How To Prepare Your Body To Eat Meat Again If It's Been A While

Your health and well-being are constantly evolving, so the right eating pattern for you may very well change over time. One mental and physical shift you might be ready for is adding meat back into your diet. While some opt to stay vegan or vegetarian forever, others find it challenging to obtain certain nutrients on a plant-based diet, such as vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids.

As a rule of thumb, start mindfully by listening to your cravings first and seeing where they take you. Pay attention to how your body reacts to different types of meat, noting any changes in digestion, energy levels, or overall well-being. Once you start tuning in, you may find that certain cuts, preparations, or pairings don't agree with you.

If possible, opt for high-quality organic, grass-fed, ethically sourced meats, which have better nutritional profiles and can be more environmentally friendly. 

"When we eat meat, we are not only eating the animal, but we are also ingesting what the animal itself consumed in its diet. There are animals that eat a plant-based healthy organic diet and others that eat pesticide-laden corn, wheat, and grains all day while given high amounts of antibiotics," says registered dietitian Sarah Kassin, R.D. "Therefore, it's important to make health choices regarding the type of meat we eat so we can get the maximum benefit and the minimum harm." 

Meat requires quite a bit of stomach acid and digestive enzymes for proper breakdown. As such, you might feel heavy and lethargic after eating it—especially if it's been a while.

Enter probiotics. Probiotic supplements help keep your microbiome diverse and balanced, ensuring your gut health remains in tiptop shape4 as you introduce or reintroduce meat to your diet.