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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Hey there Gina, just wanted to add my two cents and say good for you to listen to your body. One should never feel like they have to confirm to certain standards to please others, its just silly!!. I mean really who is ANYONE to tell you how to eat?? Food preference is such a personal extension of ourselves and i really think that people should just keep their opinions to themselves if they arent nice. I am a vegetarian i dont eat any meat, fish or eggs but i consume dairy, and if im worong for doing that then i dont wanna be right 🙂 xx
thanks for being honest, but i’m only sorry you feel (know?) people will be negative about what you do in your life, i mean c’mon!. But thank you so much for choosing free range. After only being able to watch the first 10 minutes of Food Inc (the little baby chickens on a conveyor belt was just evil and wrong) i actually banned chicken in my house (i’m vegan but the boy isn’t).
I hope you feel better soon and i’m interested to hear if it helps you.
Hey! These past few months I had to take a break from blogging because of being so busy with life in general, but it’s great to see that everyone (blogs I read) is doing so well! And I especially think it’s great that you are making choices that you feel are healthy for you and your body rather than just confining yourself to vegetarian, vegan, what have you. So anyways, just thought I’d leave some positive feedback 🙂
Hola!
I’m proud of you Gina, your doing what is right for your body and that’s what matters the most. You could’ve eaten that pollo and lied to the bloggy world but your a real person and have every right in the world to do what you want to do!
It’s been nearly a year since I started reading your blog and I still love to read it daily (well, lurve as you say 😉
I think our bodies are smart and can direct us to what they need if we quiet our minds enough to listen. Wow. That sounds so zen, which I’d love to be but am not. Anyway, I’m going through the same thing right now with the chicken thing (including the same caveat to my family about what kind of chicken I’m willing to eat). It was hard mentally to go there, but so far I’m happy that I have. I’m all about being a flexatarian…it’s so liberating.
I completely understand, especially with trying to eat gluten-free your choices go way down. I’m vegan, but I have a lot of food allergies and I toy with the idea that maybe my body likes meat and I need to give it a go for a few months and see how my body reacts. Although I find being vegan fine, it’s very difficult when you have little time to prepare food and are always on the go. I congratulate you and look forward to hearing about how the meat eating is going.
Kudos on listening to your body and doing what’s right for you! Even if some of your readers don’t agree with your choice, that’s okay because it’s not their diet, it’s YOURS! I hope incorporating chicken into your diet again will help you get back to feeling normal. 🙂
Good for you!!!!
Amen sister!!!!
I am looking forward to seeing how you choose to incorporate chicken into your diet. I think it is entirely possible to have a “vegetable-centric” diet without needing to label it. I was a vegetarian years ago but went back to being an omnivore due to the demands of raising a family and feeling tired and run down. In recent years have worked on readjusting my diet to a much more vegetable-centric eating plan but still including animal protein. I also lived through “dieting” in the 80’s where everything was “fat free” and am glad we are done with that and on to a diet that includes healthy fats. I feel no need to defend myself and neither should you. I read an article on diet a long time ago that suggested thinking of animal protein as a “condiment” – more of an accent than a main event. However, I am not surprised with your activity level that you need more than you are getting. I recall reading about a website that helps you track your macros. Keeping track for a short period of time might help you decide exactly how much chicken, eggs, fish and protein powder you need in a given day or week. Can’t recall the name of the site but it probably isn’t hard to find.
Best of luck to you!
HOLLER, Gina. Way to do what’s right for you.
good for you. I’m a high-raw vegan, because it really makes me feel my best. but I have no illusions that what I do for myself is what everyone else should do. I regularly and happily cook fish and the occasional chicken for my husband, because that’s what makes him feel his best. all you can do is treat yourself the best you can! follow your health, and your bliss 🙂
I used to be a vegetarian…but after about six months, I couldnt keep my protein levels up… I would get the woozies, and it just didnt work for me. That bite of animal protein that passed my lips gave me relief.
Wow, you must have expected a lot of criticism from the way you worded this post! No need to be so defensive. Like you said, we need to figure out what is best for us. Don’t worry so much about what other people think – it’s too stressful! Best of luck with your new dietary choices.
i was worried there would be an uproar, but everyone has been amazing
good 🙂 Yeah, it looks like everyone has been supportive and respected your decision, which is good to see!
I absolutely respect you for this post. Life is a journey and so many things change in our lives and we have to adapt. You have to do what is best for you and if that means changing your eating up a little then who is anyone to judge you! You ALWAYS have said to do what is right for you and that is exactly what you are doing. I look forward to continuing to read your blog daily and hearing about exciting things is 2011!
Good for you Gina, doing what you need to do! I just went through the same thing. I have moral/ethical dilemmas around eating animals, but know I need the protein. The one thing I can’t stand are the “I told you so” people. They don’t understand what you so eloquently said!
I am a vegan because I believe if you’re not willing to kill something, than you shouldn’t be willing to eat it!
But as always you’ve got to do exactly what’s right for you, no matter what all of these rules/studies say. If it’s truly what makes you feel good, (and clearly you’ve thought it over thoroughly) then go you!
I admire the extensive process you went through to make your decision. I think it’s absolutely possible to care and eat meat. And I’m glad that you decided to fully own it.
Wow. I’m totally late to the chicken party but I say “YAY!” for eating chicken again.
G’izzle>Chicken
Good for you, Gina! Listen to what your body needs and do what is right for you. You go girl 🙂
I am sorta sad about your decision since i enjoy your veggie recipes. Also please buy free-range. Chickens are not covered by the human slaughter act and are often treated worse then cows, pigs etc.
Just because a chicken is Free Range doesn’t mean it has a great life. It means that it has “access” at some point to a field, which doesn’t mean it’s actually ever been in one. Find a good local farmer if you want to be sure the meat you’re eating is the product of humanity.
i agree- local farmers are always the best way to go, especially if you can go visit their farm
Good for you, Gina!! It’s all about what’s best for your body. If your body is telling you that it wants and needs protein in the form of chicken, then go for it, girl! (I’m a meat-eater myself, lol.)
I’ve really enjoyed your blog and food ideas. Good for you on the chicken. God gave us dominion over the entire earth, including animals. They are for our benefit. I propose that we treat it all with great respect, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy what God intended for us.
That would be challenging to do..but good for you! Your health and your baby’s health is the most important thing. 🙂
future baby 🙂
Hi Gina! I have recently started reading your blog, and I really love it! I toyed with the idea of going vegetarian, but am gluten intolerant. Since i already have such strict limitations on my diet, I resolved to cut down on my meat consumption, instead of cut it out all together, and just listen to my body. I am really happy for you and think it’s awesome what you are doing. Also, I see you take Country Life supplements! My stepdad is a Country Life rep and we love the products! Way to promote! Keep up the good work. Stay Healthy.
Just wanted to say good for you for doing what is right for you. I can relate, because over Christmas I decided to start eating turkey/chicken again (I too wasn’t feeling quite myself and since we are trying to get pregnant, I wanted to make sure I am feeling my best). Luckily we have local farms here so I know where my poultry is coming from. Good luck and looking forward to more of your awesome eats!
This reminds me of in the last Twilight book when Bella got pregnant and was feeling sick all the time until she drank the sippy cup of blood for her half-vampire baby… remember that? It’s important to listen to your body’s cues!
NO SPOILER!!!! 🙁
Thank you so much for this post! I’ve been having this same debate with myself over the past six months for various reasons, and I’m happy to hear you had such a positive experience : )
Living with a vegetarian makes it hard to justify two dinners, but everybody is so different when it comes to food—one plan does not work for everyone at every stage in their life.
I have been a vegetarian for literally my entire life (as in, my culture encourages vegetarianism so I have never eaten meat). I admire your honesty with your eating philosophy…just one thing that bugs me is when people call themselves “a vegetarian who eats fish” or “a vegetarian who eats chicken”. I’m sorry, but those classifications do not make sense! If you eat something that was once living, you are NOT a vegetarian! And I don’t think that people should be receiving this as a radical change…you did already eat fish, so eating chicken is not a HUGE difference. I am not at all judging peoples’ eating habits, just the way that some tend to refer to them…just a thought 🙂
I am so happy for you! =D
Last summer I went pescatarian. Shortly thereafter I worked on a really time intensive murder trial (I’m a lawyer). Then I got H1N1. By the time I hit Christmas I was completely exhausted. No matter what I did I never had any energy. I went to bed tired and woke up tired.
That’s when I went to the Doctor. He ran full blood work on me. It turned out I was severely anemic and suffering from very low blood pressure. Bad combination.
He also told me off for not eating meat.
I went home and had a steak. I’ve never looked back. Now I’m so much healthier!
Yeah the whole meat eating thing has ethical issues attached but I work around those by eating only organic free-range meat and chicken. In fact, I buy my meat directly from the people that lovingly raise their cows about an hour from here. They’re organic, free-range, grass finished, Angus certified cows.
See – guilt free! 🙂
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/
Congrats on following what your body wanted and feeling good about it! That is the most important thing and it’s great you’re setting that example for everyone who follows you and all your clients with everything fitness related you do.
i’m not one to leave replies at all… but this one called for it. I’m originally from the States, but have been working in South Africa for two years now. Two common (and accurate) conceptions about American lifestyle are over the top consumerism and food consumption. I think modern eating approaches (like yours) have become very popular for various reasons (animal rights, health, etc) but I think the human body is naturally very adaptable to what it is fed. Our bodies have enzymes that break down meat, so we CAN eat meat, it’s not that big of a deal. Living in South Africa, has made me less neurotic about what I eat (granted, food is much less processed here..)because I’ve learned to be grateful to have food. The fact that this was “the hardest post I’ve ever written” is the only problem I have with your post. You’re obviously a role model to a lot of your readers, and there’s obviously a lot more important things going on in the world than a woman’s decision to eat chicken. So don’t have a hard time with it, as you said many people in the world are not as fortunate and must eat what is given to them without question.
so what business did you and the pilot buy? a chicken farm? i joke… 😉
thanks for your comment!
i would never own a chicken farm.. not my thing haha 🙂
it was a hard post for me to write because i wanted to write it in an honest way without influencing or offending anyone. i’ve found that i can write about pretty much anything i want, but when it comes to eating styles, it gets a little more difficult.
Nat, well said. My family is from Vietnam, a third world country as you know, and they are poor. What you get is what you get. Most days they are happy for just food. In America, we have the luxury of choosing. We can’t forget that and respect others for doing what’s best for their bodies. GINA, I always respected you but my level of respect went through the roof when you wrote this post. I appreciate people who live honest and happy lives.
Gina,
I wanted to tell you (i posted here, twice now LOL) but it’s about the soy and meat thing… (again, kudos to you!! so happy about your decision!)
Did you know (I’m sure you do) that SOY REALLY messes with your estrogen levels??! I did some research a while back and now I avoid soy a LOT because of that…. If you’re having issues with stabilizing your hormones, that may have something to do with it!
Just a thought!! LOVE your blog, as always 😉 (read it every day, usually 2x a day!)
thanks girl!
yes, that’s why i generally stay away from soy. i’ll have some tofu or edamame every blue moon but that’s it
I don’t think anyone has the right to judge you on this decision–you know your own body and how you feel, what you need to eat, etc. Way to go for staying true to yourself!
Hey Roomstar!
Of course, it made me terribly sad to read this post. Veganism an vegetarianism are issues of compassion for me, and so, while I applaud your health explorations, I also can’t help feeling that they come at a price, and taking a moment to mourn that fact.
With that said, I love that you chose to be so honest with your readers. That must have been hard, and I really applaud your candor and big spirit as you move ahead. Of course, I would expect nothing less of you, my friend. You have always been an honest voice, and you are now!
G xo
Good for you Gina! Gotta do what’s right. I ate alot of soy and beans to supplement for my proteins and my stomach could not handle it. I had to stay away from these things eventually and now I feel so much better.
You are very brave. I’d say a gizillion positive comments peppered a negative one or two is a good sign. It means you’re interesting. Kuddos for keeping it real.
It’s your body, your health, and your decision. It makes me sad that people aren’t supportive of what YOU choose for YOU. They are free to choose what they put in their body, not yours.
Good for you Gina 🙂 Reading your blog has opened my eyes to a more natural eating habit, thank you!
I recently found out that your blood type can directly relate to how well your body does on a vegetarian or vegan diet. It might be something to check out! I hope you feel fully supported with whatever decisions you choose to make!
And just to add another comment, I know you are already really in touch with health, but when I started eating meat again (after an 8 year hiatus) I completely transformed my diet and became more in touch with whole foods – kind of ironic!
Good for you! It’s all about finding your own individual healthy balance and whatever that is for you, is exactly that!
Your “this isn’t going to turn into the chicken blog” comment cracked me up.
You have to do whatever works for you, and I applaud your willingness to explore, remain open and choose your health and what you feel makes you healthy, over rules and dogma.
XOXO
Lauren
Welcome to the carnivore world! I live a paleo lifestyle. Very similar to what you are going to be eating now that you added chicken. Here’s an article I wrote with a funny video explaining what “Paleo” is http://www.betruebalanced.com/1/post/2010/03/modern-cavemen-rock.html
After reading The China Study and Skinny Bitch, I was vegan for a year and I experienced the same thing, I was gaining weight and not feeling so hot. As a personal trainer and health advocate I was curious. Why was this happening? I was eating more organic fruits and veggies than I ever had in my life. So I started do more research and found the paleo diet. Slowly I started adding in lean meats (fish, chicken, turkey, buffalo, deer…), left out the dairy, and took out grains and legumes. After a year of eating paleo I am in the best shape of my life. My body fat dropped from 26% to 16%, I don’t get sick hardly ever, and I feel amazing. Now I eat mostly organic raw veggies, lots of nuts and seeds, lean organic free range meats and some fruit. No sugar, no grains, no dairy. I also supplement with AdvoCare vitamins to make sure I’m getting everything I need in a day and to keep this lifestyle manageable in our hectic schedule. And their products are tested through Informed Choice so there is no guessing on what’s actually in them….very important in the supplement world.
Robb Wolf is the first to write a book about the Paleo Diet here is a link if you are interested in learning more:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0982565844?ie=UTF8&tag=robwol-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0982565844
Hi Gina,
Just curious — could you please post the recipe for your stuffed chicken? It looks amazeballs, and I’d love to duplicate it 😉
sure, i just made a pocket in the chicken and filled with goat cheese (1 serving), 6 chopped kalamata olives, 2 chopped sundried tomatoes, a few leaves of fresh basil and topped it with sea salt, pepper, oregano and garlic gold before baking it at 350 for about 30 minutes
Thanks so much, you inspired me to make my own goat cheese stuffed chicken breasts yesterday! Mmmmmm, so good!
Hi Gina-
I just read this post on Mercola.com and thought you might find it interesting.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/01/08/chris-masterjohn-criticism-of-the-china-study.aspx
It’s basically a critique of the China Study in that it stresses the importance of eating for your nutritional type, be that a protein type or a carb type.
Somehow eating preferences have become like religions in the U.S. Very polarizing. Can’t we all just get along?!? LOL As others have already commented, I’m glad that you mentioned that we are lucky to have a choice in what we eat when most people in the world don’t have a choice.
I hope the tweaks you’re making in your diet improve your health and make you feel much better 🙂
hugs hugs hugs!!! love this!! thank you for being honest and uncensored. you are amazing!!
and yay for chicken!! how about some turkey?!
thank you friend! turkey is back, yo 🙂
I have been a vegetarian for over 4 years, not for ethical reasons but rather because I never enjoyed the taste of meat. I would occasionally take bites of my boyfriends meat dishes. In the past three years, I have developed stomach/intenstinal/constant bloating problems and having been feeling very tired/run down. I think I am also going to add chicken into my diet (also only the good stuff!) to try to help get my energy up after reading your post! Made some spinach and cheese stuffed chicken yesterday with mushrooms, tomato and wine. 🙂
Thanks for such an honest post. I totally believe that different bodies need different styles of eating. I’m still trying to figure out what that is for me. <3
LOL! “This isn’t going to turn into the chicken blog.” Bwahaha!
Eat what you want, it’s Your life and Your Body. You are responsible for your health, nobody else.
🙂
<3 thank you
Hi Gina
I know this is a late response to this post but I had to google the post where you decided to start eating chicken again after I saw chicken on the blog this morning!
I have debated the same thing over and over again and understand how hard a decision it was – but you are so right, everyone has to look after themselves and do whats right for them. People shouldn’t judge and I hope they wont!
Thanks for such an awesome blog. I love reading it everyday and have incorporated so many of your hints and tips into my lifestyle.
lots of love and best wishes
Christina
thanks girl! i appreciate it 🙂