Going back to eating meat anyone done it?

Question

I have been veggie for 13yrs however as I don't like cheese and have an allergy to nuts I find my diet very limited especially on holiday. Whilst away recently I lived off chips, pizza (no cheese!) and got bored with it I need more than this to eat and want to enjoy my food which I am finding I don't when away.

Any tips on best way to go back to eating meat thinking chicken first...

Found when out in restaurants most of the meals don't do soya or quorn and are all cheese based sauces or nut roasts which I cannot eat. Hardly any menu I saw had tomato based sauces!

Went veggie due to Mum and sis being veggie and partly the ethics but having my doubts about a limited diet when away on hol. Going abroad soon and can't face a week of chips and pizza and not much else due to allergies and cheese based dishes!

At home I can eat well but was fed up with egg sandwiches and nothing else when away. The problem is when away not when at home re my veggie diet.

Mike H the problem is when eating out I get plenty of variety at home with quorn and veggies but you can't get quorn when on hol for a couple of weeks! Some holiday places give you salad if veggie hardly inspiring food when away. Thinking of introducing meat and then if I don't enjoy after the hol can convert back to veggie. Just don't want to eat meat on hol without trying first.

Answer 1

Yup, i was veggie for about 18 years, got so bored of it i went back to meat about 2 years ago and ive not looked back!

Answer 2

it all depends on why you became a veggie in the first place. What was it that stopped you eating meat.
If it was because of the animals then a steak is not the best place to start.
if it is not liking the taste/texture of meat then definitely chicken.

There are still a whole range of foods that are veggie but not cheese. Go to a "whole food" shop, they will really help. IE there is such a thing as TVP (textured vegetable protein) which is a bit like quorn I believe..... You can cook it just like mince.

Answer 3

I have only been a vegetarian for a year and a half and struggle with the same problems as far as a limited diet. I know where you come from when you talk about BORING! If you are going to back to eating meat, I would start with fish first... salmon, tilapia, and tuna are all really good choices and go great with stir-fry veggies and rice.
Also, if you are looking for a new sandwich to try, take two pieces of whole grain bread and in the middle have 5 pieces of Yves Veggie Turkey, some Soy chesse slices, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and avocado. Then put in a pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray and grill even on both sides. Its one of my fav quick lunches thats delicious!

Answer 4

I had to return to omnivore status when I became pregnant as I was having great difficulty eating and gaining desired weight. I started with broiled and grilled fish and poultry and small (4oz) steaks that had been salt washed to remove residual bloods and impurities. I had 1 serving a day in the mid day that way I could be busy enough to burn the complex calories. It has been 20years and I still eat Veg 2-3 days a week but enjoy meats as well. The availability of Ethnic markets has made enjoying more foods easier and the availability of ingredients that were once scarce (like extra soft tofu) easier. Returning to omnivore isn't difficult and it will make travel and eating out with friends easier. Good Luck!

Answer 5

I was a veggie for four years and started eating poultry and fish again when I was going to college. I kinda just dived into it and, surprisingly, didn't get ill after I ate things like shrimp scampi or chicken fingers. I was and am wary of reintroducing beef or pork products and so far have stayed away from them (it's been about 12 years now). You can pretty much find a good turkey substitute for most things such as ham, bacon, sausage and burgers.

Answer 6

Try a little chicken first as this should be easier to digest-your stomach wont be used to it. If all is ok, increase the amount bit by bit then eat red meats little by little, and eventually, your body will get used to it. It is very good to have meat in your diet, it's healthy! I did the same thing, even though I still ate bits of chicken when i wasn't much of a meat-eater (and I'm still not particularly) I went and had a big chunk of beef, and because my body wasn't used to it, I got the most violent stomach spasms and a temperature. But I kept having bits and my body will tolerate that...so please just take things gradually! :-D

Answer 7

You didn't mention vegetables and soya products. There is plenty to eat on a vegetarian and even vegan diet without it being only bread and chips.

Answer 8

My friend and I went back being a semi-vegetarian we couldn't eat red meat especially pork. Thing was that we were so used to it, that we had to eat white meat chicken in very small amounts, and add vegetarian seasoning on it. We started doing this to all the meat product slowly until we go to the part to eat a normal meal in about several months later.

Answer 9

I went back after 15 years I had chicken, if you do go back to eating meat I would start with chicken or fish as they are a more gentle on your stomach I felt sick with the chicken the first time but now love a juicy steak

Answer 10

start out with small pieces of chicken the gradually eat more than try fish which is healthier. Or check on recipes for veggie food on food network