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.
The chicken blog…..lol 🙂
I applaud you for making the decision that’s right for YOU. I’m experimenting with strict veganism right now, and though I’ve gotten comments from other people, I want to figure out what makes me feel my best. We’re all different, with different lifestyles, different dietary needs, different bodies, different…everything!! It’s useless to try to please others with our diets, or conform to a lifestyle that doesn’t suit our own needs. I look forward to seeing more of your quasitarian eats, no matter what they include- as long as you never give up the Gina lingo, pupper and Pilot talk, and macaroon-making 🙂 This must have been a difficult post to write, so congrats for being so brave, love!! xo
Girl, you are SUCH an inspiration to me. I can see now why this blog was so hard for you to write but I commend you for staying true to yourself. I have struggled with eating what my family eats. Maybe its time for me to find my own way. Thank you again for being so inspiring.
You are such a suck-up. Blah!
Wow – I thought Gina blocked you from her blog? GO AWAY! Take your negativity outta here!
hi again, cheryl. comments that disagree with me are totally cool. negative random attacks to fellow commenters are not. your garbage will now be going in the spam folder, where it belongs
BRAVO GINA!!!!
As long as you still keep up the delicious vegan and vegetarian recipes, I’m all for you doing you. I think eating is an extremely personal choice, and I’d never judge you (and truly hope others don’t either!) for doing what’s best for you and your body.
As long as you still keep up the delicious vegan and vegetarian recipes, I’m all for you doing you. I think eating is an extremely personal choice, and I’d never judge you (and truly hope others don’t either!) for doing what’s best for you and your body.
Can I just tell you something? Lately, I’ve been thinking the exact same thing!! I’m sick of using protein powder to get enough for lifting, but I haven’t taken the plunge yet. Keep us updated! (especially on how you feel, brain fog, stomach etc) <3
congrats on doing what you need to do for YOU. not that you really need to justify your decision to chicken, you laid out all the facts of your situation and explained this difficult decision really well. if anyone has a problem with it after your explanation, they’re crazy! i hope you continue to share yummy vegan and vegetarian recipes, but now can we get some yummy chicken ones too?! you know, for us fellow poultry eaters?
of course 🙂
Hi Gina! Sounds like you made a really tough decision. Kudos to you for staying strong and blogging about these struggles. It helps so many people.
I totally believe that every body is different- do what you need to do to make yourself feel your best. Thanks for showing us that it’s ok to change your mind sometimes.
I had the same thing happen to me! I hadn’t eaten any meat (including fish) for 9 years. I am now eating chicken and fish (no pork or red meat though) and I am loving it!! Good for you for doing what is right for your body!!
i love that you’re taking this step…it’s obviously required a lot of time and thought and i feel like you’re taking the right step for you. and i love that you say we all need to do our own thing…couldn’t be any closer to the truth!
Great post! No one should judge you for your eating habits. Never.
I hope you start feeling great again. Happy new year- you deserve it!
This is the second blog I’ve read in a month about vegan/vegetarian’s finding that nothing could supplement their diet like animal proteins. It’s incredibly interesting to me. I do think our bodies are intended to eat meat, and that nothing can replace the nutrients and protein in animal meat. I just think that factory farming has taken meat so far away from it’s natural beginning that what we’re consuming these days is shit, to be blunt.
I would also look into local farms for your chicken. Local, small farmers often have much better practice for their meats and things are much fresher than frozen meats shipped across the country! Also, you’re supporting their farms and it’s a much greener way to get your meats 🙂
you’re totally right and i’m going to start researching local farms this week
There is a farm in Seattle that has an egg/chicken CSA program…I thought it was a cool idea, but I wouldn’t want to cook a whole chicken every week;) Anywho…it seems like a lot of farms are directly selling their product to the consumer now-a-days, which is great!
Good for you! I challenge anyone to hate on that post. Well not actually a direct challenge…hehee 🙂
XOXOOXO
Sara
okay, my comment will probably be the lamest of all, but all i was thinking when i was reading this post was that if someone has a problem with you eating a freakin’ chicken breast then they need to find some new things in life to worry about. like you said, it’s YOUR body and YOUR health. a beautiful post from a beautiful girl!
your comments are never lame 🙂 thank you friend!
Amen PBF!
I was a militant vegan for several years. I thought about starting to eat some animal protein again for over a year and every time would think, “no, I don’t do that.” But then I did. I had tried everything else under the sun and it wasn’t working. Just eating a little bit of chicken a couple of times per month, along with maybe some eggs or cheese here and there, has made such a huge difference for me. It seems like we’re seeing more stories like this lately. I wonder what the deal is? I went from thinking, “vegan diet is the healthiest diet you could possibly eat,” to “maybe a plant based diet along with just a little animal protein works better for me.”
good for you!
ps. congrats to the winner, my new years resolution is to taste your famous macaroons by the end of 2011 haha 😛
Great post – love your honesty. Just wondering, do you know your bloodtype? I’ve heard a lot about blood type indicating what type of diet we should follow. Do you agree? I’ve also been reading Mark’s Daily Apple a lot and what he says about meat seems to make sense. I’m no expert, though. As always, you are an inspiration!
i have no idea what my blood type is… probably something i should find out.
I’m not Gina, but I did some research on the blood type diet for a paper on “fad diets” and I wouldn’t recommend following it.
this is a beautiful post Gina! THANK YOU for sharing and for standing up to take care of you!!
I’m furious.
I really wanted those macaroons.
🙂
You’ve always got a friend in me.
this made me LAUGH. <3 I wanted macaroons too! Mutiny on G's blog until we all get macaroons!
Tough decision, but congrats on making one!
This is your decision and your body! I dont know why anyone would be pissed that YOU made YOUR decision! I am a high raw vegan and right now that is working for me, maybe in 10 years it wont (though i hope it will…) but we all have to do what is right for our body!
This post is such an incredible inspiration! Being healthy is definitely about finding what works for you! Thank you so much for writing such an honest post!
Like so many other comments, I went through this very same thing. I commend you for having the courage to write about your new decision! I also think this will be a step in the right direction nutrient wise. Keep it up!
I felt the same dilemma, but I’ve found my body needs protein as well – my iron levels dropped WAY low and my other vitamin levels were pretty low as well. Now I just make sure I choose ethically raised, preferably local, meats. You’ve got to give your body what it needs; kudos to you for taking this step.
Yeah girlfriend! I am all about organic, free-range meat/poultry in my diet…I have tried both vegan and vegetarian styles of eating and I just can’t do it. I don’t eat animal protein every day, but it’s definitely beneficial (esp if you work out a lot) and tasty a few days a week.
gina, i’m shocked! only b/c if you’re not getting the nutrition you need w/ your incredibly healthy diet -well, that really says something!
i was always under the impression that legumes & veggies & whole grains was all that any person needed. i trust you & i know from your blog that you’ve been really conscientious about food – if despite all that, you’re feeling better w/ chicken, then it makes me rething my own convictions about vegetarianism.
thanks for being so honest about what you’ve been going through.
one small question – were you eating beans/lentils regularly? i think you were from your posts.
i ate beans regularly, even though they upset my stomach.
what wasn’t enough for me might be more than enough for other people- we’re all different
I have a friend who is cutting out beans because he says that they can bother people with gluten sensitivities, which he has. I personally can’t live without beans (and they don’t bother my tummy) but since you don’t do well with gluten, maybe that’s why they were bothering you….
interesting- that could very well be the case
You are such a strong person! It is so wonderful that you listen to your body and what your instincts tell you to do. I have learned to do that the hard way myself. I also understand where you are coming from with people being so harsh about your diet choices. I have a really hard time with my family because we are mostly raw and gluten free, they don’t try to hide that they think we are the biggest weirdos on the planet. I don’t think anyone should have to put up with that, especially from family. I hope you get lots of support no matter what you decide to eat~ it is definitely a personal decision! Side note: Have you read the “G Free Diet”? Most of the symptoms you have described were listed in that book as long term effects of celiac disease. I have been through that myself and just recently in fact. Anyway, I know you are on top of things! Have a great day!
I can definitely relate to this! I’ve been eating chicken once a month or so when my body is telling me it is craving it. The other times I eat completely veg with some fish thrown in there. I applaud you for your honesty and truly listening to your body. You are such an inspiration for us all.
Your body tells you what it needs, so good for you! I just read an article about the fine print on chicken packages… be careful and make sure the fine print does NOT say ‘includes up to xyz% chicken broth’… or something to that effect. Apparently even the 100% natural etc. chicken can be injected with liquid that contains very high amounts of sodium…it was something like 500mg versus the normal 40 mg in a regular piece of chicken breast. You probably already know about this, but I was shocked when I read that in Cooking Light over the weekend! Ew! I will definitely be more careful and read all the small print on my chicken packages from now on!!!
You’ve gotta do what’s right for you. Good luck and I hope you start feeling better!
What a great surprise!!!!! Now u love your blog even more:)
good for you, babe! sometimes the body just wants what it wants! like i wanted to go vegetarian, but a lot of foods that aren’t made with meat are made with soy which affected my body SO much because of my thyroid problems. i was tired a lot, etc. now i’m back eating lean poultry and feeling AWESOME.
xo.
I’m really proud of you for not letting anything get in your way and eating the way you want to eat. Chicken sounds like a great addition to your diet, especially since you will be purchasing organic chicken. Around here we have these programs where you can order chicken from farms with names in the area, and the chicken is not only organic but raised humanely etc. Look out for that in your area!
I really admire how in tune you are to what your body needs! A similar thing happened to me last year: I had been a vegetarian for four years, but I keep feeling like something was missing–I didn’t have a lot of energy, and no matter what I did, I kept gaining weight- It turns out I wasn’t a very healthy vegetarian, but as soon as I started incorporating meat back into my diet I felt better. I’ll never go back– I think my body just needs that kind of lean protein and fat to thrive. It’s hard to go back to eating meat after have such a moral issue with it for years– I try to eat only humanely raised meat– grass fed beef and pastured chickens– so I can feel a little better about the lives these animals lived before they became fuel for me
“I’m going to be true to myself” What an awesome way to end a superb post. If only other people (including me) would feel this way. What works for you is what works for you, it doesn’t mean it’s for everyone else out there. You have researched, and through trial and tribulation are coming to a healthy lifestyle for you. I also agree with Julie @peanutbutterfingers, as I follow the both of you religiously. If they have a problem with you eating an organic free range chicken breast, wow they need a life. LOL Keep up the inspirational posts and your wonderful personality (love the puppers) and I hope to one day taste those maccaroons.
So proud of you, friend, for doing what’s right for you and your body!
Thanks for sharing your story and being honest with your audience…because you could have “chickened out” and ate poultry in secret! (Lame attempt at being funny!) Your blog is real and helps many of us everyday! keep up the awesome posts!!!
hahah!
i would never hide something like that from you guys 🙂
I agree that you need to do what’s right for you, what your body needs, etc. and I admire your constant desire to improve your health and find what is right for you. That being said, I highly, HIGHLY suggest that you read The China Study by T. Colin Campbell. Although it is only a book and should not be used as the sole basis of your diet and lifestyle, the empirical evidence provided in that book is overwhelming and could provide you with some very startling insights. At the very least, it would hopefully provide you with a different perspective.
i’ve read it- it’s an extremely well-written and informative book. after having read it, along with numerous articles and books supporting a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, i still made the decision to eat chicken again
Yea, me too.
Good for you G!
Of course I’m angry!
I wanted those macaroons. *sniff*
G$, you do what’s right for you. Healthy body = healthy mind. I’m sure you’ll feel better in no time. Although I’m a vegetarian and I love it, I don’t ever judge those who choose to eat animal protein – especially when it’s a bit kinder (ex: free-range, organic, etc). I’d check out some local farms if I were you – then you can vet the conditions the animals are living in, what they feed them, what humane practices are put into place, etc.
yeah, chicken!!!!! Welcome back to the dark side…we’ve missed you.
LOL! when are you coming to tucson for a chicken party?
Go Gina 🙂
You go girl! You have to do what is best for you! Your awesome Gina 🙂
Gina I am so happy for you that you are doing what works for YOU! And having the courage to blog about it. I have seen lots of ladies recently declare they arent vegan anymore and the backlash against them was horrible and so I commend you for not only honoring your body but also for blogging about it, b/c you could have easily just done it anyway, but never blog about it. We all can do that with so many things but to be upfront…is awesome.
I also think it’s smart not to put labels on yourself or pin yourself into a box and as we grow as bloggers, people, we realize sometimes the less labels, the better.
I am thrilled for you that you have come to this place of doing what you know you needed to do. And that you feel good about it all! 🙂
I think it’s great that you thought so much about the decision and I can tell that it’s right for you for right now.
I felt the same way when I was a vegetarian and eventually had to bring back the meat. I know some people CAN do it, but I wasn’t one of those people and feeling weird wasn’t worth it to me.
You need to do what’s best for you. No one can tell you how to eat! Good for you on making the best choices for your own body!
Girl. I recently had to go through the same thing. I was a vegetarian for a couple of years & vegan for 6 months. During that time, I came down with a pretty bad case of mono, lost all of my energy & a lot of muscle mass, & gained 10 lbs. I started working with a nutritionist about three months ago and she urged me to add some organic, free-range meat into my diet. It’s helped me start to feel healthy for the first time in a long time! It’s not always easy for me to eat meat (still kind of freaks me out) but it helps when I’m selective & try to know where my meat comes from. Very well written post!
The bottom line is that you have to do what is right for you. It’s kind of a bummer that you have to explain this decision and hope that people will not be upset.
Congrats – you have to do what is right for you and your body!