How to Eat Meat Again After Fasting

When eating fish again after a vegetarian diet, you will most likely not have any problems if you train your body to get used to it. This may be easier than you think, no matter how long you’ve been without meat. To give you peace of mind, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions by vegetarians considering salting again.

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Can you eat fish again after going vegan?

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Yes, our body has not lost its ability to digest meat. No matter how long you have been a vegetarian, you can still eat fish and meat again at any time. You may feel a bit “heavy” after your first meal of fish, especially if you eat large portions, but you really haven’t lost your ability to digest and metabolize meat. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Can vegetarians get sick from eating fish?

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No, but you may get upset stomach if you eat too much. Plant-based foods are easier to digest than fish meat and don’t require as much digestive enzymes to break down. If you suddenly switch to meat, you may not have enough digestive enzymes to handle it, and this can be uncomfortable. Eat slowly and start with small portions to make it easier for your body to digest. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Which fish meat should I eat first?

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Start with the “lighter” varieties and gradually add more meat and fish. Eat easy-to-digest foods like fish first, then try poultry. Gradually eat more “heavy” varieties like red meat. This will help your body adapt so you won’t have any digestive problems. ^{[3] X Research Sources} .

There is no need to be rigid in this. You can eat whatever you feel like and comfortable with, just avoid eating large portions to avoid indigestion.
If you’ve been a vegan for a long time or follow a strictly plant-based diet, start with something light like chicken broth or eggs.

Should I limit the amount of fish meat?

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Eat small portions at first and listen to your body. Eating fish after a long period of fasting won’t make you sick, but a large steak can cause discomfort, such as a full stomach or an upset stomach. Try a small portion first and see how it goes. If you don’t feel full or have indigestion, you can try eating more. Watch how your body reacts and don’t overeat. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

How can I prevent digestive problems when I eat fish again?

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Choose meat or fish that is high in fat to aid digestion. Super lean cuts of meat can be tougher and harder for the body to process, especially if you haven’t eaten meat in a while. When eating meat again, you should choose a fatter piece of meat to eat better and help your body absorb more vitamins and minerals. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

For example, you can choose fatty fish like salmon or herring instead of tilapia or halibut.

Take digestive enzymes to aid in the digestive process. When you eat meat again, you may feel “heavy” and a little bloated at first. Digestive enzymes will help break down the food so you can digest the meat more easily and with less discomfort. Buy digestive enzymes from health food stores or vitamin stores and take them as recommended on the package. ^{[6] X Research Source}

How to make fish and meat dishes look attractive when salty again?

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Order cooked food so you don’t have to handle raw food. If you are not used to handling or preparing fish meat, you may feel scared and lose your appetite. Instead, order ready-to-eat food or eat at a restaurant when you start eating fish again. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Perhaps you should avoid sushi if raw fish doesn’t appeal to you.

Spice up your dishes with seasonings and sauces. There are tons of spices that make meat more appetizing like pepper, paprika, salt, garlic, onions and more. There are also sauces that go well with meat like barbecue sauce, ketchup, ranch sauce and blue cheese that you can use! Seasoning can make meat more flavorful and easier to eat if you don’t like the taste of it. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Are the majority of vegetarians eating fish again?

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That’s right. Studies show that 84% of vegetarians eat fish and meat again. It is very common for vegetarians and vegans to eventually return to eating meat and fish. One study found that there are five times more people who have been vegetarians and vegans than those who are vegetarians. This doesn’t mean you’ll eventually go back to eating meat, but if you do, you’re not special either. ^{[9] X Research Source}

How do I stop feeling guilty about eating fish again after going vegan?

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Remind yourself of your reasons to eat meat again. If you have to eat meat again for your health, think about the benefits you’ll get, such as feeling healthier and spending more time with the people you love and care about. Our bodies have the ability to process meat, and it’s a natural part of many people’s diets. You have done nothing wrong and there is nothing to regret when eating fish meat. ^{[10] X Research Source}

Many people are vegetarian for ethical reasons, so they can be really miserable when they have to eat meat again.

Advice

If you are a vegetarian and accidentally eat a piece of meat, don’t worry. Even if you have emotional discomfort, it is not physically affected.

Warning

In extremely rare cases, if you are allergic to meat, you will experience symptoms such as hives, itching, and swelling on your face, lips, and tongue. In severe cases, you can go into anaphylaxis, a reaction that can lead to death. However, most people with a meat allergy are caused by the bite of a tick called the Lone Star, not by the meat. ^{[11] X Research Source}
If you really have symptoms such as hives, itching, swelling on your face, lips, tongue or in your throat, wheezing, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing, call your doctor right away.

Steps