If you didn’t notice yesterday, I made a few changes to my subpages and sidebar. Because who doesn’t want to look at that stunning and flattering picture of me that’s now on the side? The pages are still a work in progress, but who/what isn’t?
The weather has changed. I unhappily woke up to 55 degree weather (and then promptly curled back up in my chipmunk-like pile of blankets and refused to get out of bed) and skipped the gym out of anger at the cold (yes, weather, feel my wrath!). Please, 90 degree summer, come back. I think I might cry. And drown my sorrows in even more hot tea than usual.
Food and Identity
I guess this change is really the reason I’m blogging today. This is a hard thing for me to type, much less do:
I’m experimenting with being a little less vegan. I have been having a lot of discomfort accompanying the increase in legume-consumption I’ve done to meet my fitness goals. Despite eating differently for over a month now, my body hasn’t adjusted. I leave work every day with major stomach pain and bloating (tmi?) following my two lunches that usually include lentils or beans. And, right now, my training is my passion more than my vegan pursuits. I’ve based part of my identity on “vegan” for years now, but seeing myself as “weightlifter” means more at the moment. I don’t plan on giving up vegetarian or eating cheese or milk, but I’ve added eggs (and nope, not from my lazy bum refuse-to-lay chickens) to my daily diet and have had a few Greek yogurts. There’s certainly a lot of guilt/mixed feelings regarding this decision, but I think it’s the right one for me.
Have you had to make a hard diet/lifestyle change? How did you handle it?
I was a vegetarian for over 10 years. One day chicken just looked good to me so I ate it. Now a days we don’t eat much meat but when we do I like to purchase organic. I think there is room for everything, you just have to mentally and physically feel good about what you eat. I think it’s awesome you’re getting eggs from your own chickens, way to go.
Thanks Marie! I agree, I need to eat what makes me feel good–I just have to get the physical/mental good to align. Working on it!
First off, I love you for being so up-front about this. What you eat is what you eat, and while it’s great to have reasons for the choices you make, I love that you’re just saying “hey, this is what I decided to do, this is why, moving right along.” You just won 8 million awesome blogger points
I understand the conflict you’re going through. I’ve had several failed attempts at veganism, and while I 100% believe the lifestyle can be SO beneficial, I just can’t make it work for me and my quick-to-restrict nature. The first time I ate an egg after my last stint…I almost cried. It was not what *I* wanted to be doing, but it was exactly what my *body* wanted me to give it. Sometimes that has to come first. Over time, the guilt will subside as you realize how things have to line up to pursue your priorities.
Thanks so much Faith–your comment makes me feel even better about my decision! I agree that vegan living in beneficial (I mean, I’ve done it for five years and felt great), but clearly my body is telling me it ISN’T the healthiest option to match my life/goals right now. (And I can certainly see how it wouldn’t work with a restrictive view towards food either, it’s so easy to start creating too many “rules,” and then feeling weighed down by them all–and yet guilty for leaving them behind!)
and I completely agree with Faith here – there WILL be people who do not agree and are not happy with your current choices, but many will admire the fact that you are explaining it, explaining why. BIG “blogger points” !!
I think it’s so important to listen to your body. It sounds like you are doing the right thing. Also, it’s so much easier now to eat eggs and meat that are ethically produced. I only buy organic cage free/free roam etc now. Sorry about your chickens. Hope they get their act together soon!
Thanks Stacie! And oh, I love my goofy chickens regardless, but really?? It’s been long enough, ladies
I agree, do what makes you feel good. You were planning on eating eggs anyway if those darn chicken ever started laying! Just follow your own moral guide, and you’ll be fine!
<3 your most NON vegan friend
I <3 you, my non-vegan friend. You still need to come to Nash so I can take you and Wes to get always-veg-friendly BBQ ;D
honestly? it is nobody’s business but my own!
I don’t preach what I do, and prefer not to hear the preaching or judgement of others. I eat eggs from happy chickens – I have met them, two of my friends have chickens! Several months ago I enjoyed a goat cheese from a (also happy!) goat I met at the farmers market.
I don’t eat meat, but I have never really enjoyed it.
I think the worst judgement I have had, the one that felt bad, was from someone whose life partner is omni. This person judges people for eating eggs, when the person they live with eats meat. I don’t judge, and neither should they.
I’m sorry you are having a hard time with this decision. I admire your strength and steadfast pursuit of your goals. <3
Thanks so much Kristina! I’ve tried to never judge people for their food choices, because I realize what we eat, what we like, and what works for our bodies is such a unique and personal thing. I think I’m probably giving myself more flak for my decision than anyone externally will, but it’s still such a hard decision to make when so much of my life has been based around being vegan. …Although that happy-goat goat cheese sounds pretty darn good…
I’m glad I’m not the only one that thinks 55 is unreasonably cold!
Good for you listening to your body! I was going to try to do the competition prep vegan and that lasted all of 3 days. I’m impressed you got this far! Eggs are a great refuel. Have you thought about cottage cheese? I’m eating it right now.
It’s like living in the Arctic tundra!
And although I feel guilty, I can definitely say I gave it a good shot–You know I’ve been struggling with the legumes-thing for a while, but it just isn’t getting any better. Guilt aside, I AM enjoying eggs-as-fuel. Hmmm, I can’t say I loved the texture/taste of cottage cheese even when I ate dairy. But that was also five years ago–so it probably couldn’t hurt to give that another shot ;D
You must do what is right for you! I’ve gone from serious vegetarian to meat eater for health reasons
Great post, Allie. I love that you are in charge of your eating habits and not vice versa. Like you said, your priorities have shifted and that’s all part of life. Looking back, I definitely have changed my eating habits and probably will continue to do so as my life changes. I remember this time last year, I ate more of a vegetarian diet whereas now, I crave eggs and chicken…I’m guessing the increase in weight training has something to do with that.
Thanks Kushboo! I definitely have to remind myself that diet IS a constantly evolving thing in our lives! I wasn’t always vegan, and there’s no reason I always HAVE to be, especially if it isn’t what works for me at this time. And I AM looking forward to seeing how my weight training progresses with the changes!
Firstly can I say how much I admire you for making this decision because it is what’s best for YOU. It’s brave and secondly I think it’s almost as brave to come out and say it on here! And I think you are completely right to do it, this may sound a little selfish but I definitely am a believer that you should do what works best for your own health so go you
Aww, thank you Sophie! And yeah, I’m working on coming to terms with the fact that personal health/diet SHOULD be selfish–it should be what works for you and makes you feel best.
You should only plan your trip to Portland in the summer btw. You’ll die of the cold in most other months.
I think it’s great that you’re really having a serious chat with your body about what is going on. That’s such the smart, responsible thing to do. It’ll mean you’re that much closer to your goals. I can’t imagine the mental dilemma you’re going through, but I think it’ll work its way out in due time. You’re responsible to no one but you and your body when it comes to your eating choices, and I think you’ll be happy with whatever you choose to stick with.
Besides, maybe now that you’ve officially come out as an egg eater, your chickens might get a clue and start laying.
Haha, I have definitely considered that part of any vacationing to Portland
And thanks Michelle! I had to stop being an idiot and realize that stomach pain means…something hurts and needs to change, hah. And maybe they’ll get a clue…or a THREAT. Chicken may be on the menu next…
(Totally joking about that. They’re my pets. But don’t tell them that.)
Email me, woman! Sorry to hear you’re reacting badly to the legumes
Vegan unfortunately makes things difficult. I was reading about a vegetarian figure competitor in the UK who has eight protein shakes a day, because she can’t eat anything else. Talk about groundhog day!
Have you read Kristen’s blog at http://www.followingfit.com ? She recently started eating meat after 15+ years of being vegetarian. Very interesting stuff.
E-mailed you! I’ll definitely go check out Kristen’s blog, thanks!
I really appreciate your honesty & openness about this!! Good for you for making the decision that is right for your needs =)
Thanks Sable!
New photo is super cute!
Haha, thanks! I figure I look ridiculous if I try to take a serious picture, so why not just skip the middle step and TRY to look ridiculous? It just comes naturally ;D
I wasn’t a vegetarian or vegan for long (like 8 months lol..) but when I began eating meat again about a year ago I did feel guilty. I think it’s great that you have a new passion and that you’re making changes for it. People grow and change. More power to ya!
Also, I really like the side picture
Thanks Allie
And I agree, people do change, and I just have to accept that this is part of that!
gosh I want that tea!
Mmm, it’s good…Might go make some in a minute, it’s COLD here this morning.
Ouch about the legume problemos– I can relate with you about the tummy woes. No fun at all :/ BUT! I’m stoked to hear you’re experimenting with new foods and broadening your horizons in order to achieve your goals! That’s fabulous!!! Now if only your chickens would start crankin out some eggs
Thank you thank you! And yeah, it’s definitely time for some diet experimentation and to just see what works and doesn’t! Can’t cling to the idea of what I THINK should be healthy for me, I have to find out what actually is!
Amen!!
When I started getting healthy in my recovery and was able to start to strength train I made the hard decision to not be a vegetarian anymore. I finally realized I needed to focus on me and my health and that this could be a temporary change until I am healthy again. It’s a tough decision especially since I was vegetarian for the moral/ethical reasons. I still don’t/can’t eat red meat because it grosses me out but adding chicken and fish to my diet I noticed my body reacted very well to it. So I guess the body knows what it wants!
I think we all get so caught up in labeling our diets we forget how to listen to our bodies and give it what it needs/wants. Just remember your health is more important than a label <3
Debbie–So glad you’ve made a similar change and have done well with it. You’re right, it’s all about health and NOT the label, and the change is supporting what I love to do, so I know it will all be for the best.
I feel YOU! I was VEGAN for 3 years and felt better than I ever had because I eliminated all the junk and was forced to eat more vegetables, legumes and more nutrient fillled foods instead of my drive thru cheeseburger or pizza. After awhile I started to get that same “feeling” and realized that being vegan was a great experience but I needed to add meat and cut down my portions of legumes just a tad. So now my diet is 80% vegan/raw and 20% dairy free (still no dairy because my lactase enzymes ran away) I am sure you learned tons of new recipes and were forced to try new vegetables so I think it is awesome that you were able to go so long so be proud and take with you what you loved about it! Love and Shine Courtstar
It has definitely made me find new ways of cooking/new meal ideas, which I love! So glad you’ve have a similar experience and understand making the change–both ways! Ugh, why do legumes have to be so difficult? Haha
I sooo respect you for making such changes Allie.. you are doing what is right for both your mind and body and when it comes down to it, that is the most important thing! I look forward to hearing the updates!
Thanks Tessa! And you’re right, personal health should always be the priority, but I know you and I both know how easy it is to lose that amid rules and personal limitations. Just have to move forward and keeping finding what works
First of all, I LOVE your new sidebar picture.
Second, I completely understand how you feel because being vegan is something I really, really wanted to do, but with my running and lack of experience cooking that way, I just couldn’t do it. So it was disappointing for me in some cases to have to eat meat (which I always tried to buy the best and most humane stuff), so I can only imagine how hard it must be to go through YEARS of actually being able to do it and have to lighten up on it a little. I do think it’s totally fine though, because you’ve done it for so long and still always get out the importance of not eating animals! No one has the right to say anything negative toward your decision and I think it’s smart to do what’s best for you health!
I’m one classy-lookin’ lady, right??
And thank you–I know it’s best for my health/what I want to do with my life right now, and it doesn’t mean I can’t eat vegan later on, can’t buy organic/good egg and dairy items, or that I have to go hog-wild and ONLY eat eggs/dairy. I’m going to try to eat as vegan as possible, but, like you say, just lighten the rules a little to match what my body needs.
It’s easy for me to say, I know, but don’t feel guilty lovely; vegan diets aren’t the best thing for everyone and if it’s not right for you, acknowledging that and changing is the best – and the strongest – thing you could possibly do xx
I think it is awesome to make a decision like that … you have to do what makes you feel best. At least that is my philosophy. I am constantly changing things up, probably makes it hard for people to follow along!
Ralph keeps trying to get me to eat fish, but I won’t do it. I do eat eggs, cheese and yogurts. It works for me, I feel that I’m a lot healthier than others I know my age as a result of following Weight Watchers for so many years and being vegetarian. I couldn’t be vegan because I don’t want to give up cheese. Selfish maybe, but it works for me. This change could be very good for you. I look forward to hearing how it works!