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 🙂
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Same thing happened to me! I was raw vegan and become very deficient. 🙁 Read “Vegetarian Myth” – it is very eye-opening book. Love & peace, Lil
I’ve been going through the same dilemma. I’ve been a vegetarian/pescatarian (I go through phases) since I was 21. I’m almost 25. I love animals, but I have never been as lean and muscular as I was when I ate meat and more dairy. Chilling on the dairy has helped my stomach, but meat was never a problem, physically. I was in denial, chalking my slight gain of lb/loss of muscle up to getting older, lifting less, drinking more (oh hey 21), not being as strict with my fat intake, etc. But deep down I know how mindful I am of it all. Last fall I ran 3 marathons and had been experiencing the same low-energy/fuzziness, significantly more than I had already been for a while. I experimented with supplements and protein powders BUT its NOT the same as REAL FOOD. I’m gearing up for Boston now, and I made the decision last week (ahem new year) to eat meat again. My boyfriend was thrilled. I went to WF and bought my first organic, free-range, non antibiotic filled chicken breast in 4 years. I too love(d) fish, but it can be expensive and dangerous to eat everyday. It’s all about what works for you, but as an ENDURANCE athlete, I’m skeptical that my body can achieve what I want it to without animal protein. I’m glad someone else has shared my similar “meaty dilemma.” (sorry for the long comment!)
What a great post. You will always have my support and admiration. Life is about balance, and you set a great example. Our bodies are so amazing. They give us these little clues when something might be out of balance and you were so smart to listen.
I’m so happy that you’ve been able to discover even more about what works best for you! You’re such an inspiration, and no one knows what’s better for you than YOU. Congratulations–go make some yummy chicken chili!
Do what works for you. I eat meat a couple of times a year (yes, organic; yes, local; but still meat) and do feel good. I also incorporated more dairy/eggs into my diet and noticed an immediate energy change. A vegan/vegetarian diet isn’t the “answer” for all people. Bravo.
I follow vegan, veggie and meat eating blogs… And I couldn’t care less! I don’t stop by because you eat beans 15 times a day, I’m here for you, your work out moves, your dogs, the Pilot’s guest posts, etc. I’m so happy that all the comments I’ve read through are being supportive. Frankly, with everything going on in your life right now (with the pilot being away, moving, etc), you need a little support! It’s only a matter of months before my boyfriend leaves again for training overseas so I feel for ya!
I admire you for having the courage to share this and I hope no one is rude about your choice. I was a vegetarian for three years and I started eating meat again when my doctor told me my protein level was dangerously low, so I understand the dilemmas you faced. My friends and family were very supportive of my decision and I hope your’s are the same!
So awesome that you’re figuring out whats best for your body and going with it! I too prefer not to label myself when it comes to my diet…even if I choose to eat in a way that would place me under a label, I may not stick to it 100% of the time!
“This isnt going to turn into a chicken blog” totally made me laugh 🙂 Have a great day Gina!
Oh Gina, what an honest and heart-felt post indeed. That’s such a big jump you took, I can understand as I’m vegetarian and t he thought of eating meat again is scary, but a right one for you! That’s so right that everybody’s different and what works nutritionally for some may not work for others. Just like everybody requires different calories for size, metabolism, activity level, etc.
Awesome and inspiring post, Gina! xx
Good for you! My diet is always evolving and I had to give up worrying about what I thought was right, as I didn’t want life passing me by whilst I sought out being as healthy as possible. Turns out what’s the cleanest way of eating isn’t right for me (or is maybe too clean for me right now!). I love to enjoy my food and point blank refuse to label my diet as anything, since some days I can be 100% raw/vegan and other days (especially when on vacation) I am totally not vegan and only semi raw. I’m at my best on beans at the moment which according to some ain’t an ideal food, but hey. As Julie (PB Fingers) says, there’s more to life than worrying about what we all eat every day 🙂
Every body is different. What works for some does not work for others. I’m glad you did the research and figured out what works for you. 🙂 Also, to reduce the mercury that your body absorbs from fish, use more cilantro! PLUS, not all fish absorb the same amount of mercury.
cilantro! so interesting. too bad it tastes like soap to me 🙂 i wish it didn’t!
good to know about the cilantro!
Great post! I was also vegan and vegetarian for several years and experienced the same stuff as you–fatigue, dizziness, foginess. It took me a LONG time, but I started eating fish again. And then I added meat back into my diet. I know how hard it is to do, but I feel MUCH better now, recover super quickly from workouts and my macronutrient ratios are excellent–roughly 30% protein, 30% fat, 30% carbs.
One thing I discovered in my return to meat eating is bison. So I thought I’d suggest it to you! By law, it must be grass fed and it usually comes from small family run ranches. Bison meat is a nutritional powerhouse with more protein per serving than chicken. It’s also extremely lean.
Best of luck with your foray into meat eating. I’m looking forward to your future posts on the topic!
Good for you, Gina! You have to do what’s right for yourself. I can see why you felt apprehensive about writing this post, as so many in the healthy living community are vegan / vegetarian… however there are many bloggers who aren’t, as well! It’s your choice. I applaud you for being open and candid about your thoughts surrounding this decision. You’re an inspiration to us all!
Good for you for following your gut instinct. Eating is an art, not a science, ya know?
One question- did you feel like you needed more protein in general, or specifically animal protein? I know you don’t eat much soy or cow’s dairy, which is where a lot of vegs can their protein.
I know this was a heartful decision for you, but sometimes I find the food blog community to be very trendy – it will be interesting to see if others feel inspired in reverting back to a meat-based lifestyle.
i felt like i needed animal protein. it’s what my heart has been telling me for a long time, and i listened. soy products are highly processed and hard for me to digest
Fantastic post Gina. I fully know that you truly do have to listen to your body. I do eat all meats-just not very often, especially red meats. But I have also felt that drag, like something wasn’t right. I’m trying to put more protein in my diet through protein shakes. Although this isn’t ideal in the least bit, I live in a sorority house where I’m not allowed to cook my own food. Therefore the chicken I would be eating is probably the least ethical chicken around 🙁
This was a great post, to which I can relate . I think I need to watch what I eat. I think I need more protein too, the only problem is, I don´t really like meat, I eat it couple of times per year, when I visit my parents, but I don?t like eat. Sorry for my english.
Gina,
Lovely post! You should definitely find out what blood type you are (good to know in general!). Your journey sounds similar to what I’ve been through and I’ve discovered animal protein (and no gluten) is tolerated best by my body (and soy, in careful moderation). If you are blood type O, you are “hunter and gatherer” sounds wierd, but basically, animal protein and dark greens are what your body needs. It’s very interesting! Welcome to the chicken club 🙂
I do love the idea of a “Chicken Blog” Don’t feel guilty about giving your body what it needs! I didn’t eat red meat for years and when I got pregnant, guess what I wanted to eat? I don’t think any of your readers will be upset to see a few chicken breasts or turkey cutlets on your blog.
Is pork a part of your eating plan now? Or just feathered meat? Because pulled pork is pretty awesome.
pulled pork is awesome, but i don’t think i can do the pork thing right now. pulled chicken is also delicious though
I actually made a pulled turkey with Christmas turkey leftovers and it was really tasty!
Great post! I’m actually going through the same dilemma and am going to start eating chicken again after about a year eating a mostly vegetarian diet.
I went through the same thing when I started adding fish to my diet. Vegan bodybuilding and athleticism is really hard, and it’s no wonder you were feeling wonky.
I hope that this new dietary change is good for you! You’ve inspired me to rethink my food choices too!
You rock! We all have to do whats right for our bodies and I think its fabulous that you are doing just that. Much love to you!
i was actually kind of hoping this would turn into a chicken blog…. i eat like 3 grilled breasts a day ..sometimes 5.
I just wanted to say this is probably my favorite post you’ve ever written.
I follow a lot of health blogs, a majority of them being vegetarian/vegan-focused. Sometimes reading these blogs every day unintentionally brainwashes me into feeling that the blogger’s eating style is the “right” one, and when I eat a turkey sub I’m somehow spitting in the face of all that is moral and right.
At the end of the day, you have to know YOUR body, give it what it needs to perform at its best, and most importantly — make YOU happy. Cheers to you for seeking alternatives, whole-heartedly educating yourself, and perfectly expressing your choice.
WELL DONE, YOU!
I really admire this post! It is very important to listen to your body.It sounds like you did a great deal of research and consulted many people before making this informed decision. Good for you!
Fantastic post Gina!
You know this is such a hard topic because there is so much pressure in the food and fitness blog world to be veg, vegan, raw, whatever, but when it comes down to it you have to make the decision that you believe is right for you. And yes, God created animals and they are wonderful and make the earth what it is, but God also created man and woman, and we were created in “HIS” image. I believe it is our first and foremost responsibility to care for the bodies that God has given us, and if that means eating animal protein than so be it.
I will never stop reading your blog because you always speak out and do what is correct for your body and this is so encouraging!
I think its great! You have to to what is best for your body. You have great reasons for doing it and explained it so well. Thanks for always being open & real! It’s so refreshing!
You have to do what is best for your body, regardless of what your readers think! I’m personally a happy flexitarian for several reasons. The foremost is that since I’ve had a past eating disorder, restricting food groups entirely can be pretty triggering for me. That being said, I’ve happily cut out much of the meat in my diet (and prior to decreasing my meat intake, I was eating white meat almost exclusively). However, if my body wants some animal protein (or if I think that the meal I’m making would really benefit from a little chicken or turkey) I eat it!
Ironically, boneless skinless chicken breast was what prompted me to explore the world of less to no meat (I went fully veg for a couple months) because I got SO sick of it! On a whim, I roasted a chicken one night and now I crave it every couple of weeks. I’ve learned that cooking chicken with the skin on and then just not eating the skin is a great way to retain moisture in your meat without adding calories! As for my technique, it’s the easiest ever.
I rinse the chicken, pat it dry with paper towels, sprinkle it with pepper and salt (dean and deluca’s truffle salt, by the way, is well worth the price because it lasts forever and is perfect on chicken and eggs) and roast it breast down in a cast iron skillet at 450 for 50 minutes. Then I devour it alongside a gigantic salad. 🙂
way to do whats right for you. love your blog and always will 🙂
This is an amazing post – I totally respect and understand your opinion. While I sometimes wish it were different, I also find that eating some meat is best for my body. You’re right, it’s easy to get caught up in labels and wanting to do what’s right for others or the world, but you also need to factor in what’s right for you. Everyone is different, that’s the beauty of human nature. THANK YOU for being so honest – you are so inspirational to me.
Gina I think it is very healthy to listen to your body and not label yourself or keep yourself into a way of eating that wasn’t right for your body at this time. I do nutritional/supplement consulting and am amazed at how different we all are and the they main thing I try and teach my clients is to listen to their body. As with food, your supplement needs also change as you age or go through different stages in life so pay attention to how you feel on those too. It has been a fun journey to become a student of my body, it never gets boring!
You *have* to do what is right for you and your body! Good for you!
Ugh I am so disappointed. Not in you, of course! But I’m a committed vegetarian, and I think I’ve had some of the same issues as you. Fogginess, dizziness, lethargy, and a bit of weight gain. Now, I have to be honest and say my diet completely blows and I never exercise so I wonder if the problems would be solved by putting down the Mike and Ikes and eating more greens and getting my behind up off the couch and moving. (Umm yes they would be.) But your experience is something I’ll keep in the back of my mind. Thanks for sharing with us!
I LOVE this! I went through the same thing- gave up meat, enjoyed it and then started FIENDING for chicken, feeling run down, and not being able to work out to full intensity. I went back to chicken, and feel SO much better. The most important part of being healthy is listening to your body. Good for you! PS. I kind of want that chicken recipe, it looks awesome…
Do you have any idea how much meat americans eat? We who only eat a little meat are not the ones who should feel bad about their eating habbits 😀
I think it’s great that you’re doing what’s best for your body. That’s what it’s all about!
Have you checked out Whole Foods for chicken yet? They recently implemented a five step rating program that let’s you select your meat based on how humanely the animals were raised! This is their level five chicken: http://maryschickens.com/
Interesting post. I don’t think you ever need to justify anything you’re eating, but that could just be my opinion.
After 5 years, I have decided to start eating fish again. Doing that has infinitely made dining easier and puts less pressure on me, in a way. That said, I still don’t have it very often and save it for “special occassions.” My boyfriend had encouraged me to start this for over a year and I finally can see why. No longer do I feel as “strange,” and I know I have another protein source.
Good for you Gina – brave of you to post this! I am not a vegetarian because I believe that our bodies need nutrition from all of the food groups, including meat. As long as meat is humanely raised I see no problem purchasing and consuming it. If you feel better, you must be doing something right!!
Love this post, love your honesty and I love that you are feeling better having made this decision (physically and mentally, probably). I just started eating more of a variety of meats (sparingly, however) after not eating much animal protein at all for 7 years. I understand how you feel, I felt that my body just needed it and after so long, it actually sounded appetizing to me. Hooray for listening to our bodies!
Hi Gina! As a vegetarian, I will admit to feeling a teensy bit sad for like a millisecond..then I snapped myself out of it because A) You have to fuel yourself the way you feel is right and B) I really respect that you listened to your body and made the right decision for YOU, not anybody else. The way your blog constantly evolves, all with you being in tune with yourself, is one of the reasons this is my absolute favorite blog to read, hands down. You are awesome for being so honest and real =)
I think it’s great you’re listening to your body! I was a vegetarian, borderline-vegan for nearly 5 years, along with my husband– then in 2009, right before our wedding, we decided we missed meat and didn’t want vegetarian labels anymore! It was the best decision we’ve ever made.
I enjoy high-quality animal protein when I have the desire for it, but still feast on plenty of veggie-based dishes daily. It’s a great way to live!! 😀
Hi Gina! First, kudos to you on a thoughtful, honest post. I haven’t read through all the comments, but I would hope that there aren’t any nasty ones. You clearly made this decision with a lot of thought. Since I’ve discovered your blog, I’ve always been impressed that you kind of define yourself on your own terms.
I transitioned to a vegan diet a little over a year ago after reading the book “Eating Animals” by Jonathan Safran Foer. It had a profound effect on me and I went ahead to read other books about factory farming, the environment and veganism. One of the most salient points that Foer makes in his book is that all too often, veganism or vegetarianism is presented as an all or nothing proposition, i.e. you are either vegan or you’re not. But, we would never say to someone “Are you an environmentalist, or not?” That is just ridiculous. So, why do that with regards to what we eat? He feels that the goal for our society is to have less of a dependence on animal products. Maybe not cut them out entirely – which is probably unrealistic – but lessen our use. I totally agree. It just so happens that I eat no meat, but I honestly feel that my own decision to eat the way I eat is not unlike someone else whose decision to eat meat is accompanied by knowing where the meat comes from, and making the choice thoughtfully.
I guess what I’m saying is your honesty and thoughtfulness here is really admirable. And, while i know the decision to eat chicken doesn’t sound like it was easy for you – you were already eating fish, eggs and and goat’s dairy. From an animal welfare standpoint, it sounds like you are very conscious about sourcing your animal protein – which is so important.
Lastly, I just want to say – that I really appreciate you saying that you are staying true to the things you like blogging about. I’m not sure if you were referring to another blogger who will remain nameless who, a couple of months ago, did an 180 from a very opinionated animal activist vegan to a very opinionated carnivore who relishes in tweeting about bacon! The difference is striking. One rings genuine and true and the other…well, let’s leave it at that.
Oh, and one more thing – there are two vegan dieticians – Ginny Messina and Jack Norris – they both have blogs – who I highly respect. Have you read their stuff? I’m not going to tell you to rethink your decision, but I wanted to let you know that they have both commented that there is no overwhelming evidence that a vegan diet is healthier than an omnivorous one, just by virtue of being vegan. It’s a much harder argument to make and some prominent vegan personalities really overstate this claim. And you are correct to note that different bodies require different things – some can thrive on a vegan or vegetarian diet.
Good luck to you and I’ll keep following along!
I totally commend you with your decision to change your eating habits & listening to your body’s needs!! I hope you’ll begin feeling much better very soon 😀
Good for you for listening to you needs and you body – kudos. Seems strange that people will give you a hard time for doing what is best for you. Take care!
As a vegetarian, I’ve also wondered about my protein intake. I’ve always thought that if I did ever start eating meat again it would be organic chicken.
Did you feel sick at all a while after eating the chicken? I once was served chinese food that must have had beef broth in it because just a few minutes after eating it my stomach started tying itself into knots! I’d be scared to eat meat again and feel that again!
The most important thing is you made a decision which works for you! Who cares what everyone else thinks? Eat the bird! 🙂 lol
Your body – your choice! Good girl.
Hey Gina! I know that must have been a hard decision for you and you are so brave to make such a big decision. Way to listen to your body! I hope the adjustment goes well for you. When I transition back to an animal protein diet after being vegetarian (I tend to go back and forth), my stomach hurts at first. I hope you start to feel more like your normal self with better levels and such! xoxo
I respect you for making this decision! I know it’s sort of hard for me, since so many healthy living bloggers eat little to no meat, and I know for my body (5’7″, moderately active, large bone structure, 115 lbs of pure lean body mass under 30 lbs of fat), I require a lot of protein to feel normal, active, and nourished, more than can sufficiently supplied from a 100% vegetarian diet without going overboard with total calories. It’s easy to compare, thinking that maybe the way I eat isn’t “healthy” or “respectable” or “the way it should be” in this field, but like you said, it’s up to each individual to discover what’s the best eating style for them. To add to the pressure, I feel a certain responsibility, like you, to eat responsibly-raised meat, if I eat it at all, and that can get pricey. It’s a balancing act I’ve not fully mastered, but I’m getting there.
This post is actually an encouragement for me. Thank you. 🙂
I read your blog all the time, but I’m a total lurker. I battle this same thing all the time. I’m much happier with a vegetarian diet, but my body doesn’t always react well. I went to holistic nutritionist and had my blood checked and both my doctor and nutritionist said I needed to increase the animal proteins in my diet. It wasn’t until I passed out in my yoga class and my yoga teacher told me to leave and get a steak that I started to incorporate more meat into my diet. I try to stick with organics, and only eat meat once a week to keep my body functioning properly while still sticking with the lifestyle I felt most comfortable, but I still sometimes feel like I have to justify not being a vegetarian (totally irrational, I know). Good for you for doing what’s right for your body!
I was a vegetarian for 9+ years and, like you, knew something was missing from my body. I struggled for more than a year on what to do. I know what I SHOULD do for my body but my heart fought it. I finally went to Whole Foods and found a locally raised, free range, piece of beef (I was to the point where I was actually craving it) and ate it. After the first few bites I knew I was doing the right thing for me. I do my very best to only eat free range, humanely-raised, local meat and chicken. My personal feeling now is, if we treat animals with compassion and raise them in such a way where they know they are loved and respected they are pretty darn happy.