Ep 121- Stopped Being Vegetarian After 10 Years. Here’s Why
June 4, 2026
After 10 years, I finally started eating meat again and the reason will surprise you.
It’s something no one is talking about.
For years, I thought being vegetarian was the best possible thing for my health, but I soon realized that I was actually secretly confusing my body.
Today, I will cover…
- Why I went vegetarian at first
- The little known science of nutritional wisdom
- The psychological challenges of eating meat again
- The changes I’ve noticed since incorporating meat for over 6 months now
For nearly 10 years, I was vegetarian. During that time, I built a lot of my identity around eating that way. I cared deeply about animals, I thought it was the healthiest option, and honestly, I never imagined I would eat meat again.
So when I decided to stop being vegetarian, it wasn’t a quick decision. It was something I thought about for a long time, and it came after years of noticing changes in my health, energy, and relationship with food.
Why I Became Vegetarian
Like many people, I originally became vegetarian for ethical reasons. I cared about animal welfare and felt good knowing my food choices aligned with my values.
Over time, though, I also started believing that vegetarianism was automatically healthier. It became part of how I viewed myself and what it meant to be a healthy person.
The challenge was that I stopped questioning whether it was actually working for my body.
The Health Issues I Couldn't Ignore
As the years went on, I started experiencing symptoms that became harder to dismiss.
Some of the things I struggled with included:
Low energy and fatigue
Feeling hungry all the time
Strong cravings
Difficulty staying full after meals
Brain fog and poor concentration
At first, I assumed I just needed to eat better as a vegetarian. Maybe I needed more supplements, more protein powder, or a better meal plan.
But eventually I had to ask myself an uncomfortable question: what if the diet itself wasn't working for me anymore?
The Protein Problem
One thing I noticed was how difficult it was to consistently get enough protein from foods that left me feeling satisfied.
I relied heavily on foods like:
Protein bars
Protein powder
Meat substitutes
Highly processed vegetarian products
While those foods can absolutely have a place in someone's diet, I realized I was building most of my protein intake around products rather than whole foods.
And the more I learned about cravings, appetite regulation, and ultra-processed foods, the more I started questioning whether this approach was helping me feel my best.
Reintroducing Meat
When I finally decided to try eating meat again, I was nervous.
It felt strange after nearly a decade. There was guilt, fear, and a lot of emotions tied to the decision.
But what surprised me most was how quickly I noticed changes.
I felt fuller after meals. My energy improved. Food noise decreased. I wasn't constantly thinking about my next snack or wondering why I still felt hungry after eating.
It wasn't some dramatic overnight transformation, but it was enough for me to realize that my body was responding differently.
What I Believe Now
One of the biggest lessons I learned is that there isn't one perfect way of eating for everyone.
Some people thrive as vegetarians. Some thrive eating animal products. What matters is whether your food choices support your health, your goals, and how you want to feel.
I no longer believe that a diet is good simply because it fits a label. I care much more about asking:
Does this help me feel energized?
Does it keep me satisfied?
Does it support my health?
Is it sustainable long term?
Those questions matter far more than whether a diet is vegetarian, keto, paleo, or anything else.
My Takeaway
Stopping vegetarianism after 10 years wasn't about abandoning my values. It was about listening to my body and being willing to change my mind when new information and experiences pointed me in a different direction.
Sometimes the healthiest thing we can do is let go of an identity that no longer serves us.
And if there's one thing I've learned through my journey with food, it's that health isn't about following rules perfectly. It's about finding the approach that allows you to feel your best, trust your body, and create a relationship with food that actually works for your life.