7 Tips to Reintroduce Meat into Your Diet| Banner Health (2024)

There’s a saying that once you go vegan or vegetarian, you never go back to meat. That’s until you do.

Nowadays, veganism and vegetarianism are easier to practice with many plant-based alternatives, health food stores and restaurants catering to the diets.

Countless studies show that these diets can lower the risk of heart disease, some cancers and diabetes. And in general, plant eaters tend to be slimmer and have lower blood pressure and LDL (bad cholesterol)than those who eat meat.

These diets have their benefits but aren’t a good fit for everyone.

“Some people thrive on vegan or vegetarian lifestyles, while others don’t,” said Beril Hezer, a registered dietitian with Banner Health in Phoenix, AZ. “The reasons can vary, but some people may find it difficult to get all the nutrients they need. They might not know how to incorporate plant-based foods while trying to buy everything organic and plant-based, which increases the price. Maybe they simply missed the taste of certain foods.”

Adding meat back into your diet

Eating meat again after choosing a vegetarian or vegan diet for some time is a major step. The transition can be difficult physically but also mentally.

“Once you realize that you aren’t thriving on a vegetarian or vegan diet, you’re then faced with the moral dilemma of discarding everything you believe,” Hezer said. “Making that mental shift can be hard thus getting help from a registered dietitian is advised.”

The benefits of these diets for animal welfare and environmental effects can’t be denied. But when it comes to a risk to your health and well-being, putting yourself first can be the right decision.

Then there is the obvious concern of how your body is going to react when you add the meat back into your diet. Does quitting vegetarianism and veganism make you sick? Are the horror stories true? Will you live to regret it?

7 tips to reintroduce meat into your diet

If you have decided to go omnivorous (eating plants and animals), you’re probably wondering how to do it without shocking your body. Here are some tips that will help you reintroduce meat.

Talk to a dietitian. It may be helpful to consult a registered dietitian who can help you make the transition. They can also help with any feelings of guilt you have around eating meat again.

Start easy. No matter what diet changes you are making, you should always take it slow. It can take some time for your body to adjust to eating meat again.

“When our bodies do not consume one certain type of product, it can forget how to digest it,” Hezer said. “The easiest example would be lactose in milk. If you stop for a long time and then consume milk, you may experience some bloating, gas or changes to your stool (like diarrhea or constipation).”

If you’ve been avoiding all animal products, start with eggs, yogurt or cheese. Eggs are easily digested by most people.

If you’re vegetarian, you might find eating fish or other seafood, like oysters, clams and mussels easier.

Sipping on chicken or bone broth is another way to ease back in.

Have someone else cook for you. If the idea of handling or preparing meat makes you sick to your stomach, it can spoil your appetite. Order cooked meals as takeout or go to a restaurant when you start eating meat again.

“Some find burgers the most appetizing or fish or chicken,” Hezer said.

Sneak it in. Add a little bit of meat to your favorite soup recipe or a crockpot meal. Try a dish with lots of vegetables that can help mask the flavor as you are getting used to eating meat again. Slow cooking your meat will help break down the proteins making it easier to digest.

Try bacon – in moderation. Bacon seems to be the most commonly missed meat, and one of the first meats people want to add back into their diets. This is why it’s been nicknamed the gateway meat.

“Bacon is highly processed, so be mindful that it may be high in added sugar and sodium, and don’t overdo it,” Hezer said.

Choose sustainable meat. When you eat meat, choose pasture-raised, grass-fed or sustainably raised options.

One way to make the transition easier is to find meat that has the “Certified Humane” food label. This label ensures animals were treated ethically, had access to pastures, and did not live in overcrowded factories with no access to sunlight.

Find a community. Leaving this lifestyle is a huge life change. Some of your fellow vegan or vegetarian friends may not understand. Find a community that supports what you are going through and helps you with this big transition.

Plenty of social networking groups are out there for recovering vegans or recovering vegetarians. There are also paleo diet or primal communities with former vegetarians.

Takeaway

Saying goodbye to vegetarianism or veganism can be tough physically and mentally. Remember to take it slow and talk to your health care professional or registered dietitian to determine the right steps to take.

Have questions about changing your diet?

Schedule an appointment with a dietitian.

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Nutrition Wellness

7 Tips to Reintroduce Meat into Your Diet| Banner Health (2024)

FAQs

7 Tips to Reintroduce Meat into Your Diet| Banner Health? ›

Going slowly and starting with small portions of meat will make the process easier. Because meat has a higher fat content than plants, it takes longer to digest. You might experience constipation and/or bloating. Sometimes, you might experience breakouts or heartburn when you start eating meat again.

What happens to your body when you start to eat meat again? ›

Going slowly and starting with small portions of meat will make the process easier. Because meat has a higher fat content than plants, it takes longer to digest. You might experience constipation and/or bloating. Sometimes, you might experience breakouts or heartburn when you start eating meat again.

What is the healthiest meat to eat? ›

While meat can be a part of a healthy diet, not all sources are created equal. The leanest and healthiest meats to eat include poultry, pork, fish, and seafood. Eating a balanced diet is one of the keys to a healthy lifestyle, which means choosing various foods from different food groups, like proteins.

What happens when you first stop eating meat? ›

You may feel tired and weak if you cut meat out of your diet. That's because you're missing an important source of protein and iron, both of which give you energy. The body absorbs more iron from meat than other foods, but it's not your only choice.

What are 4 reasons you should stop eating meat? ›

The health benefits of reducing your meat consumption are significant. Eating less meat has been found to decrease the chances of developing certain cancers, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease or lung disease.

What happens if you eat meat after years of not? ›

No, You Haven't Lost the Ability to Digest Meat

But eating meat again is easier than you think. You might feel a little “heavier” after eating, especially if you have a large portion. But anyone can reintroduce meat after being vegan. Your body can still digest meat just fine.

What happens to your gut when you stop eating meat? ›

You may gain some healthy bacteria in your gut—and some bloat, at least at first. "Your body has digestive enzymes that handle the proteins in both meat and plants, and that doesn't change when you stop eating meat," explains Liz Applegate, PhD, director of sports nutrition at the University of California, Davis.

What is the unhealthiest meat? ›

You have probably heard it many times already: don't eat too much red meat or processed foods. But research shows processed red meats, like bacon, hot dogs, and salami are the biggest problem.

What meat should you not eat everyday? ›

It is recommended that you do not eat too much red meat, processed meat or meat that is high in saturated fats as this can lead to health problems.

Which meat is a Superfood? ›

Beef, lamb and chicken hearts along with liver are a great source of Vitamin B12, which is good for your entire nervous system, DNA production, healthy red blood cells, and overall energy booster.

What happens to your face when you stop eating meat? ›

It's worth mentioning that some individuals who regularly eat meat can actually experience acne breakouts if they suddenly stop consuming meat. The body is complex, and there's no way to know for sure how eating meat or cutting it out will affect one's skin until enough time has gone by.

Does not eating meat age you? ›

While there are a variety of health benefits associated with following a vegan diet, eating a vegan diet won't make you age faster or slower in and of itself. If you're considering making the switch to a plant-based diet, here's what you need to know about the effects of veganism on aging and overall health.

Are eggs considered meat? ›

Eggs, though from chickens, are not the flesh of an animal. They are still an animal source of protein and thus a complete protein, but aren't actually meat.

What does the Bible say about eating meat? ›

In Leviticus 11, the Lord speaks to Moses and Aaron and sets out which animals can be eaten and which cannot: “You may eat any animal that has a divided hoof and that chews the cud. There are some that only chew the cud or only have a divided hoof, but you must not eat them.

Why is red meat bad for you? ›

Red meat contains saturated fats, which Hwang describes as fats that are solid at room temperature. While she notes that the body needs fat, too much saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Meats that are high in saturated fats are also high in calories.

What happens if you eat past due meat? ›

Is it okay to ever eat meat past its expiration date? According to the FDA, the quality of meat starts to deteriorate after it passes its expiration date, but it may still be safe for consumption. You should look for signs of spoilage and judge the overall quality of the meat before consumption.

What does giving up meat do for your body? ›

And people who don't eat meat, called vegetarians, generally eat fewer calories and less fat. They also tend to weigh less. And they have a lower risk of heart disease than nonvegetarians do. Research shows that people who eat red meat are at a higher risk of death from heart disease, stroke or diabetes.

What happens after eating a lot of meat? ›

Meat and saturated fat

Some meats are high in saturated fat, which can raise blood cholesterol levels if you eat too much of it. Having high cholesterol raises your risk of coronary heart disease.

What happens if you only eat meat for the rest of your life? ›

Can you survive on a carnivore diet? You can survive on a carnivore diet, but you'll miss out on important nutrients, such as fiber and vitamins C and E. It is not safe for certain groups, including those with kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, or those with risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

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