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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Gina, I almost fell off my chair when I read your post!
I’ve been run down for a long while, but the last 6 weeks I’ve been really ill with virus after virus and having to take time off work. I haven’t eaten red meat for 7 years, and chicken for about 4. I love your blog because I eat pretty similarly to you (mostly gluten free vegan with occasional fish, eggs and goat cheese), but I end up craving carbs & sweets all the time and its taken me until my current illness to realize its honestly not working for me and I feel rubbish. I wish I could be all-vegan, so it was a really hard decision but after mulling it over for a couple weeks and reading a lot more books, I stayed up late last night thinking and made the decision to try and incorporate some chicken into my diet again to see how it goes. Then I woke up and saw your post! I took it as a sign, haha, so thanks 🙂
I hope it works for you and you feel better! Please post some chicken recipes when you get a chance because I have no idea how to cook it at all and would love some tips, haha.
Thanks for such a brilliant blog! x
Congrats on making the best decision for YOU. I’m sure it took a lot of guts to be so open. Thanks, as always, for sharing your thoughts!
I’ve always seen vegetarian, strict vegan and raw vegan diets as being transient. No matter how much people want to eat them for the rest of their life eventually, whether it be months, years, or decades, their vitamin stores run low and they start to feel awful. It’s great that you thoroughly enjoyed chicken but what about grass fed & finished beef? Great source of iron. All I know is that my sister loves chicken and doesn’t eat beef or beans and is always anemic… anywho, oh and have you tried vitamins from new chapter? They are from whole foods sources. They are pricey but you can find the prenatals, a full trimester (270 pills) for $60 bucks online.
How funny, I commented earlier on being proud of Gina’s honesty then I read your comment! I love New Chapter and they are organic non-GMO whole food! I can take them on an empty stomach! Excellent choice.
I am so happy for you that you are doing what’s right for YOU. That’s the most important thing of all, not what others think. Congratulations!
I just started reading your blog recently but it is great. Re: the white meat – you have to do what works for you and your body – not based off what others think and feel!
Hi Gina,
COngrats on doing what you feel is right for your body! I was just curious to know what your blood type is. If that is too private, I completely understand. I’m not sure if you’re familiar with the Blood Type Diet, but there are many stories of unhealthy vegetarians who are blood type O (which is the type that supposedly works best with red meat in the diet)and they eventually gave into eating a red meat again because they were so sick. Just thought this would be another interesting data point. Good luck with it all.
good on you!!! I can’t see why people would roast you for this decision – you are making the ethical choice in which animal proteins you eat so there is no reason for you to feel guilty or be persecuted!
i dont get what
“you are making the ethical choice in which animal proteins you eat so there is no reason for you to feel guilty”
the choice of one animal over another is ethical?? and stop calling it a protein, it used to be alive.
i call a bread a carb, and that used to be alive
i’m also just being facetious 🙂
was it really necessary to make a whole post about gina just because you dont agree with her? so rude
she’s left snarky comments on here before – i’m not surprised. they can say whatever they want, i never claimed to be vegan
Also Michelle… vegetables used to be alive… everything we eat used to be alive or came from something that used to be alive. The healthiest foods for you came from the earth… its called the circle of life and theres nothing wrong with it. Lions eat zebras… they are not evil or wrong. They are doing what they need to to fuel themselves. Industrialization has changed this a bit and clearly there are moral issues around how the meat we buy at the grocery store gets there, but it doesn’t mean you should sacrifice your health because of that, and Gina is making the best choices she can. Get over it!
This girl is SO RUDE, i saw the latest post on her blog only because i heard that she wrote a post about this and all i can say is she is HORRIBLE!!!! So so judgemental, i dont get why ppl have to be so mean, its none of her businezz anyways, gosh!
haha, whoa that michelle girl is nuts. And mean : (.
Oh and another thing… : ) I had a friend that used to shame me for eating animal products, even though I usually try to eat organic, healthy, free range etc., whenver possible. It made me feel like I’d never be good enough! She even would get mad at her boyfriend for shopping at grocery stores that were not co-ops! Gina, you are NEVER preachy, and always helpful. Your posts are always honest and kind to individual differences.
It’s not worth it to spend any prolonged length of time being or feeling miserable. I’m really glad you chose to listen to your body. Don’t beat yourself up over it. I’m sure you impact the world in a positive way every day in ways you don’t even realize, you’re not a bad person for one choice.
Good for you! I was vegetarian for four years and then realized I felt better on a higher protein diet, one that didn’t come from powder. I’ve thought about going vegetarian again but then I realized why label myself? I rarely eat meat now and labeling myself vegetarian doesn’t really do anything for me other than force a restriction.
I think it is awesome that you are so open and honest about your food choices. And that chicken sounds so delicious it would be hard not to eat it!
I totally respect your choice Gina, and I’m not just saying that because I’m a meat eater too. I think it’s great that you’re giving your body what you feel is best, and I believe you certainly have the knowledge and experience to justify your choice. I hope you looooved that meal! 🙂
I always appreciate your honesty! I don’t think anyone should judge anyone else for doing what is right for your body. I am a group fitness isntructor as well, and when I stopped eating meat I had way less energy and always felt hungry. I still don’t eat a ton of meat, and stick to poultry and fish but sometimes animal protein is just what your body needs. 🙂 I don’t think one person will hold this decision against you, and if they do, that’s their loss!
I truly believe that our bodies tell us what we are missing, which is different for everyone. I haven’t eaten meat since August of 2009, but do eat fish occasionally (like when I travel for work). I don’t like chicken, beef, pork and definitely not lamb, but even as a child I didn’t want it and I don’t crave it either. I do think I need to up my fish intake though…once or twice a month isn’t cutting it and you made me think when you said you felt your pants get tired. I have had an unusual weight gain, but blamed it on stress.
LOL i meant pants get tighter and I have less energy. Hmmm. Ya got me thinking
Hi Gina,
I found your blog in April and have been reading faithfully since then. I have never commented (except maybe for the macaroon giveaway-haha!), but I felt like I had to comment on this post because it really resonated with me. I have been a pescetarian for a little over a year now and health wise, 2010 was the worst year of my life. Things kind of started going down hill right when I stopped eating meat and seem to just be getting worse. Just yesterday, I was trying to figure out what I could have done that caused my health to go a little crazy last year and was thinking it might have been cutting out meat from my diet. I originally did it because I wanted to be healthier and throughout the year, I kept up with it for ethical reasons. Anyway, your post has encouraged me to *maybe* try chicken again. I can’t eat red meat-I cut that out years ago, because it makes me sick, but I am thinking maybe I should add some local, free range chicken back into my diet just to see if it makes any changes in my health as I am dying for my healthy to be “normal” again. I truly think my meatless diet might be my problem and your post was just so inspiring today and really got me thinking that I need to take charge and change SOMETHING if I want to feel better again, and that something might be adding meat back to my diet. So thank you. I’m still scared because I feel super guilty about eating animals again and a little grossed out. Meat always grossed me out though–I would never handle/cook it. I think it is something I need to try though. Just to see if it works for me. THANK YOU again for this post and all your other posts and everything you do for us. And sorry for such a long comment!
I think if you do, try to get the most humanely raised and killed poultry possible (like local and/or free range, organic)..that might help a bit. I’m a no-dairy pescetarian as well and when I have tested going back to dairy, it’s getting the “nice” products like Gina did that made it more tolerable to try out.
I went through the same exact thing last year and am really happy that I sarted eating meat again. Good luck!
I admire you for listening to your body.
As great as it is to care and love for animals, I firmly believe that certian people NEED animal protein to function at their best.
YOU come first above all else right?
Yesss yesss yesss! I am so proud of you for doing the right thing for your body!
This is what I do too, most of the time. I just can’t give up chicken! So for the most part I avoid meats except for white poultry meat.
Good for you for doing what you feel is right for your body! It sounds like you’ve thought long and hard about this and you’re returning to poultry in the most humane way possible. Also pretty excited to see some bomb chicken recipes on here!! Crockpot recipes for us busy ladies, please 🙂
I had the same thing happen about ten years ago. At the time I was eating a vegitarian diet and after several months of just not feeling right, my iron levels were low and I kept getting nose bleeds, which I had never had previously, a doctor finally talked me into eating meat back into my diet. No one knows what’s best for you but you. Thanks for the honest post.
I also was a vegetarian, and had the same problem with feeling tired, and run down. Once I started eating meat again, everything changed. I suddenly felt good again! So, I totally understand, and I applaud your honesty since I’m sure this (for whatever reason) will upset some of your readers. Glad you’re doing what’s right for you, and not torturing yourself trying to reach someone else’s standards.
Nothing but love and support from me. I admire you being honest, in what would have been a difficult but educated decision. You absolutely need to do what is best for you and for your body.
I myself eat a diet with mainly legumes, vegetables and fish. But occasionaly I can feel my body crave more iron (usually around that time of month), I listen to what my body is telling me and eat it (of course, it’s always free-range, hormone free & organic meat).
As always, you rock 🙂 and congrats for making such a big, important decision! You’ve got to do what’s right for you, no matter what. I’m sure you know that better than anyone after the past several months that you’ve endured. XOXO
YAY for chicken! Now you can partake in engagement chicken night with the pilot when he gets home 🙂
I don’t know if anyone else has said this or if you know this (295 comments is a lot to go through… haha) but free range is not a regulated term. The USDA provides no certification for “free-range” and the only way to know anything about how your poultry is raised is to look at third party independent certification. For example, http://www.certifiedhumane.org/. Just an FYI. : )
I’m not really a frequent reader, but I do check in from time to time for gluten-free recipe ideas and raw recipes.
To me, eating fish is the same as chicken. A life is a life. However chicken are usually treated much more cruelly than fish. And organic doesn’t really mean anything as far as ethics. It would actually be more ethical to eat beef because you are sharing the animal’s body with more people. But I get that people don’t think it’s healthy.
There is an attitude of “support each other no matter what” in the healthy living community and I get it. It is nice for the receiver. But for some of us, we can’t help but stand up for animals and remind everyone (not just the blog author) about the animals and that they health and lives matter too.
bitt,
Totally agree – very well said. I choose to be a vegan for that very reason and I have had no health problems. In fact, my health is much better than before: no colds, I sleep well, and my mind is calm and focused. I take B12, eat lots of beans, greens, and avoid a lot of processed sugar. To each her own!
It is funny you should post about this today. Last night I posted in my own journal about taking heat for cutting back on meat..so it seems to be a damned if you do and a damned if you don’t situation. I think you should do whatever feels right for your body and your life. No one has to live in your shoes except you!
A quote from my journal
“Also like anything in life people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. Unless you are somehow given the title of worlds healthiest, fittest, smartest, best looking, etc don’t judge other people and the things they do to better themselves. Okay? Okay!”
I think the world would be a better place if everyone backed of and was more focused on their own issues! I understand many people feel strongly about animal rights but that doesn’t give anyone a right to preach to anyone else!!
Chicken or no chicken…I think you are an inspiration!!!
Sounds like we are all in agreement. Gina, we love you no matter what you eat.
I was a vegetarian for 5 years… I started eating meat again because I REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY just wanted to eat a BBQ’d chicken breast. YUM.
I read your blog because I like the recipes (vegan, raw, now chicken – whatever) because I like to be inspired by your eats, I read because I’m also a military wife and relate to you and the Pilot. I read because its good. It doesn’t bother me one bit that you’re a chicken-eater. In fact, it made me respect you a little bit more for listening to your body in the face of what clearly must be a lot of pressure from the healthy-blogging world.
I was a vegetarian for 5 years… I started eating meat again because I REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY just wanted to eat a BBQ’d chicken breast. YUM.
I read your blog because I like the recipes (vegan, raw, now chicken – whatever) because I like to be inspired by your eats, I read because I’m also a military wife and relate to you and the Pilot. I read because its good. It doesn’t bother me one bit that you’re a chicken-eater. In fact, it made me respect you a little bit more for listening to your body in the face of what clearly must be a lot of pressure from the healthy-blogging world.
I think this is awesome. I’m so happy that you’re willing to do what is best for you. Sometimes it’s hard to follow our hearts when we’re afraid of judgment, but you’re doing what you know is right. We’re all behind you, 100%.
Gina this was a wonderful post! You kept true to the theme of your blog, which is treating your body the way you should be treating it! Our bodies are all different and everyone should realize that you are promoting health, not a certain way of eating! I tried giving up meat last year, but nut butters react poorly with my body, and I’m nastily intolerant to gluten, so I found that I was cranky and exhausted all the time. In the end, I added meat back in, but it’s not a main staple in my diet. My body feels SO much better!
You’re brave to even make your blog so personal, and I’m proud that you’re honest and listening to what your system wants! That’s the key, not following exclusive eating patterns for the advertised benefits!
Gina, thank you SO much for your post!! I’m sure it was hard to hit ‘Publish’ because of all the possible repercussions, but I wanted to say, “Good for you!” You should totally do what’s best for your body – and chicken is yummy. 🙂
You have no idea how much this hit home with me…I watched Food Inc last year and decided I didn’t want to put commercial meat (filled with chemicals) into my body. I’ve tried to eat organic, free-range whenever I can, but I’m in a small town with no Whole Foods. So most of the time my eats are meatless…I never thought I’d be able to do no meat, but it’s worth the rarity of organic, free-range. That being said, I am a lot more tired and I feel discouraged…my family still eats meat. Some days I just want to cry…I feel sick and weak…and I just want to eat meat. I’ve even shocked myself by contemplating eating non-organic, etc. meat. It’s hard to eat differently and I’m only 17, so I cook all of my meals. Plus, it makes my mom really sad that I don’t eat what she cooks (mostly meat dishes).
Thanks for being an inspiration: you’ve given me quite a bit to think about. 🙂
And I’m heartbroken I missed the ‘roons giveaway! 🙁 The one day I have too much school/work to check the bloggy…. *sniff*
I think you made a great decision! kuddos to you girl!
You are so great! I love how open and honest you are! I’ve also realized that since I have added chicken back into my life, I have felt so much better. My energy levels are once again high!!! And I don’t need a nap in the afternoon.
Thanks for being real!
I always appreciate your candid and honest approach to food and sharing what you eat. I think in this case, you made the best decision for what your body needs (with the help of your own intuition and doctors.) I agree with so many of the above commenters, you have to do what is right for you, and I’ll certainly keep reading no matter what your food choices 🙂
Anyone who says something negative about you doing what is best for your body and health has some serious issues. I’m glad you are doing what you know is right for your body – that takes a lot of guts to make such a major change! And, um, I’d like some of that chicken please – looks yummy!
I just want to say that there should be no reason to worry about it–but there is always someone who wants to judge. It is natural for us as one of the animals to eat meat if we need it or want it–what is important is voting with your dollar to support ethically raised and organic. If you can, try to find a market where you can get to know your butcher and where the meat comes from. Then you can see exactly how the animals are treated. 🙂 We all have to make our own choices.
I just want to say that there should be no reason to worry about it–but there is always someone who wants to judge. It is natural for us as one of the animals to eat meat if we need it or want it–what is important is voting with your dollar to support ethically raised and organic. If you can, try to find a market where you can get to know your butcher and where the meat comes from. Then you can see exactly how the animals are treated. 🙂 We all have to make our own choices.
Gina, I love this post. It was absolutely amazing.
My favorite part is where you say, “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.”
I feel like there is a stigma in some parts of the blogging world against eating meat. For me the truth is that I’ve done the low-meat/no-meat diet and it actually caused me to gain weight because I was eating so many more carbs. I have hypothyroidism, so eating less carbs and more protein is one of the only ways that I can lose weight and have more energy each day. Sometimes I’m afraid to blog about how much meat I do eat because I don’t want to encounter criticism over the fact that I eat meat, usually twice a day. Even though I mostly eat chicken and turkey (occasionally pork and rarely red meat), it’s still worrisome for me to talk about it openly on my blog.
I’m so happy that you found something that works for YOU. And I’d be very upset with anyone that tried to demean you or speak negatively of this decision that you made. Your body, your life, your health – you need to do what is right for you!!!
I am looking forward to the chicken recipes though 🙂
I’ve became a vegetarian 12 years ago. About 5 years ago I decided to eat fish again because I didn’t like eating so much soy protein. I eat fish about 4 times a month, now. I’m a big believer that when it comes to vegetarianism, the only person you have to answer to is yourself. As long as you’re doing right by yourself, it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.
i would say i eat around 75% vegetarian and 25% meat (fish and white meats!!!)and keeping a bit of meat in my life is very good for my lifestyle! whenever i feel like im not getting enough protein from plant based sources i pop in a turkey sandwich or fish dish and i feel right back on track! I think it’s great that you’re taking care of yourself….if something felt off with my nutrition i would definitely take steps to make changes just like you! congrats girl and i am sure you are gonna enjoy some chicken in your life! especially grilled chicken on salad….yummm!
Basically you do what you can for the environment, for the animals, and for yourself. You can’t do everything and you have many decades left here to make changes and new decisions. I am a vegetarian and would not at this time be remotely interested in returning to meat, but I have not experienced adverse health issues, so you rock on with your bad self and that’s that.
I went through a very short period when I didn’t eat chicken (after seeing Food, Inc) and like you, I felt “off”. I had not enough energy despite eating fish, eggs, and dairy. I know eat chicken and feel so much more energized. I’m glad you were open with your decision and look forward to some of those occasional chicken recipes!
I just moved to Spain – Pork Country – and I choose not to eat animal products. Perfect combination. 🙂 I just wrote about why I “choose my choice” (Charlotte – Sex and the City anyone?) and that is my point. These are all personal choices. The only person you have to answer to is you.
As a long-time lactose intolerant-fish eating-vegetarian, I have often questioned whether I get enough protein, and also whether what I am doing is really *best*.. especially after reading one of your comments last night that said “I love animals but I realized I had to love myself more.” I think that is why I can’t go fully vegan – I need the protein from fish and goat dairy and eggs…
Anyway, I know this post is totally vulnerable and probably was very hard to write and I just want to applaud you for doing it. As you said, we are so fortunate to live in a time and place where we can eat what how and when we want and you are doing just that! Even though my eats may not be the same as your choices..who cares?! I’m really proud of you, Gina, and will continue to read and support you, friend! 😀
<3
I’m a daily reader but infrequent commenter also. I hope you realize many of your readers are unashamed meat-eaters (myself included) and this post validates all of our decisions to consume animal protein as a means of keeping ourselves healthy and nourished. We all make choices for our health, fitness, and happiness that manifest in different ways – I just don’t want you to think you’re writing to an exclusively vegetarian audience!
That is so amazing! I have been suffering with the same problems and have been a vegetarian for over a year now. I’ve gained weight even though I have cut out meat and most breads because of that darn gluten (which hurts my tummy). And not to even mention the low energy and the overall feeling of being lethargic! And I know that my body has been crying out for some protein because I CRAVE almond butter, peanut butter, and different nuts by the jars. I’ve been struggling with idea of starting back eating a little meat as well.
And reading your post has really made an impact on me. I have to admit, becoming a vegetarian has taken me on a path and made me become more aware of the foods (along with nasty chemicals!) that I was putting into my body. I am now overall more health conscious and food savvy.
I think the next turn on my path is implementing free range organic chicken into my diet! Thank you for your post! You affect a lot of people’s lives in such a good way, especially mine! Thank you for that!
Yo Gina, good for you girly. Don’t even worry about it, seriously, sometimes you just gotta remember we’re omnivores… we gotta do what we gotta do. I hate to admit that it is part of the cycle of life… not that i endorse industrial farming etc… but there are ethical/normal/natural approaches, like yours. Cool beans! Love you!
Good for you for listening to your body and doing what it’s asking. So sad you anticipate negative comments. Not surprising, but sad. Have a fantastic day!