No, You Haven't Lost the Ability to Digest Meat. How to Reintroduce Meat After Being Vegetarian (and Not Get Sick)

Co-authored by Tara Coleman

Last Updated: April 29, 2022 References

If you’re a vegetarian and you’re thinking about eating meat again, you most likely won’t have any problems at all if you ease back into it. Eating meat again is easier than you may think, no matter how long you’ve gone without having any. To help ease your mind, we’ve answered a few of the most common questions that folks have about how to go back to eating meat after being a vegetarian.

Question 1 of 8:

Can you go back to eating meat after being vegetarian?

Yes, your body does not lose the ability to digest meat. No matter how long you’ve been a vegetarian, you can always go back to eating meat. You may feel a little “heavy” after your first meal with meat, especially if you have a large portion. But, you won’t actually be unable to digest and metabolize the meat.^{[1]
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Question 2 of 8:

Do vegetarians get sick when they eat meat?

No, but you may have an upset stomach if you overdo it. Plants are easier to digest than meat and require fewer digestive enzymes to break them down. If you suddenly switch back to eating meat, you might not have sufficient digestive enzymes to handle meat, which can cause some physical discomfort. Going slowly and starting with small portions of meat will make the process easier.^{[2]
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Question 3 of 8:

What meats should I reintroduce first after being a vegetarian?

Start with lighter meats and introduce different meats one at a time. Go with lighter meat like fish first, and then try something like poultry. Work your way up slowly to heavier meats like red meat. This gives your body time to adjust so you won’t have any digestive issues.^{[3]
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- It’s not an exact science, so choose to eat what you’re craving and what feels right for you. Just try to avoid a super large cut of meat so you won’t have any digestive discomfort.
- If you’ve been a vegan for a long time, or you’ve been following a strict plant-based diet, start with something lighter such as chicken broth or eggs.

Question 4 of 8:

Should I limit how much meat I eat after being a vegetarian?

Eat small portions at first and listen to your body. Eating meat after being a vegetarian won’t make you sick, but diving immediately into a giant steak can cause some discomfort, like bloating and a stomach ache. Try out a small serving and see how you feel. If you don’t feel bloated or have indigestion, try having more. Pay attention to how your body responds and don’t overdo it.^{[4]
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Question 5 of 8:

How do I prevent digestion issues when I eat meat after being a vegetarian?

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Choose higher-fat cuts of meat to help with digestion. Super lean cuts of meat can be tougher and more difficult for your body to process, especially if you haven’t eaten meat in a long time. When you’re getting back into eating meat again, choose fattier cuts for more flavor and to help your body absorb more of the essential vitamins and minerals.^{[5]
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- For example, you might go with a higher-fat fish like salmon or herring over lean fish like tilapia and halibut.
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Take digestive enzymes to help support your digestion. Eating meat again can make you feel “heavy” and a little bloated at first. Digestive enzymes help break down your food, so they can help you digest meat more easily and with less discomfort. Pick up digestive enzymes at your local health food or vitamin store and take them according to the recommendations on the packaging.^{[6]
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Question 6 of 8:

How do I make eating meat more appealing after being a vegetarian?

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Order cooked meals so you don’t have to handle raw meat. If you aren’t used to handling or preparing meat, it can be really off-putting and may spoil your appetite. Instead, order take out or go to a restaurant when you start eating meat again.^{[7]
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- You may want to avoid sushi if raw fish is unappealing to you.
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Boost the flavor with seasoning and sauces. There are a ton of seasonings that can help make meat more delicious such as pepper, paprika, salt, garlic, onion, and many more. There are also a bunch of sauces that go great with meat such as barbecue, ketchup, ranch, and blue cheese. Use them! They can enhance the flavor of the meat and help make it more palatable if you don’t love the taste.^{[8]
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Question 7 of 8:

Do most vegetarians go back to eating meat?

Yes, studies suggest that 84% of vegetarians go back to eating meat. It’s really common for folks who follow a vegetarian or a vegan diet to eventually return to eating meat. One study found that there are more than 5 times as many former vegetarians and vegans as there are current ones. That doesn’t mean you’ll eventually go back to eating meat, but you aren’t alone if you do choose to do so.^{[9]
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Question 8 of 8:

How can I stop feeling bad about eating meat after being a vegetarian?

Keep in mind your reasons for eating meat again. If you have to eat meat for health reasons, think about the benefits that you’ll get from it such as feeling better physically and being able to spend more time with people you love and care about. Your body is able to process meat, so it’s a natural part of many people’s diets. You aren’t doing anything wrong and you shouldn’t feel guilty about eating meat.^{[10]
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- Many people are vegetarians for moral reasons, so it can really make them upset if they have to start eating meat again.

Expert Q&A

Question

Why should vegetarians go back to eating meat?

Tara Coleman
Clinical Nutritionist
Tara Coleman is a Clinical Nutritionist who has a private practice in San Diego, California. With over 15 years of experience, Tara specializes in sports nutrition, body confidence, and immune system health and offers personalized nutrition, corporate wellness, and online learning courses. She received a BS in Biology from James Madison University and spent six years in the pharmaceutical industry as an analytical chemist before founding her practice. Tara has been featured on NBC, CBS, Fox, ESPN, and Dr. Oz The Good Life as well as in Forbes, Cosmopolitan, Self, and Runner’s World.

Tara Coleman

Clinical Nutritionist

Expert Answer

If you've been struggling to get enough protein in your diet as a vegetarian, this might be a reason to start eating meat again. Focusing on your health as your motivation might help you feel better about the decision.

Warnings

While it’s extremely rare, if you have a meat allergy, you could have a reaction such as hives, itching, swelling of your face, lips, and tongue. If your allergy is severe enough, you could go into anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction. However, most people who have meat allergies get them from being bitten by Lone Star ticks, not from abstaining from meat.^{[11]
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If you do start the experience symptoms of an allergic reaction including hives, itching, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, wheezing, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing, get to a doctor right away.

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