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Emma Bonoli
Emma Bonoli

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A plate featuring a cooked steak, green vegetables, and a roasted pepper, illustrating the author's return to eating meat. The text overlay states, "Real Talk I wish I gave up vegetarianism sooner."
Two savory tacos filled with meat, cilantro, and onions are presented on a white plate. The text overlay highlights, "I feel so much better since eating meat again, I'm able to get way more protein and have more energy."
A close-up of a single taco filled with shredded meat, onions, and cilantro, held by a hand. The text overlay reads, "Eating is way less complicated. My husband and I can eat the same meals and those meals are able to be simpler."
A woman in activewear takes a mirror selfie, showcasing her back and glutes. The text overlay states, "My glutes are growing from the protein! L BESTSELLER," connecting her physique to increased protein intake.
A restaurant counter displays various sushi rolls and dishes, with people dining in the background. The text overlay expresses, "Eating out is way more fun! I can't believe the options that I have any any restaurant now!"
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Real Talk: I wish I gave up vegetarianism sooner

In 2015 I dabbled in raw veganism and though I felt like supewoman. As you can imagine, that wasn't sustainable, so I settled on being a vegetarian. Something I did purely for what I thought were the percieved health benefits as I felt "better eating clean".

I was a vegetarian for 8 years until fall 2023 when out of the blue I developed a serious coconut allergy and I could no longer eat fake meat products or use protein powder which all have coconut products.

Since becoming a meat eater again I can't believe how much better I feel. I have more energy because I'm able to eat more protein. Eating is way less complicated. Eating out is way more fun. And my butt is growing because im getting way more protein!

#lemon8partner #embracevulnerability #vegetarian #vegetarianism #meateater #lemon8challenge #lemon8diary

2024/3/11 Edited to

... Read moreIt’s funny how life throws curveballs, isn't it? For nearly a decade, I genuinely believed vegetarianism was the pinnacle of healthy eating. I was so focused on 'eating clean' that I overlooked how restrictive and, frankly, unsustainable it was becoming for my body. The shift really began with that sudden, serious coconut allergy. I quickly discovered just how many vegetarian and vegan alternatives, from fake meat burgers to my daily protein powder, relied heavily on coconut products. It wasn’t just an inconvenience; it made finding suitable food nearly impossible and incredibly frustrating. My once 'healthy' diet was suddenly feeling completely debilitating. Reintroducing meat wasn't an overnight decision, and I had my reservations. After advocating for plant-based eating for so long, there was an initial mental hurdle. But honestly, the change felt almost immediate. The surge in energy was incredible – no more afternoon slumps or feeling drained after workouts. Suddenly, my body felt adequately fueled. I started focusing on whole, unprocessed meats. Enjoying a perfectly cooked steak with a side of green vegetables and a roasted pepper felt like a revelation, not a compromise. One of the biggest game-changers has been the sheer ease of getting enough protein. Before, I was constantly calculating, supplementing, and often still falling short. Now, enjoying savory tacos filled with *shredded meat*, fresh *cilantro*, and onions isn't just a delicious meal; it's a protein powerhouse. This consistent, bioavailable protein has made a huge difference in my strength and physique. I've genuinely seen my glutes responding to the increased intake, which has been incredibly motivating in my fitness journey. Beyond the physical benefits, the mental load has lessened immensely. Eating out is no longer a stressful negotiation of limited options. I can explore menus and find delicious choices, whether it’s a hearty pasta dish or fresh sushi rolls at a restaurant. My husband and I can share meals without complex modifications, bringing a simple joy back to our dinner table. It’s not about abandoning my values, but about listening to my body and adapting to its needs. This journey has taught me that health isn't one-size-fits-all, and sometimes, the best path forward is the one you least expect. If you're feeling stuck or your body is sending you signals, it might just be time to re-evaluate what truly serves your well-being.