:50am

I know exactly where you're coming from. I stopped eating meat in 6th grade. Now, 7 years later, I find myself craving BBQ chicken and ribs. Whats more, I'm insanely skinny and everyone tells me it's because of my lack of protein. I havent given into the temptation yet but I fear it might only be a matter of time before I do. I think that you should do what your body is asking you to do. If you enjoy those meats then continue. I am repulsed at the thought of eatting meat too and every time I've ever tried to eat it, I'd spit it out on the first bite, I just can't do it. But as we grow, so do our likes and dislikes, as well as our opinions and feelings about certain issues. Your family may think that being a vegetarian is who you are but people change and I really dont think it's the worse thing in the world if you eat meat. I support the people who do and I support the people who don't and I really think you should listen to your body and give it what you think it needs and what would satisfy you. I hope this helped. Best wishes :)

-Kimberleigh