Then it happened
Yes, that happened last night.
It’s the chicken that took me over a year building up to purchasing, seasoning, cooking, and then eating. I’ve been contemplating the above chicken breast for a year.
I know this is going to upset some people, some readers are going to love it, but before you form your opinion, please hear me out:
I’ve been lacking in the nutrient department. As a fitness professional, I’m very active, lift weights and workout often, and need a higher amount of protein (as well as the other macronutrients) to support my activity level. For the past two years +, I’ve done everything under the sun to try and make sure I was getting the nutrients I needed.
Ever since last summer, I’ve felt like my brain was in a fog. Some days I was dizzy (even though I was getting enough calories), other days I was so exhausted I spent the afternoon on the couch. I didn’t feel *right*. I thought that the way I was feeling had to be something else, since I had researched so much about nutrition and was convinced that my high-raw, quasitarian style of eating was giving me everything I needed.
Every year that my jeans got tighter, I brushed it off, even though I knew that it had nothing to do with my gym habits. I was helping the earth and feeding myself what I thought was the best food possible – if that meant gaining a few el bees, or my body fat % going up, I was cool with that.
Starting last winter, I had a series of blood tests to see what the dealio was and why I felt so wonky. All of my tests came back in the normal range, but my vitamin levels were low, even though I was a juicing and salad fanatic. My doctor was surprised when I told him my eating style (shocker) and suggested that I start taking a multi-vitamin and a B-complex immediately, which I did.
The thing is, our body isn’t intended to process chemicals. It’s more beneficial to get nutrients through actual food than through vitamins, which are only insurance to fill the gaps. Many people are excellent at getting the nutrients they need and feeling fulfilled from a vegetarian or vegan diet, but I’m not one of those people. After turning my meals into a science experiment (B12? Check. Protein? Check. Iron? Check), I’ve come to a realization that I need to have white meat back in my life. I’ve been eating fish, eggs and goat cheese this entire time, but it’s not possible (or healthy) to eat fish everyday (mercury levels, toxins) and eggs can only be tolerated so often. Protein powder is an excellent supplement, but I’ve been dependent on it for the bulk of my daily source of protein. By eating poultry, this will be a good way for me to get some variety in my life and get the vitamins I’ve been missing out on.
I’ve also realized that I WANT to eat chicken again. Even though I was thrilled with the way I was eating and the meals I was creating, I always felt like something was missing.
This was an extremely hard decision to make. I talked about this numerous times with the Pilot, with my homeopathic doc (who also urged me to eat more animal protein) and even had dreams about chicken.. I’ve been in a huge ethical dilemma with myself, but realized this is what needs to happen.
I love animals, I love the earth, but I also love myself, my body and need to take care of it.
I always tell you guys to follow your heart and do what you think is best for you. I’m not going to say it’s going to be like this forever (when I stopped eating meat, I had no idea how long it would last), and like before, I’m not labeling myself. I’m rolling with what feels right for me, and right now this feels right. I encourage all of you to do what you need to do, adapt your eating styles as you see *fit*, and now it’s time for me to do the same. I don’t ever want to influence you guys, and like I’ve said many times before, just because some silly blogger is doing something doesn’t mean you need to follow suit. The eating plan that’s best for you most likely isn’t one that you’ll find in a diet/nutrition/healthy living book or research article- it’s one that you create and discover for yourself.
So last night, I bought a pack of certified-organic free range chicken from Trader Joes. Just like I was making dinner for the Pilot, I prepared it with some of my favorite things: stuffed with goat cheese from the farmer’s market, sundried tomatoes, arugula and kalamata olives. I thought it might taste disgusting, I’d get sick and that would be the end of it. It was amazing. With the first bite, I felt a sense of relief wash over my body, and I knew that was what I had been needing all along. After eating, I felt pleasantly full and satisfied- my stomach didn’t hurt in the least bit.
A couple of notes:
–This isn’t going to turn into the chicken blog, especially since I don’t blog all of my eats. I’ll still be providing vegan, raw, gluten-free, vegetarian and occasional poultry-friendly recipes. Something for everyone 🙂 I like to think that the little blog is more fitness, recipe and shenanigan-focused than “here’s what I ate today”, so I don’t think that much will change.
-Family members, please don’t get too excited. I’m not going to eat just any ol’ chicken- unless it’s USDA certified organic free range, I’ll stick to my usual fish and veggie-ish eats 😉
–We’re lucky to be in the position where we can freely choose how to nourish our bodies. Many people around the world are not as fortunate and must eat the food that’s available to them, without questioning what it is—they’re just happy to eat. I’m so thankful to have the ability to fuel myself the way I’d like to. My eating habits are still a work in progress, but through this journey, here’s what’ I’ve learned:
With the right education, tools and planning, it can be easily to eat healthfully. It can be easy to be a vegetarian, be raw, be a vegan, be *insert label here*. Finding out what works best for you is the hardest part. Every body is different and how we choose to eat is a highly personal decision. It’s up to us to respect our nutrition preferences and take what we can learn from each other.
I know that a lot of you won’t agree with my choice, but it’s my educated, heart-driven decision and I would never be anything but upfront and real with you guys. I totally expect some mean-spirited comments, but this is who I am, and I’m going to be true to myself.
Hope you guys have a great day <3
Gina
Ps. Congrats to Annie, the macaroon and goodie package winner!
Please send me your info to fitnessista at gmail dot com 🙂 Thank you so much to all of you for entering- I LOVE reading about your goals 🙂
415 Comments
Leave a Comment
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
I’m totally with you! Over the summer, I made the switch back from 5 years of veganism, and it was one of the hardest decisions I have made in a very long time. But we each need to figure out what is right and healthy for our own bodies. Props for recognizing what you need and making that tough leap.
THANK YOU for this post and how you summed it up here – “I love animals, I love the earth, but I also love myself, my body and need to take care of it.”
I know I feel best eating some meat in my diet, yet sometimes I question it with so much discussion on vegan/vegetarian diets. We have to do what is best for our bodies and we can still be mindful by choosing quality sources for those foods.
Once again, thank you and I support you 100%!
Congrats on figuring out what’s best for you! Enjoy the chicken. The dish you made the other nights sounds delicious!
Hey girl! just know that you don’t have to feel like you justify yourself to ANYONE! Every choice you make is your own decision and impacts your own body! If this is what your body NEEDS then you have to listen to it!! Kudos to you for standing up for yourself but don’t feel bad about your decision! Although I am mostly vegetarian (cutting out most dairy) I still eat meat occasionally bcI DO feel like we were meant to eat animals (it’s just the way they are processed that make them that much more unhealthy and how MUCH our society eats of them). YOu’re doing great and keep us posted on how you are feeling with the new addition!
I think it’s okay. I’m pescatarian (not high raw, or low dairy) and used to be lacto-ovo, and going back to just fish was a hard decision for me, so I understand where you are coming from.
You followed the advice of your docs, which is important. Honestly, this post made me wonder if I should go back to chicken too. I’m not sure how to even figure that out.
Good luck on your new journey!
Excellent post, Gina. You clearly have been listening to your body and made the decision that is best for you. Kudos and thanks for sharing!
Your body. Your choice. Your health. YOU.
Love you…mi pollo pequeño y precioso.
love YOU friend <3 hope i get to see your beautiful face soon! let me know if you want to shenanigan in jax the weekend of the 29th
Good for you for deciding to do what’s right for your body!
Yay to you for figuring out what your body needs!! You go girl!!! 🙂
Congrats Annie!
Wow, big life change! Thank you for sharing your process in making this decision. I have to be honest: selfishly I’m excited for you to share some new chicken recipes with all of us!
Great post! I can definitely relate to this. I’ve been ‘pescatarian’ this past year, only eating the occasional fish. When Thanksgiving rolled around, I felt bad not eating my mom’s turkey, so I had some. And honestly.. it was GOOD! I felt guilty about it, but I need to eat what’s best for me. I’ve tried to avoid any type of label to how I eat, but it seems as though people pressure me for it.
I just recently started reading ‘Eating Animals’. Have you read it? I’d highly recommend it.. it’s been enlightening so far. And it may make you second-guess your ‘organic free-range only” policy, as that often means nothing.
And lastly.. I wish I won your macaroons. I am dyyiiing to try them. 🙂
I had a hard time going from vegan to eating meat again. But, like you, I felt like something was missing. I was DEPRESSED on my vegan diet even though I was making sure I got the nutrients my body needed, I was missing the REAL protein. I applaud you for taking this next step and doing what you need and want to do to make YOU happy. 🙂
I will ALWAYS be a reader of your blog!! <3 You bring positive joy to my days and for that I thank you. As a reader, I will support any decision you make!
Good for you is all I have to say. My ethics would have me a vegan but my body says otherwise. I spent a few years eating no animal products and was overweight and depressed. Not to mention all the health problems I developed. Once I started eating a balanced diet that included animal foods and more high quality fats, I felt so much better. Weight stabilized and feel great. Healthy problems went away. No one should critique you for making the choice to eat what feels right to you.
I’m sure this was tough for YOU to decide, but it shouldn’t be tough for anyone else to swallow (pun intended). We are each responsible for our own ‘eats’ and for politely educating those who are curious about why we eat what we eat – you’ve fulifilled your part. Enjoy your chicken, guilt free.
LOVE this… good for you!!!!! 🙂 I support you in whatever you do on your bloggie!!! .. I eat chicken and love it!! woohooooo! I’m glad you will be putting in recipes for that here…. AND all the other stuff (raw, gluten free) more is better!! yeehaw 😉
Thanks for the honest post, Gina. I’ve been meaning to write a “meat” post lately but I still have to get my ideas together. I stopped eating meat (still ate seafood) after watching Food Inc. It was when I got back to school, which made it much easier. When I got back home, I started to eat meat again in small amounts because I wanted to. I didn’t want to be restrictive in anyway. I started to feel guilty but then I realized it’s MY body and no one elses. My family was also thrilled. I love your bullet point to your fam. Anyways, just wanted to say I support you and your determination to do what’s right for your bod.
Not gonna lie, I’m really really shocked I didn’t win your roons. Between the mega millions lottery and now this, I just don’t know what to do with myself. I thought I had it!! 🙂
I started to feel guilty, too, when I began eating small amounts of meat. Then I realized how crazy that was… but still don’t always want to admit that yes, sometimes I eat a piece of chicken and it tastes GOOD.
Awesome post!!! Thanks for sharing this!!
Good for you! You didn’t need to post on the blog you were eating chicken, but you did, you are very courageous! I was vegan for 2 years. I felt great for most of it, but for the last 6 months I had very similar problems. My weight loss also took a massive nose dive, I was freezing all the thing and so tired! I started craving turkey. It’s all I could think about. The day I made a very heart felt decision to give in, I bought a whole turkey. I was wretching the whole time I cleaned and prepped it! Even though I had cooked meat for my family the whole time, my husband handled most of it. I actually did not eat one piece of it, after that day I slowly added meat back in. Thank you for sharing!
Do what you need to do Gina. Sounds like you have thought this through and are taking steps to be at your healthiest. I am personally a meat eater and I look forward to seeing more of your chicken-friendly meals. I felt similarly to how you described before I gave up gluten and now I feel back in business. I hope the same happens for you. BTW, after removing the scale from my life for the first time in 24 years and focusing on just being healthy (and by being inspired by you)… I’ve lost 15 lbs.
<3
I’m proud of you. You’ve gotta look out for YOUR health 100% and do what YOU think is best.
Gina!
Wow is all I have to say, this HIT HOME with me, I do not discuss personal things on the bloggie, like you dont either, and I have been having problems too these past months, I was feling dead inside, like all my energy was sucked out of me, was feeling dizzy, and tired alot too, so I got blood work done and everything came back ok, and I was recommended to start eating better, which I do, but yes there was the key, adding meat, because my body needs that kind of protein, it just wasnt getting it from my powders, and other sources, so I actually am eating chicken now too, I just started about 2 weeks ago, and honestly I can say its great! I but the hormone free and organic as well, Im all about that : ) so I just wanted to say thanks for posting this, and kudos to you girl! We are all different, so what works for some will not work for others! I just cant believe how similar we are, lol! Crazy! You sure we are not long lost sisters?! Love this post and love that you are always honest! Its the best quality to have , and a huge heart! Have a great day! xo
thanks girl! i owe ya an email, too- will get back to you today!
Yes I think so many of us vegs’ ahve this issue with energy and protein.. just goes to show you really resonate with a lot of people Gina and you are not alone in this! 🙂
Wow this was a refreshing post! Thanks. I’m in college and during finals this past semester all I wanted to eat was some grilled chicken – no clue why, but I was totally craving more protein. I feel like I’ve bulked up (ahem, “chubbed up”) as a result of eating too many carbs as a pescatarian. I, too, have been considering the addition of at least chicken into my diet again. I fear that socially it would be awkward to turn down people’s pork, lamb, steak, etc. though if I am not labeled “a vegetarian.” Hmm something to ponder!
….prenatal vitamin??
You can just say that you don’t eat red meat.
Your body, your life, your feelings, your choice, your everything! You need to do what’s right for you and not worry about what others may think. As always another meaningful and from-the-heart post.
i think this post is going to inspire SO many people– from meat eaters to vegans, because I think it helps us question our values and morals behind our food philosophies. You should be so proud of yourself for: contemplating and identifying your values, taking the steps to maximize your health (which IS most important), and for sharing it with the rest of us.
you inspire me. without question
Good for you for doing what was right for your body. You have to take care of yourself first.
I admire your transparency. Great post. Enjoy that protein, lady.
Girl – you gotta do what works for you! Love it!
It’s too bad to hear vegetarianism didnt work out for you and your body but I definitely think you make the right decision by putting yourself first. Veganism/vegetarianism are beautiful goals worth striving for but wr have to be able to sustain ourselves. I went vegan some months ago and I really hope I won’t run into something you had, it sounds really tough. Kudos on your honesty :)!
I’m in the same boat.. I’ve been a vegan for 10 months now, and I am so hesitant to go get my blood taken because I’m nervous what I will find out. I will be so disappointed if my health is not agreeing with my diet.. I know what a hard decision that must have been for you Gina… I admire and appreciate your honesty. I’m very glad to hear that you are only eating organic free range meat. I do hope that you find the diet that works for you, whatever it may be.
I read your blog every day but rarely comment. I felt compelled to comment today because I felt so strongly that you need to hear from each of us who support this decision! It is inspiring to see you making a choice that is right for your body and your health. I am also a big believer in the idea that there are no ‘bad’ foods or foods that should be off limits, so this refreshes me. I have to also second what Ali said, I’m excited to see an occasional chicken recipe!
Congrats!
What a fantastic post! Congratulations on taking the plunge and doing what feels right for you. You really seem to have both feet on the ground and are setting such a great example for everyone reading this. I also didn’t feel right without animal protein so I know where you’re coming from. Yay for (organic, free range) chicken!
You shouldn’t worry so much about what people might say! By buying organic, free range chicken you’re supporting farmers who care about their animals….humans have been eating meat since the beginning…it’s the treatment of the animals that’s questionable, not whether or not it’s okay to eat them!
I am so glad that you made an informed decision, Gina! I have been heavily influenced by eating habits of the food blogging world, and sometimes I wonder if what my decisions I make around food come from me or other people. I’m not saying you felt this pressure, but I think there are so many factors to eating a healthy diet and it is extremely personal!
I agree that some people tolerate the vegan/vegeterian diet well and some don’t. I’m mostly vegeterian, but once a week or so I get an actual craving for meat, and I roll with it. I think as long as it’s humanely grown and processed, and preferably local, eating meat in moderation can still be kind to the earth.
Way to go in doing what you need to do for you!! I found your blog about three months ago and you have been such an inspiration to me. Thank you for that. I am learning that I need to do what I need to do to be happy and healthy. I too take the time to really think things out and just made a big decision for me this week, after much thought, but know in my heart is the right thing for my body. Don’t ever let anybody make you second guess your choice for anything, especially when you know in your heart it is right for you. Here’s to a happy and healthy 2011!!
I have nothing but support and kind words for you!
Way to go!
There is no need to feel bad about your choice, its your life and your body, plus who needs labels? You eat what makes you feel good and what is right for yourself. It also helps eating free-range organic meats as well. I have cut my meat down an insane amount but i still eat it occasionally and i dont feel bad about it, neither should you.
If anyone has unkind words for you on this topic, just brush them off! I think most of the people that read your blog understand and support you in every way.
Thank you for sharing. I think this may help me a lot. Over the past year, I have transitioned to a very low animal protein diet. Recently, I have been feeling *blah*…low energy, moody, etc. despite paying close attention to maintaining a balanced diet. Perhaps a little extra “real protein” will do me some good. Thank you so much for your continued honesty.
There should be no reason for any mean-spirited comments! It’s your body and only you can decide what’s the best way to nourish yourself. You’ve brought nothing but positivity, honesty, and knowledge to your readers–and I, for one, am super appreciative! 🙂 Congratulations on making a decision that’s right for, in lieu of possible disagreement!
Great post Gina! I find it can be hard to do what’s right for us when there are so many different lifestyles that are promoted through the blog world and the media. At the end of the day, we need to take care of our own bodies, and you couldn’t have said it better!
Good for you. I think every single one of us can relate to working hard to find the proper balance for our diets between what is healthy for us, what tastes good, what’s affordable, etc. Sometimes it just takes a few changes to figure out what works. As our bodies develop, sometimes our dietary needs change. Thanks for once again showing us how to make informed decisions for our bodies.
Great post Gina, you need to do what’s right for your body and I applaud you for that. It’s all about health…you can still love animals and the planet, while nourishing your body.
Sounds like you did the best thing you could do—explore, learn, try, and make an informed decision that is best for you. Regardless of what the decision is, people could really learn from this!
What a wonderful post! I wrote a similar post on my blog too http://kaylisunshine.wordpress.com/2010/08/16/the-v-word/
You are SO right that what we choose to put into our bodies is a very personal decision. Some people don’t give their “fuel” any thought at all, but you did it the right way! Through research, trial and error, (and a little soul-searching) you found what works for you and you should be congratulated not criticized– poultry or not. The bloggers and readers in this community are so diverse (including eating habits) and that’s what makes this community so special. But we are connected through a common thread- we care about our health and want to treat our bodies in the best way possible which is what you are doing. And THAT is why I read your blog, not because of your specific eating habits 🙂
Thank you for always being honest and open. it is so inspiring! I am an endurance athlete and vegetarian for many years but recently began craving meat and I am a huge believer that we gotta listen to our bodies. so i started eating some chicken, just to see, and my body thanked me for it. we have to respect and listen to our bodies. thanks for always putting that out there on the blog!
🙂 it’s post like this that keep me coming back to your blog! Over the past couple of years I have struggled and struggled with different eating ways, raw, vegan and vegetarian! I would feel so guilty eating meat even though it was a family dinner and everyone was enjoying it so much. I just sat there thinking omg this is not right!!! I’ve learned that I feel so much better when we buy all organic meats and it taste a lot better. I don’t feel guilty any more b/c my body feels better and not so drained. I recently posted about how our bodies crave the foods it needs to function properly and obviously you needed some chicken in your life (dreams? really?) lol!! 🙂
gina, this is one awesome post. major congrats on listening to your body, making an informed decision that is right for YOU, and for sharing with all your readers. way to go!!!! 🙂
Awesome post! I struggle with eating chicken and fish because I love animals. But I have come to realize I need a little animal protien here and there too. I love your honesty!
Great post Gina. I really hope you don’t get mean comments about this–I used to have a blog too and mean comments can really shake you up, even if you feel completely good about and at ease with your blog post. I totally agree with being thankful and grateful that we can choose to nourish our bodies the way we want, and your recipes, involving meat or not, always inspire me, as your whole lifestyle does. I hope you enjoy your chicken and start feeling healthier!!
I find it amazing that more and more vegetarians and vegans are beginning to eat meat again, as a meat eater, I think that’s great!
I had been waffling with whether or not to try going vegetarian in August but while taking a nutrition class realized that I wasn’t doing it for the right reasons. I love meat, period.
I believe that it’s totally good for us as our bodies have been adapted to “process” it.
What our bodies aren’t used to are all the chemicals the animals are being pumped full with.
anyways…yay for you!
Gina this is seriously the best post you have ever written. I’m glad and so happy that you are doing exactly what your body needs. A lot of people get hung up on labels and any other reason when it comes to diet, forgetting that they only have one body and it knows what it needs better than what we *think* it needs. It takes a strong person to admit they need change and to follow through with that change.
GIT IT!!! The other day when you mentioned how you used to be more defined in your chicken-eating days, I had a feeling a change was coming. I thought, “Then you should eat some chicken!”
I admire you for your decision to eat meat again. We all go through cycles, and I completely respect that. You’ll end up helping people more than you know by making this decision.
I am very happy for you, friend. Your body’s health is the most important aspect of living a happy life.
Much love, Gina! xoxo <3