October 15, 2023

Vegetarian to Meat Eater

Vegans and Vegetarians Who Want to Eat Meat Again

Hi Everyone! This post is for you if you are a vegan or vegetarian and want to eat meat – again, for the first time in years or ever!

Firstly, you should also know that we have personalized advice for re-introducing meat/animal products back into your life safely and healthily. Plus, this month’s personalized advice for members is the essential guide to optimum health for vegetarians!

Vegan and Vegetarian Health

Malnutrition Statistics

Vegan and Vegetarian Deficiencies

Symptoms of Deficiencies in Vegans and Vegetarians:

Vegan & Vegetarian Diet Supplements

Nutrition Advice for Vegans and Vegetarians

Nutritionist for optimum health

Vegan and Vegetarian Health

Firstly, it’s okay to eat meat again if you are looking at eating meat after being vegetarian. If you are reading this, then there is good reason. Maybe your mind and body are screaming at you to have animal protein.

With the added pressures of eating plant-based diets and the reasons why people become vegans and vegetarians, it can be a hard decision to switch back to eating meat.

I think many people can feel guilty when they decide to follow a particular way of eating and then find that they can’t eat that way and it isn’t sustainable. Micronutrient malnutrition can also cause low moods and less-than-optimum mental well-being.

It happens all the time with so many popular diets. Like Keto, Atkins, Raw Food, and Low-calorie diets, for instance. There may be ethical or cultural reasons behind your choice, but many diets are unsustainable or nutritionally sound.

Man with a headache, indicating malnutrition

Many diets can make you unwell and not satisfied nutritionally. Sometimes without realisation.

You may not be concerned about the impact of a vegan or vegetarian diet on your health. You may have switched to veganism for weight loss or from another diet because the doctor says your cholesterol is high or something, and you feel better at the moment.

Although there are statements all over the internet that say veganism and plant-based diets can reduce your risk of developing disease, this is not necessarily the case if you are not eating everything you need daily for optimum health. Numerous studies state that following a vegan diet can lead to skeletal, nervous, and immune system impairments, as well as anemia and depression.

Any diet that is not balanced and contains a lot of meat, or too much or too little of anything, puts you at risk of chronic disease. Everyone needs to know how to eat for optimum health!

Nutritionist explaining nutrition facts label to a client, close-up

 

Many restrictive diets (and those you would not define as restrictive) can cause deficiencies, leading to chronic inflammation.

Chronic inflammation, sustained inflammation running all the time (not just as a protective reaction to trauma or injury), is linked to the leading causes of death. 78% of deaths related to diseases have chronic inflammation pathways.

Chronic inflammation leads to neuroinflammation, which increases anxiety, depression, brain fog, mood swings and irritability, a decline in cognitive functions, and so on.

Malnutrition Statistics

Many of the world’s population has malnutrition, and an unhealthy diet, which means nutritional needs are not met, is a significant contributor to malnutrition.

Malnutrition is defined as deficiencies, imbalances, and excesses of nutrients. Malnutrition increases chronic inflammation and ill health (see below).

There’s:

  • – Undernutrition
  • – Diet-related imbalances lead to chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases like obesity, diabetes, cancers, heart disease, IBD, arthritis, mental health issues, fibromyalgia, etc. 
  • – Inadequate micronutrient intake. 

 

 

According to the World Health Organisation, 149 million children under five are affected by malnutrition through their height. Forty-five million were estimated to be too thin, and 38.9 million were obese.

1.9 billion adults are overweight or obese, and 462 million adults are underweight.

Low-to-middle-income countries have a high rate of obesity and malnutrition.

According to the Malnutrition Task Force, 1.3 million people over 65 have malnutrition in the UK.

Not eating a good balance of the proper nutrients and micronutrients affects everyone throughout our lives!

Vegan and Vegetarian Deficiencies

Many deficiencies come from missing out on the essential daily required nutrition. Not just for vegans and vegetarians. Most people have dietary inadequacies and need the assistance of a nutritionist.

The types of iron consumed are essential. Without this, oxygen cannot be circulated, and body homeostasis is not maintained. Plus, there are Gut microbiota that improve the absorption of iron. These Gut microbiota are promoted with essential daily vitamins not found in a vegan diet, for instance.

Young vegetarian couple standing with boxes full of fresh vegetables outdoors on the gray wall background

Essential nutrition for life and keeping disease at bay is generally lower in vegans or plant-based diet eaters. The overlooked side of veganism could be dangerous for many, as explained in a study by Bali & Naik (2023).

Hundreds of studies have been reported on nutritional intake for vegans and vegetarians that show inadequate intake. These essential micronutrient requirements for optimum health are only obtained from animal products.

If you are considering eating meat after being vegetarian, it would be best to consider B12, zinc, iodine, calcium, PUFAs, etc., with veganism and vegetarianism. (Head over to personalized advice for nutrition help for vegans and vegetarians. We cover all sorts of science-backed supportive advice for vegans and vegetarians, like:

  • – eating meat after being vegetarian and vegan

  • – how to eat and what to eat (with 300+ recipes)

  • – vegan guilt

  • – worries about eating meat and getting sick after veganism

  • – being vegetarian and eating meat again has side effects

  • – how to shop for anti-inflammatory groceries on a budget

  • – your Gut microbiome…and the list goes on!

Doctor nutritionist, dietician and female patient on consultation in the office. young smiling female nutritionist in the consultation room. Nutritionist desk with healthy fruit and measuring tape.

 

Follow this anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle for all nutrition concerns when you have been eating a restricted way for a while or have malabsorption issues like with any inflammatory bowel disease.

There are essential vitamins necessary for crucial metabolic roles across your whole life span, during development (before you are born), throughout your childhood and adulthood, and later years.

This applies to people with too much of one thing and not enough of another, not just if you are considering eating meat after being vegetarian. (Many meat eaters think they are okay, too, but they may not have enough essential daily vitamins. They, too, are at risk. It’s why nutritionists and dieticians exist!).

Protecting your mind and body, ensuring proper nutrient absorption, and meeting daily nutrition values are essential for optimum health. We do it here through gut health, reducing inflammation, regulating the immune system, liver detox, and so on.

Check out the article: Help With Anemia, B12, and Iron Deficiencies.

Female vegan and vegetarian nutritionist working at desk and writing medical records over fresh fruit in the consultation.

Symptoms of Deficiencies in Vegans and Vegetarians:

  • Iron-deficient anemia

  • Pernicious anemia

  • Fatigue

  • Weakness

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Mood swings

  • Confusion

  • Lack of coordination

  • Headaches

  • Shortness of breath

  • Palpitations

  • Lack of energy

  • Vision issues

  • Pins and needles

  • Myelin shaft damage

  • Walking issues

  • Cold hands and feet

  • Nausea

  • Cravings

  • Appetite loss

  • Heart murmurs

  • Weight gain

A man in blue pyjamas in lying awake in bed, looking unhappy.

 

Vegan & Vegetarian Diet Supplements

The recommended daily intake of supplements for vegans is for people who already eat a balanced and nutritious diet. Plus, as I always say, supplements do not match the bioavailability of good food, and your vegan diet supplements could be full of inflammatory ingredients. Eating meat after being vegetarian needs good consideration.

Try these vegan recipes: Slow Cooker Indian Vegetable Curry and Carrot & Quinoa Salad.

Read these articles for more information about inflammatory ingredients in the form of supplements and medication:

Is AG1 Supplement Good for You?, Side Effects of Antibiotics & IBD, NSAIDs, and Gut Health & Inflammation.

Closeup of young woman holding vitamin capsule while taking supplements with glass of water at home

Nutrition Advice for Vegans and Vegetarians

If you are a vegan or vegetarian with concerns about nutrition and want to eat meat again, join us! We can help you facilitate the transition and help you achieve optimum mental and physical wellness.

There are many vegetarian and vegan recipes on this anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle, along with others, so you will eat well and be well.

If you are thinking about eating meat after being vegetarian, it won’t just be your vegan or vegetarian diet that you change. You will protect yourself from chronic disease, age-degenerative neurological diseases, and anything genetic.

Plus, you won’t be disappointed about the incredible side effects.

You can book a 15-minute Zoom with me if you have any questions, connect with us in the forum, or start immediately by going to the personalized advice section.

I wish you and your family good health and wellness.

Author

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