Why I Returned to Eating Meat—and What I Learned About My Body in the Process

There was a time not too long ago when I proudly followed a vegetarian lifestyle. For about five months, I eliminated meat from my diet, motivated by a desire to live healthier and perhaps challenge myself to be more mindful of what I consumed. Before that, I had always been more of a chicken-eater than a full-on meat lover—I rarely touched red meat or pork. So going vegetarian didn’t feel like a huge leap at first. It actually felt empowering.

But as time went on, I began to notice subtle changes in my body. At first, it was fatigue. Then it was muscle loss. And eventually, I came to a difficult but necessary conclusion: I needed to reintroduce meat into my diet—not because I lacked willpower or commitment, but because my body needed more than I was giving it.

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The shift happened when I visited New York. It was there that I allowed myself to eat meat again, cautiously at first. Shortly after, I had a session with my personal trainer, who did a full evaluation. The results were eye-opening. I had lost a significant amount of muscle mass—something that alarmed both of us. As we dug deeper into the cause, it became clear that I wasn’t consuming enough protein to support my active lifestyle and metabolism.

Yes, it’s true that plant-based diets can provide protein—but it’s not always simple. In fact, to get 27 grams of protein, you’d have to eat an overwhelming amount of certain plant-based foods like spinach, lentils, or chickpeas. And even then, you might not be absorbing it in the most efficient way. My trainer warned me about the overuse of tofu, which is soy-based and can affect hormonal balance if consumed in large quantities. Salmon was another option, but I had to be mindful of iodine and mercury levels. It all became a delicate balancing act—and one that wasn’t working well for me.

So, I made the conscious decision to bring meat back into my diet, though this time with moderation and awareness. I wasn’t trying to eat meat at every meal, but I knew that my body needed high-quality protein to rebuild strength, especially after a challenging period of physical and hormonal changes.

You see, this journey wasn’t just about food. It coincided with another major shift in my life—entering perimenopause and recovering from surgery. My body was going through a transformation I hadn’t been fully prepared for. I went from weighing 138 pounds to nearly 190 pounds in what felt like a blink. And it wasn’t because I was eating recklessly or avoiding exercise. It was a perfect storm of changing hormones, slower metabolism, and internal shifts that no one really talks about.

That’s what struck me the most: how little society acknowledges or supports women during this phase of life. Perimenopause, menopause, PCOS, hormonal imbalances—these aren’t just footnotes in a woman’s health journey. They’re powerful forces that affect weight, mood, energy, and self-image. And yet, when women gain weight, they’re often met with unfair stereotypes: lazy, undisciplined, unhealthy. The truth is far more complex.

I share this now as someone who’s still in the process. I currently weigh around 180 pounds, and I’ve set a personal goal of getting down to 160 pounds—not out of vanity, but to feel stronger, healthier, and more in tune with my body. I’m focusing on strength training, protein-rich meals, and consistency over perfection. I’m also considering getting my testosterone levels checked, because I believe that understanding my hormones will help me make better decisions for my health.

This journey has taught me not to judge anyone based on appearance. It has reminded me that bodies change, sometimes rapidly and without warning. And most of all, it has shown me that health isn’t about fitting into a size—it’s about listening to your body, adapting when necessary, and showing yourself grace.

So yes, I went back to eating meat. And I have zero regrets. Because choosing what nourishes your body isn’t failure—it’s wisdom.