In the past two months that I have been a vegetarian, I have noticed things that have come as a result of my change in diet. First of all, I am used to being an active person, and I try to go to the gym at least 2-3 times each week. During my first week on campus, while walking back from the gym all the way to Reuf I noticed that I felt really weak and lightheaded. Although it was a warm day out, I realized that this was most likely due to the fact that I was no longer consuming as much protein as I had been previously when I ate meat. Luckily, I was able to adjust my diet and begin making an effort to maximize the amount of protein that I was eating. Combined with this, I started to make myself protein shakes after each time that I went to the gym. I had never previously taken any sorts of protein supplements, however, after doing some light research I now know that it is a good idea to do so if one wishes to work out as a vegetarian.
Another change I which I have noticed is how much more energy I have throughout the day now that I no longer consume meat. This is because plants, fruits, and carbohydrates all are digested in a raid manor to provide your body with quickly usable energy. Meat, however, is much less efficiently broken down by our digestive system and therefore is not as strong of a source of energy in the short-term. This is because humans, although hard to believe nowadays, were not meant to consume meat on a daily or per meal basis. Meat can serve as a valuable source of energy for a much longer period of time because of its slow metabolization, meaning that it is more geared to those who eat every few days or even once a day. Even though I now eat more than I ever did before, because it is all vegetables and carbohydrates, I feel as though my energy levels are higher and I feel that my body is “cleaner” as a result.
Luc, as a current vegetarian newbie myself, I can completely relate your initial symptoms, and was very interested to learn the difference in the energy usage of meat vs. plant and carb based products. I completely agree that though I am not full for as long of a time, the diet I am following does give me higher energy levels throughout the day, and has eliminated that post food consumption groggy feel. I’m happy to hear that you’ve found a way to sustain your energy through powdered protein. Maybe I will try that myself. I am wondering if after experiencing these positive affects on your body, if you think you will continue following this diet in a permanent way. I also saw in your previous post that you said the diet had increased your mindfulness, and I’d love you to expand on what exactly you mean by that, and in what ways this change has presented itself.