Title: Rediscovering Meat: My Journey Back After a Decade of Vegetarianism
Written on
Chapter 1: The Transition from Vegetarianism
Embracing a vegetarian lifestyle was relatively straightforward for me. Initially, I yearned for a delicious bacon sandwich, but I adapted quickly. My breakfast typically consisted of fresh fruit, while lunch was often a simple salad. For dinner, I enjoyed hearty potatoes and vegetables, which made the transition smooth.
However, everything changed about four years ago during a trip to California when I began to experience mild discomfort in my abdomen and kidneys. I ignored these warning signs for two years until one night, I was jolted awake by the pain. After a visit to the hospital, I underwent tests and was relieved to hear I was in the clear. Despite this, the discomfort lingered.
In my quest for relief, I experimented with various diets—fasting, gluten-free, sugar-free, and even eliminated caffeine, onions, garlic, and dairy from my meals. I tried consuming more fermented foods and then less, switching between healthy fats and no fats. Ultimately, my diet consisted mainly of fruits, salads, and vegetables, yet the pain persisted.
Driven to find answers, I decided to undergo food allergy testing. The results revealed significant allergies to cow's milk, almonds, peanuts, corn, and even my beloved potatoes. Surprisingly, the one food group I was not allergic to was meat. I couldn't help but chuckle at the irony of it all. This discovery prompted my partner and me to indulge in a chicken burger for the first time in a decade. Since then, I've never looked back.
Chapter 2: Lessons Learned from Reintroducing Meat
Section 2.1: Digestive Adjustments
Initially, I was overly enthusiastic and dove into meat consumption too quickly, much to my stomach's dismay. Having lost most of the enzymes necessary for digesting meat, it took time to rebuild them. I soon realized that meat requires longer digestion, and I didn't need to eat as much to feel satisfied. Starting small became essential in my journey.
Section 2.2: Signs of Healing
I am not completely healed yet, but I can feel progress. Letting go of potatoes has been a challenge, yet my body is providing undeniable feedback that it is on the mend. This connection between diet and health resonates with the adage, “We are what we eat,” attributed to Ludwig Feuerbach.
Section 2.3: A Rejuvenated Libido
Unexpectedly, my sex drive has returned with a vengeance! It seems that reintroducing meat has activated some primal instinct within me. I had never questioned my lower libido before; it felt normal after such a long time. Now, I recognize the vitality of sexual energy and am thoroughly enjoying this newfound aspect of my life.
Closing Thoughts
Health is an incredibly personal journey, and for a long time, I concentrated on mental well-being. Once I gained clarity in that area, I realized I had neglected my physical health. This led me to discover the gut-brain connection, emphasizing the need to nurture both aspects. Healing my gut is undoubtedly a lengthy process, but I am eager to learn and grow, a stark contrast to my previous attitude.
Life is a fascinating journey filled with twists, turns, and a range of experiences. I feel fortunate to navigate the complexities and uncertainties along the way.
Continue reading:
What I Unintentionally Found Out About Myself During 10 Days of Silent Vipassana Meditation
100 hours of insanity followed by a morsel of peace — here’s what I learned
betterhumans.pub