I was a vegetarian for eight years. I miss it all the time, sometimes more than others. I know some people thrive on vegetarianism. I, however, did not.
I became a vegetarian at 14. I just loved animals so much that eating their flesh nauseated me. My announcement to become vegetarian was met with incredulity, horror, and defensive posturing. They all thought I was a lesbian already, and we had seven cats, so maybe this was just the last straw.
I constantly had to defend myself. I didn’t bother other people about their eating decisions, but they sure a shit bothered about mine. I wouldn’t last a month. I was doing it for attention. I was going to get sick (dammit they were right about that). It went on and on for years. Ridiculous.
It was great at first, I lost a bunch of weight and looked fabulous. Then depression set in (unrelated) and I started eating to fill voids. My diet wasn’t very healthy. Lots of starches. Lots and lots of starches. I couldn’t stand tofu that I had prepared, and we were kind of poor, so my protein was eggs, cheese, and peanut butter.
Eventually, my body had enough. My brain was fuzzy all the time and my immune system tanked. A simple scratch would turn nasty. Instead of scabbing over it would turn green and fall apart, taking weeks instead of days to heal. I was an emotional wreck, too. Psycho PMS. It took me a couple of years and this glorious place called the internet to put things together.
I was suffering from classic protein deficiency, the good news was that it was reversible. At this point, I thought I had a brain tumor or something. I would forget what I was saying half-way through a sentence. Any cold would knock me on my ass. So I added tuna in to my diet and then chicken. My head cleared six months later. Half a year.
I occasionally get all slobbery over a meat dish. Mostly, I just eat it because I need to. This isn’t a cautionary tale, by any means, or advice of any sort. Vegetarianism is wonderful and healthy, and I’m contemplating trying it again. It’s just a little of my story.
theincompetenthausfrau 
I’m so glad you shared this. I always wonder why people get so angry because of what I eat or don’t eat. It’s about being healthy and your body told you what it needed. I sure do appreciate you.
You are so good to me.
I think one-size-fits-all dietary recommendations just frustrate people. I feel better when I get enough protein in my diet, but I do make an effort to be a responsible carnivore.
Interesting take on the vegetarian diet from one who has been there.
Coming over from A-Z.
~Naila Moon
http://yaknowstuff.blogspot.com/2012/04/x.html
Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
This was actually very interesting. I mostly eat veggies because i like them. Once in a while I seem to crave a bit of protein, and then I do eat some meat. I’d never heard anyone’s story who suffered from severe lack of protein. I’m trying to visit all the A-Z Challenge Blogs this month. My alphabet is at myqualityday.blogspot.com
Every body is different. Thanks for visiting. I’ll try to get by to visit your blog soon.
I’ve been a vegetarian for a year. Sometimes it’s pretty challenging to get enough protein. I eat dairy products, just not meat. And yeah, some people act like we’re going hippie or something by refusing meat. 🙂 I blogged V for Vegetarian too — with a recipe. Good post, btw! Hope you do well if and when you become a ‘V’ again. Come see me at http://jessyferguson.blogspot.com
If we were supposed to be vegetarians why did God make animals of meat?
Ah. An oldie but a goody. Please, please do try and remember that God also gave us free will, the power to choose. No one said “supposed to be,” either. Namaste
Ha ha…but people are made of meat too…..;)
I’ve always loved veggies and fruits so it was never a question of ‘adding’ them to my diet. I just excluded the meat. I am a big fan of seafood though, which is fortunate as that’s where I get most of my protein. You are right though, listening to your body is important. Even if you can’t understand your ailments (headaches, tummy aches, fatigue etc), your body will tell you what it wants by the cravings you get. It’s important not to have too many unhealthy snackables around that may become poor substitutes when the cravings hit. (that happens to me often enough with Lays potato chips). Great post though, from someone who’s tried both sides.
Luna
I’m a quasi-vegetarian, if that makes sense. I want to be – but am a head chef and must taste food before it goes on the plates and out the door. I also want to be gluten free… I also don’t understand why people have to be so snarky about vegetarianism… probably because it does seem hippie dippy to them due to all of the advertising and propaganda – and many want to live in blissful ignorance of how their meat is slaughtered!
Hopping by from the A to Z Challenge. Here are my posts – hope you have a chance to stop by! Love your site!
[…] while ago I wrote a post about being a vegetarian. It was a post as part of a blog challenge, so I kind of rushed through it. I feel like I […]
Hi there! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and say I truly enjoy reading your blog posts.
Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that cover the same topics?
Appreciate it!