Why I Started Eating Meat Again After 7 Years of Being Vegetarian
What I Learned About Health, Sustainability & Balance
For almost seven years, I was a proud vegetarian. The choice was rooted in my deepening yoga and meditation practice. Every retreat, every teacher, every book whispered the same advice: eat light, eat clean, avoid meat.
At first, it was for my health. Then it became about more than that—it became about the animals, the planet, and a commitment to doing no harm. I even watched The Game Changers and felt utterly convinced that a plant-based diet was the answer.
And honestly? At the time, it was.
Because sometimes, we only know what we know in the moment. And I truly believed I was doing the right thing—for my body, the Earth, and the animals I love just as much as any dog or cat.
My Health Started Declining
After years of a mostly vegan lifestyle, I started noticing symptoms I couldn’t ignore:
- Low energy
- Skin issues
- A general feeling of weakness
Yoga, meditation, and supplements weren’t enough. I consulted several practitioners—Chinese medicine, integrative health—and heard the same message again and again:
“You’re lacking key nutrients that only animal proteins can provide.”
The science supports this too. While plant-based diets can be beneficial, they often fall short on vitamin B12, iron, zinc, creatine, taurine, and bioavailable omega-3s.
Reintroducing Meat—Slowly and Mindfully
I started eating meat and fish again—slowly, mindfully, and honestly, a bit reluctantly.
And within just three months, I noticed major changes:
- My energy skyrocketed
- My skin cleared up
- I lost weight—without trying
- I gained strength and muscle
- I felt more grounded, calm, and clear-headed
I was shocked. And truthfully? A little heartbroken.
I Still Love Animals
The hardest part of this transition wasn’t physical—it was emotional.
I’ve always loved animals. The idea of causing harm felt deeply wrong. But a friend introduced me to the documentary Sacred Cow, and it gave me a broader perspective.
It didn’t make me feel guilty—it gave me context. I learned that sustainably raised, regeneratively farmed meat can actually help restore ecosystems.
“It’s not the cow, it’s the how.” That quote stayed with me. Because like most things in life, this isn’t black and white.
Where I Stand Today
I now eat meat and fish again—but only when I know the source is:
- Ethical
- Local
- Organic
- Free from factory farming and GMOs
This is the same approach I use when cooking for my retreats. We still serve vegetarian meals—not because meat is bad, but because lighter meals support deep inner work.
Our meals are always:
- 100% local & seasonal
- Organic
- Cooked with love
- Free from processed junk
Whether you eat meat or not, nutrition is sacred.
Balance Over Dogma
No diet is one-size-fits-all. You have to listen to your body, honor your values, and allow yourself to evolve.
I still lean heavily plant-based and deeply respect vegetarian and vegan lifestyles. I lived that path for years. But I’ve learned that animal protein can support health—when sourced consciously and eaten with awareness.
I’m not here to convince anyone. I’m just here to say: if you’re struggling on a plant-based diet, it’s okay to reconsider.
Resources That Helped Me
- Sacred Cow — A powerful look at meat, ethics, and sustainability
- The Game Changers — The plant-based doc that started it all for me
- This study — Nutrient gaps in vegetarian/vegan diets
- Regenerative agriculture science — How livestock can help heal the planet
Let’s Talk
Have you transitioned between vegetarian and omnivore diets?
Struggled with energy, skin, or nutrient issues?
Do you believe in the possibility of ethical meat consumption?
I’d love to hear your story. Share in the comments or reach out privately. 
Here’s to listening to our bodies, staying compassionate, and making choices rooted in balance. 
With love, Nadine
