- to the height of it all -

10.07.2014

why i'm back to meat



it is incredibly hard for me to write this post because it somehow makes this more real.
like putting it here makes it final.

last week, i went to my holistic doctor to check my progress on my vegan diet.
and he confirmed what i already knew but didn't want to accept: i cannot continue eating this way.

not only did i gain almost 15 pounds in that short time, but my inflammation has gotten worse.

i know that a lot of it has to do with the fact that i really couldn't make the best gluten-free vegan choices on a college campus, but i just cannot afford to pay for groceries on top of all the money i had to pay for the required meal plan.



my doctor has suggested that i cut my carb intake and exponentially increase my protein intake. but every source of protein i can get here beyond tofu (which i also can't consume in excess) is high-carb and/or not gluten-free.

and so, i am back to meat.
and i am sad.

i sat in my room and cried for a while, and then i cried even more about how dramatic i was being. but it just meant so much to me, and i felt like my body was failing me once again.

and then i listed all of the magnificent things that my body does for me each and every day.
and then i told myself that once i graduate and make more than just a monthly stipend that i will do much more research and devote myself once again to making this work for me somehow.

nothing else will change - i am still using all vegan products and i will continue to avoid eating honey, gelatin, and other animal byproducts.
it still hurts to go back on my word, especially for a cause that means so much.
but i cannot let myself get unhealthy, and i am looking to the future for ways that i can make this work for me.

15 comments:

Madi | And So I Did said...

Taking care of your body and listening to what it needs is what's most important. I'm glad that you're willing to change your habits to help your body. Hugs

WinterSantiaga said...

I'm so sorry! I'm not vegan but vegetarian and have been for a long time. Having to eat meat again for health reasons is something I'm very scared of. But you gotta do what you gotta do. And you don't have to feel bad or like you failed somehow. It's ok! The most important part is that you feel healthy and maybe in the future when the circumstances have changed you can give it another try. And even if you don't, that's fine too :)

Yalanda_Meshell said...

Taking care of yourself has to be priority one. Sorry that means eating meat, as you were trying so hard to eat vegan. Every little bit counts so doing what you can (avoiding honey etc.) will hopefully lift your spirits!

Kahleel said...

I am sorry that you had to make this change considering it was something that you really wanted. Maybe eating meat that is raised in a stress free/ cage free environment will help as well as eating grass fed meat. When I was a strictly paleo I was super healthy and lost a lot of weight, as soon as I fell off that lifestyle and reverted to carbs I've been super sick with sinus infections and body pains. Check into paleo, it really isn't so bad. Good luck!

Relaxed Thairapy said...

Taking care of yourself it the most important thing. Don't look at it as going back on your word. It's just that it's not healthy for you and it's totally out of your control. Chin up. We love you regardless.

esther julee said...

So sorry to hear it didn't work out. Eating healthy protein packed and carb free food gets so expensive. and diets in general are just really hard to do. Just the fact that gave it a try is really awesome and impressive to me and I'm proud of you for it! :)

Rachel Emma said...

It's tough to give up on something you feel so passionate about :( we've all been there. Sending good vibes your way, lady! Hope you remember to keep your chin up <3

Britt @ The Pinnacle Project said...

Thanks. I'm still adjusting.

Britt @ The Pinnacle Project said...

I definitely will in the future!

Britt @ The Pinnacle Project said...

Thanks :)

Britt @ The Pinnacle Project said...

Thanks so much, Jay :)

Britt @ The Pinnacle Project said...

Thanks, Esther. You're so sweet :)

Britt @ The Pinnacle Project said...

Thank you, Rachel!

Britt @ The Pinnacle Project said...

I was primal for a while and did eat that way and it worked wonderfully for weight loss and overall health, but I really wanted this to work :(

Bailey said...

Sorry it didn't work out the way you hoped it would. Is quinoa an option for you? It's a great source of protein and I believe it's gluten free?