Please take a moment to remember all of the lives that were lost on this day ten years ago. What happened on September 11, 2001 forever changed the course our lives would take.
Never forget to remember.
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So we ended yesterday’s confessional with promises of protein [talk]…
While I wouldn’t say that I follow any sort of high protein diet (I’m a carbs and fats girl at heart), I do try to pay attention to my protein intake, especially on the days that I lift.
Some of my favorite sources?
Protein shakes…
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Greek yogurt…
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Eggs…
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Cottage cheese…
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Nuts and Seeds…
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Tofu…
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Beans…
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Whole grains…
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Cheese…
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You probably notice the lack of meat/fish, and that’s because… well… I don’t eat them. I was never big on fish(I just can’t get past the smell), and I gave up meat around four years ago, when my eating disorder started getting really bad. Since then I’ve been eating a vegetarian diet which, over time, I’ve become a lot more relaxed about. I hate the prescriptive nature that comes with the vegetarian label, which is why I never call myself one, and also why I told myself that if I ever craved meat, I would allow myself to eat it.
Which brings us to my present conundrum…
See, I don’t crave meat exactly, but I crave something. My snacking has gotten a little out of control lately, and while I thought it was just my appetite going nuts at first, now I’m not so sure. It honestly feels like my constant desire to snack stems from the fact that my body isn’t satisfied with what I’m feeding it, and that it’s not getting something that it needs. Have you ever tried to satisfy a craving for chocolate by eating a bunch of carrot sticks? If you have, then you probably know what happens when you try to do that. You can eat carrots until you give yourself a stomach ache, yet you’ll still be unsatisfied.
That’s how I’ve been feeling. And, quite frankly, I’m sick of it.
Is meat the answer? I don’t know, and I won’t know unless I try it and see what happens. It’s been so long since I’ve eaten meat, that I probably wouldn’t even know a meat craving if I was hit with one. Does the thought skeeve me out? A little bit, yes… but I remember experiencing the same kind of feelings when I gave up veganism, and that’s a decision that I never regret, as I’ve only seen positive improvements to my health as a result.
So there it is. My last confession – I’m thinking about giving up my vegetarian diet. Or, at least, I’m thinking about introducing some chicken/turkey back into my diet for a while and seeing what happens. I’m tired of playing with protein powders (which, in all honesty, do NOT fill me up at all). I’m tired eating different meals than the rest of my family. And I’m tired of feeling constantly munchy.
Maybe meat isn’t the answer, but maybe it is. I’ve voiced my concerns to those close to me, and they’ve all pretty much confirmed my suspicions. They basically told me that they have a much harder time feeling full/satisfied on days where they don’t eat meat… maybe the same is true for me… I don’t know. I do know that I’m tired of wondering. I haven’t done it yet, but it’ll most likely be happening soon. If I don’t like it, I can always go back… nothing is set in stone.
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I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Have you ever gone through anything similar? Do you think that protein is protein, no matter what the source? Do you think that anyone can follow a vegetarian diet if they get enough protein from alternative sources?
It’s hard to say. Meat helps to keep me from eating as many carbs, and therefore snacking less. It helps me to feel satisfied longer too. I don’t know that’d it’d solve your problems, but I guess it’s worth a shot. I’m eager to hear how it goes!
I say GO FOR THE MEAT!! You don’t have to eat a meatball sub chased with a pork chop everyday for lunch, but having that flexibility and variety in your diet will be so much more satisfying and fun. One of the most pivotal parts of recovery is getting to a place where you can be totally flexible and relaxed about what you eat – and integrating meat back into your diet can also be considered a part of that process, since you wouldn’t have to always worry if something was made with fish sauce or chicken stock. Plus, eggs, fish, chicken, and red meat (especially red meat) are really good for you in moderate quantities – even my Chinese medicine doctor told me that (vegans, feel free to agree to disagree, it’s my firm belief, though).
For the sake of flexibility, satiety, and just good eating, I say DO IT! 🙂
Hi love!
Great post and great that you are LISTENING to your body as well ; )
I say go for it, start gradually adding meats into your diet and see how it makes you feel, I don’t eat red meat, but i eat fish and organic chicken, I do sometimes feel like a little red meat might be good for me, so I might try adding some in there soon, but do what YOU feel is best for your body!
<3 xoxoxo
I think if you *think* you’re craving meat, there’s no harm in trying it out! And if you hate it, then you can just stop.
Based on what I’ve learned in my nutrition classes I think it’s very possible to get all the protein you need on a vegetarian diet. But you do need to plan it out more carefully and count your grams of protein just to be sure. Also there is the problem of the nutrients in plant proteins (like zinc and B12) being less easily absorbed by the body than in meats. So you want to be sure you’re eating MORE than the recommended daily amounts of those. Basically I think if you eat meat it’s a lot easier to get all your protein/nutrients without having to think about it. But if you’re willing to plan, then a vegetarian diet can definitely meet all your needs too.
Keep us posted on what you do! 🙂
I have been through this! I recently started adding fish back into my diet. I didn’t like it before, but I find that the non-fishy fish are pretty good and it’s so much easier for me to eat dinners with the family and go out to eat, but actually feel like I got a good meal! I’ve thought about adding the chicken back, but that’s a jump I’m not ready to take. I hope it works out for you! I’ve been feeling super snacky lately so maybe I’ll have to try it if you see success.
What’s a non-fishy fish? I’ve love to start out with fish, just because of all of the health benefits associated with omega 3’s, but I had a hard time getting past the smell in the past, and I’d hate to try eating some now and end up gagging 😯
Hey Amanda, don’t mean to butt in but the white fish are usually the least fishy-tasting fish. Also, if you can get hold of swordfish then try that out, as it really isn’t that much like fish at allll. You can just fry it for a couple of minutes on each side and then it flakes up really easily, so if you have an issue having a big fat flab of fish on your plate then you could mix it into some quinoa or something? Hope you find something that works for you 🙂
(p.s white fish like cod or haddock, I meant to say!)
Tilapia doesn’t taste fishy! And I had an amazing pan-seared tuna once… tastes COMPLETELY different than the tuna you get in cans or whatever which actually smells gross and wayyyy fishy.
I believe it is worth trying. You know, I think you are really good at listening to your body, so if anyone knows when it is the right time to reintroduce meat or any food group to their diet, it´s you! I actually think that vegan/vegetarian diet (and the same applies to raw or other stuff) is not for anyone. Our bodies are different, some runs the best on fruits, but others are the most happy with a bit of chicken every now and then (or every day). I believe that protein from plants and from animals is really not the same and while for me the plant protein seems to be enough, for example my sister couldn´t live on it. She tried it, it didn´t work, she went back to eating meat and now she is healthy and happy. So give it a try if you feel like that and let´s see what happens 🙂
I love that you don’t label yourself! It’s really silly, to be honest. I ate pretty much vegetarian for a few years – didn’t really care for meat that much. However, a year ago I started eating more of it again, just when I started being more actually, to be honest. I don’t think it’s unimportant where the protein comes from – I prefer natural sources. Nowadays, hardly a day goes by that I don’t eat meat.
I totally support your decision to start eating meat, but as Hedda said above, I suggest you start with beef, not only chicken.
When I was 11, I stopped eating red meat because of my stupid fear of mad cow’s disease.Silly, right. But, later, as I’ve started restricting my meals and ate less and less meat, my body broke down. Lately, I’ve been eating meat 3-4 times a week, and a lot of juicy beef, and honestly, I feel amazing. Every time I have a meaty meal, I feel like I gave my body something good, something my body can use to make me strong, smart and beautiful. Same goes for full fat products. Seriously. 4% yogurt is the way to go. Meaty creamy sauces with gnocchi, as well. Can’t wait to see what you’ll try 🙂
i was vegetarian for 15 years- since I was ten. I started getting really sick when I was about 23 and did blood tests and i had almost NO iron. My diet was really healthy- clean and lots of nuts, tofu, whole grains, grain combining, etc. I started taking iron pills and then eventually ate meat. I ate meat maybe for 6 months and then felt so bad and felt like i wasn’t being true to myself… i defined myself as a vegetarian. that lasted for a year and i just wasn’t feeling it.. i wasn’;t feel good, i didn;t feel strong or healthy. so thats it- i am now a meat eater. If ten your old me knew this- she would NEVER believe it EVER. but i feel great now. i don’t eat too much red meat, but i do eat a lot of chicken. Listen to your body- its so important.
No harm in trying, Amanda 🙂
But, instead of chicken and turkey I would advice you to start with beef. That is like a gift to us women! It tastes amazing and does amazing. Try to add slices of beef on top of your pasta , pizza or even on top of your Philadelphia / cream cheese for lunch. How do you feel about beef / red meat?
I find that meat is very important for my overall well-being, especially now that I’m in a process of healing.
Another thing I’ve noticed from some of your pictures is that many of your yoghurts are 0%, which in my opinion is not necessary for us. Unless one has issues digesting milk products with a higher fat content or are overweight, the fat yoghurts contain are benefitial for our bodies. Besides, a higher fat percent can also help you feel more satisified after a meal / snack.
You’ll find out of this Amanda, and I think you are brave for sharing your thoughts and concerns with us. It shows that you put your health on top of your priority list, also when that means facing anxiety.
You started cutting out meat due to the development of ED, which is never a good reason. We should cut back on meat due to environmental concerns, animal well- being, if it’s benefitial for our bodies etc , but never because ED has told us to do it.
To start eating meat again will enable the genuine and healthy you to find out if that is something you would like to include in your diet, or not.
Love you.
<3
I was actually never a fan of red meat because it used to give me a lot of stomach problems. When I did eat meat, it was always turkey or chicken, so that’s probably what I would start out with for now. And my yogurt was 0% because for a long time that was the only kind of Greek yogurt that we had available to us up here in Canada. We just recently got Oikos, which comes in 2%, and I’ve switched over to that. It’s an availability issue more than anything else 🙂
To an extent I think protein is protein…IF the source is natural! I know a lot of bloggers love protein powders but I have never been a fan of them. Most of the ingredients are high in sugar/artificial and I think it just contradicts the whole notion of eating ‘protein for good health’. I can understand that some people don’t enjoy meat- I go through phases too with chicken/turkey but if you think it will help control your appetite, it’s worth a shot…and taste buds evolve, you may actually be pleasantly surprised!
Protein powders never did much for me either. I am more of a carbs girl though,and if I don’t eat enough of those THEN my appetite goes coo-coo. But I’d say you should definitely try to listen to your body, and if meat is what you need then by all means – go for it! And if it’s something else – well you’ll find that out soon enough.
i know I spoke to you about this before but i definitely needed to have SOME meat to control my appetite.. it was just ridculous and REALLY helped– i thnk u should do it if it feels right like it did for me!
Amanda<3
Im so proud of you for listening to your body, and taking your cravings seriously! So ispirational! I dont think meat is for everyone, but I certanly dont think being veg is for everyone either! And you have to try, to figure it out!
As you say, nothing is written in stone! SO true! That was really what made me try out dairy! If i had to make a choice for the rest of my life, it would be so hard. But allowing myself to try it out was so imortant to me. The dairy made me more satisfied- not gonna lie about that! But as you know, it also helped me eat more regulary- which obviously also made me more satisfied.
For me, yea, it is partly my "need" to restrict that made me a vegan in the first place! But being vegan really is more about ethics for me! For me, it feels right! But I would never have figured out if I didnt try out the dairy. So Im so happy I did!
I have gone for years, being unsatisfied. So now, after eating lots of more grains and beans, i feel so so much better! It might change, and then I will have to change again. But for now it does feel good 🙂
Good luck, I support you in whatever you chose! Your health should come first no matter! And also, no point in being vegan if it is not important to you!
Love you <3
Thanks for sharing, hun. I think you’re right and that I need to just try it to see how it makes me feel. If I don’t like it, then it’s no biggie, but at least I’ll know for sure. As it stands right now, it’s been so long that I honestly don’t know whether I want to eat it or not. And there’s only one way to answer that question… to try it out and see what happens.
I can’t really give you insight on powders ’cause, really, I’ve never had them. I had a few scoops, but then I realized I was lactose intolerant and the container I bought was whey sooooo… HAHA! Yeh.
Obviously I label myself as a vegetarian. I’ve not really looked back to be honest. I was never a huge ‘meat’ person. I never really craved it save fried chicken or something, or maybe a burger. I can fry up veggies or tofu and obviously I can have a veg burger 😉 So, meh. For me I just don’t crave it all too much.
BUT! I’m a firm believer that everyone should do what’s right for their body. If you’re not abstaining for meat for whatever reason other than you’re not sure if you’re craving it, I’d say go for it! Try a bit and see if it works for you. If it doesn’t, no big, yeh?
I find that nut butter keeps me plenty satisfied. I’m like you- carbs and fats all the way. That’s what seems to keep me going and keep me satisfied. Almond butter’s pretty crazy in the protein department, too! And I’ll usually add some tofu into the mix if I’m craving something savory, or hummus. But tofu almost fills me up TOO much. Strange.
Oh, and I think I read somewhere that cravings are learned, so if you haven’t had it in a while your body probably doesn’t remember! But then again, don’t trust the internet. Hah.
<3 <3 <3 <3
Aww your blog is private now 🙁 that’s f***** up, I really enjoyed reading it
I am VERY familiar with this feeling! When I was refeeding, even though I still ate meat, I wasn’t eating enough. I would fill up on beans, yoghurt, soy milk, tofu and yet the hunger wouldn’t go away! I remember this one day where nothing I ate could fill the void. Absolutely nothing. For dinner that night we were having homemade beef burgers and it wasn’t until I had finished that meal that all of a sudden my tummy was happy. I no longer felt the need to raid the cupboards and see what I could find. I was actually satisfied.
At the time I had NO idea that I was craving red meat so badly. But you’ve got to experiment to find these things out.
If you try meat and you find that it didn’t help, there’s no harm done. But if you never try, you’ll never know.
xxx
i haven’t eaten meat in 10 years because i never liked it, so i just never even think to eat it. but maybe if you did enjoy it trying it wouldn’t be the worst thing. even though i’m a pretty strict vegetarian i don’t think you should deny your body anything you want / enjoy. i simply don’t enjoy / want meat so i never eat it. but you really won’t loose anything by trying. i’m curious to see the outcome..i don’t even remember what meat feels like goin’ down! goodluck!
wow!! i think its awesome you are opening up to this girlfrand! protein powders NEVER fill me up- i find myself wanting actual meat in order to feel satisfied. i would honestly never feel satisfied if i didnt eat meat- and my energy level improves drastically, especially when i eat lean red meat! i think its worth a try.. why not?!
Interesting topic! i actually was wondering some of the same things, is protein powder a good a source as a piece of meat? I eat mostly veggie, but sometimes crave fish or turkey and have it, though its been a while, and I have been feelin a little funny/peckish/never satisfied so im going to try to have at least 3 servings of meat a week.
so im a vegetarian but i understand where youre coming from and i think it stems from something deeper. reading your blog (which i love 🙂 ) i see that you work out and lift a LOT which means that even though you seem to be getting a lot of protein theres still a good chance you might not be. protein powders just aren’t as filling in my opinion but i think thats more mental than anything else. i would try some meat alternatives first and see if that helps. when im really craving meat other forms of protein just wont do. i have to have some chik’n or a juicy veggie burger (they make some good kinds) or other types of meatless meats! you may also want to see someone because it could be more of an iron or B12 deficiency since those are lacking in veggie diets
I think you should definitely go for it, if you feel like you’re missing something! Just start out with the meat you feel most comfortable with and go from there.
I actually just recently went the opposite direction and am eating a vegetarian/vegan-ish diet and it’s feeling amazing for me so far, but I think if I ever craved fish I’d eat it again. But I don’t really crave meats ever, which is why I’ve cut them out. I think I could be pescetarian because I do like some seafood, but all other meats just don’t appeal to me anymore and I feel a lot better without them. And I just love vegetarian and vegan dishes a lot, so that’s also why I chose to eat this way. But I think listening to your body is very important!
Amanda, just do what you think is right given YOUR circumstances. You are a smart girl and know what to do. Don’t worry about others so much, their judgements are not important. You are the one living your life, so why be a slave to others’ opinion? 🙂 you deserve better than that. You’ve come so far and you can totally go farther w recovery! With whatever decision you make, I’ll stand right behind u and I will think no less of you… Lots of love from aussieland!
I can totally relate to this at the moment and will be writing a post about it soon. Im snacking like crazy and even when I’m full. Ice been eating a little more lighter recently and feeling much better for it. Fingers crossed that I get back on track soon.
I agree that you should try eating meat. It sounds like your body is asking for it. And you’ll never know until you try, right? There’s nothing to be skeeved out about!
I think some excellent points were made in these comments! I don’t see the harm in trying meat. Really, the worst that could happen is you don’t like it and don’t have to eat it again. I rarely crave meat, but eat it when I’m with my meat loving family or when it sounds good and I’m totally down with seafood, and by that I mean shrimp mostly 😛 I hate that unsatisfied feeling and while I love to eat, feeling like you need a snack every hour gets kind of annoying and old real fast. I really hope you figure out what your body is asking for 🙂
Personally I feel that yes, anyone can follow a vegan or nearly vegan diet. Do you know the name for the disease caused by lack of protein?? I don’t either, because I only read the name of it in John Robbin’s book, in which he was making a point that we don’t suffer from those diseases!!! I eat seeds, nuts, some tempeh & tofu, some whole grain pasta, lots of greens, etc…Basically, even if you only at potatoes, you would get your protein fix, it just wouldn’t be varied!! I think I was born this way though-as I totally see zero difference between my dog and a pig and a chicken and a cow. I would NEVER consider eating my dog!!!! Or even my bipolar siamese cat-she would be really bony anyway and since she is bipolar would probably give me some sort of freaky mean cat disease!!!!! But a REALLY great site for actual nutritional info from peer reviewed studies is nutritionfacts.org.
And the BEST vegan book for that is Becoming Vegan by Brenda Davis-she is a totally MAINSTREAM dietician yet vegan-she also has a book “Becoming Raw” which is hands down the BEST book on raw nutrition-even addressing hijiki and arsenic!!!! Pah’s, AGE’s all of it!!! I feel great on my vegan diet and have never regretted it-but I love animals. And it’s inherent in my nature to just not be able to see why one is a pet and another “food”. Now I would be vegan for health reasons alone. I have been veggie for 30 years+ and Vegan for nearly 15 I think now!!
I was a vegetarian for 10 years (11-21). The main reason I brought meat back into my life was becuase I hated the feeling of being left out. It was easy to cook vegetarian when I was in my own kitchen but when I ate at friend’s homes or in foreign countries, I often felt like I was inconvenincing people. And that I was missing some amazing food! Now I eat meat, but I still enjoy meat free days and tofu and all of the other vegetarian foods I love. I would say to do what feels right for your body. And don’t feel like you failed because you start eating meat. Just a warning to take it slow because it will take your body awhile to adjust.
I’m not sure if you read some of my first posts on “Coffee and Hope”, but I’m going to link you to two of them.
This is the first one, when I decided that after 6 years I was going to start including meat back into my diet. Not a lot of it, and not all the time…but just including it in the rotation:
http://coffeeandhope.wordpress.com/2010/01/12/6-years-ago/
Then I started including it, and about a week later I wrote this:
“An update regarding my meat eating.
I really really think this was a good decision on my part. My body feels better, my brain feels better, and I really don’t feel that desire to eat even though I’m full, any more. I think my body was deprived of the nutrients and vitamins that meat has to offer, that it was craving it in some form or another. I’m not saying this would happen to every vegetarian, but I can honestly say that I was not properly balancing my diet as a vegetarian, and by including meat (only animals that are smaller than me. ie no cows or pigs) I am able to more easily provide my body with what it needs. Especially in dining halls here at the U of Conn.”
(which can be found in this post: http://coffeeandhope.wordpress.com/2010/01/18/livin-the-dorm-life/)
Now, when I do eat meat (which honestly isn’t very much) I try to make sure it’s organic. When I go out to eat I almost always order either chicken or shrimp, but stick to mainly a vegetarian diet at home. But I’ll be honest, if I want a turkey sandwich from a cafe I’m damn well going to have one.
It’s a tough decision, and it’s COMPLETELY up to you. But this is just my experience =)
Thank you for sharing Laura 🙂
I stopped eating red meat in the 4th grade and haven’t looked back since. My teacher told me what was in a hot dog, I stopped eating it, 2 years later I tried to eat it again and my tummy was not havin it. However, I DO still eat chicken, turkey, and fish– they never seemed to bother my tummy.
I would definitely vote for bringing at least chicken and turkey into your meals! They can be quite delicious if you know how to prep them 😀
I agree with Brittany. It has been the same with me. Although there is the rare occasion when I eat pork (I’m not going to pick the bacon out of the cabbage roll my grandmother slaved over), I pretty much stick to poultry and salmon. But from the sounds of your post, your body is craving something else. If you’re body is sending you (somewhat vague) messages, maybe give it a shot?(I know some people have already suggested this). If the meat doesn’t make you feel better, you can always revert back to vegetarianism.
Just my two cents 🙂
I can relate. I actually went back to eating chicken for about a year after 4 years of not eating any meat. But then I stopped eating it again (I read skinny bitch and just got too skeeved out by tendons, sketchy meat etc) and am full veg again. I’d listen to your body and just try and see what works for you, and not worry about labels (I hate it when people “Call people out” for eating eggs but being vegetarian, or things like that). Sometimes when I feel way too snacky I just go with it, and my body readjusts, but sometimes adding more beans, tempeh, and the ‘heavier’ vegetarian proteins really helps. Soba noodles & tempeh, quinoa & beans – I find these meals really satisfying!
I was vegetarian for a number of years. Previously I was never a big meat fiend, could easily forgo it in favor of starchy foods, fruits, and veggies. But I decided to take the plunge and began eating small amounts of fish. When this did not help I added in turkey breast and I feel so satisfied. And much stronger! I still would choose other foods over meat but a little bit goes a long way.
Protein powders probably can satisfy the protein needs of your body (although you still need to get the micronutrients from somewhere else) but they can’t do anything for satisfying cravings. If your brain says “meat”, it won’t be satisfied until it gets it no matter how much other stuff you eat. Even though I am not a vegetarian, I experience the same problem sometimes. It doesn’t happen only with meat. When I stop eating something for a while I notice how at some point even the most delicious foods aren’t satisfying anymore because all I need is the only thing I can’t have. Give meat a second chance. Maybe it will make you happier.
I don’t eat meat besides fish. Then I eat tofu, but in general I have a high protein diet. I like protein the most.
When weight lifting, you do need more protein. Lean meats may help you. If you believe meat is the answer, give it a shot. I also eat fake meat. It’s good too.
Not all protein sources are created equal – they all differ in which of the 9 essential amino acids they contain. It’s a “perfect” protein source if it has all 9 (quinoa does, and so does eggs), but a lot of protein sources are incomplete – so its possible you could be missing out on a vegetarian diet.
But, gram for gram, it IS possible to get adequate protein without eating meat. It’s not the protein you miss – it’s other nutrients, namely iron (only found in low amounts in plant sources) and Vitamin b12 (found ONLY in animal sources).
I don’t know whether you take B-12 ( I do, because I eat meat pretty infrequently – it’s really helped my energy levels and digestion because it’s main function in the body is as a cofactor for enzymes that allow for metabolism of food), but that COULD be a good place to start if you’re not sure about re-introducing meat.
But to be honest, earlier this month I decided to go vegetarian for animal rights reasons…and I started feeling a lot worse. I was never satisfied with what I ate, everything I cooked just seemed…empty and unappetizing, and like it was missing something. I’d be hungry an hour later. Then, after five days, I was craving meat -well, chicken, since I never really eat beef – and I’m a firm believe that if your body craves something, it’s because it needs it! (or needs something you’re not giving it). I’ve been eating chicken and/or turkey at least once a day since, and I feel much better. I still hate what’s done to animals in the meat industry, but I think my body’s trying to tell me something…so I’m working grass fed/free range animal products into my budget.
I think you should definitely at least give it a shot! If after two weeks the problem’s not solved, no need to continue! Beef I think would be a shock to your system haha, but chicken and turkey are a great starting point! 🙂
I’ve been taking a B12 supplement for a few years now, so it’s probably not that. And I’d definitely start on chicken and turkey. I’ve never been a big fan of red meat anyways.
I think it’s important to do what your body is asking for. What could it hurt? Were you a vegetarian for ethics? Or just out of habit?
And of course there’s organic and free range meats, which are always a good step.
I personally want to go Vegetarian, but my parents aren’t supportive, and I feel horrible for it sometimes. But I know I’d have a very hard time giving up chicken and turkey.
I’d be interested to see what you decide to do. I wish you the very best either way 🙂
I would probably say that my decision to go vegetarian in the first place came down to my eating disorder more than it did to ethics. And then after eating that way for so long, it just kind of became a habit.
Since you did eat meat before your Eating Disorder and your Eating Disorder has guided you in the way of vegetarianism, I think that this is still a lasting effect your Eating Disorder has left on you. I think you should try eating meat again. Show ED who is boss 🙂 .
I was a vegetarian for 4 years… and the first time I ate meat again was the first time I had felt full. Like.. seriously full. Brick in the stomach full. I typically follow a vegetarian diet, but whenever I find myself getting increasingly snacky, I get some chicken or fish. It fills me up so well. Eating meat again is a decision I’ve never regretted.
I was vegan for a bit and vegetarian for about 4-5 years and just recently started eating chicken again… I could tell I was seriously craving chicken (which was abnormal!) after I did even a little bit of lifting (which honestly could partly have been mental, but that’s okay). While I still have my super-snacky days (like today!) I do think that eating real animal protein helped me with some of my cravings. ultimately I think you should try it a bit and see if it works for you! It did for me. 🙂
<3
n
If meat is what you think your body needs, then go for it. 🙂
You might as well try it, because if you don’t you’ll never know!
You do have a lot of protein sources tho, do you think you are getting enough iron?
Iron is something that I was wondering about too. I do eat foods that are pretty good iron sources, but is it enough? I have no idea. The last time I got my blood tested, my iron levels were fine… so I guess I’m okay?
Hmm, I think it doesn’t hurt to give it a go, if it doesn’t make you feel better, so what… you tried it! 🙂
Otherwise, just make sure you’re getting all the right amino acids from other sources and it shouldn’t matter (which I’m sure you do anyway with all the nuts / seeds / eggs etc)
I think you needd to do whats best for your body. If that means feeding it meat, then feed it meat. I’m not a “preachy” vegetarian – I think you should do what’s best for you!