How to properly have a “cheat day” on Thanksgiving,?
Question by jonathansgirl: How to properly have a “cheat day” on Thanksgiving,?
I have only been a vegetarian for a little over 5 months but in that course of time have not eaten any meat, fish, meat products, etc. At first my body sort of freaked out on me as in I became sick, tired, had many symptoms of anemia, my periods became irregular, and I lost weight. Now, I still suffer from many symptoms of what I still assume to be anemia (constant fatigue, daily headaches, paleness, etc) and my parents constantly tell me that eating some meat would go a long way for me right now. Which is partially why I have decided to do a cheat day tomorrow, and also partially because I don’t think I could get through the day without eating meat if I tried and thus would rather be prepared for it. So since I have not been veggie for too long, the meat shouldn’t make me sick right? I plan on eating turkey and things with animal products (such as chicken broth and gelatin) and maybe ham. How much is too much? As in, how much can I eat without making myself sick? I will be having 2 thanksgiving meals (at my mom’s then at my dad’s) and likely will have to cheat a little more on Friday with my step dad’s family. I’m just scared about eating it after months without it and also feel bad about eating it. My aunt and I usually “adopt” a turkey, which is just basically donating, from ethical farms that simply raise and protect turkeys so I feel a little better about it..
How are you going about your cheat day if you’re having one and if not, how would you suggest I go about mine?
Feel free to answer in the comment section below
9 Responses to How to properly have a “cheat day” on Thanksgiving,?
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no, i dont cheat. i recommend you cook and bring a veg friendly dish.
NORML person
November 2, 2013 at 3:37 am
There are no nutrients found only in animal products, let alone only in meat,
so you wanting to eat meat is pretty much yours and your parents’ nutritional ignorance.
And yes, you could very well become sick if you haven’t been eating flesh in nearly half a year.
I mean, eat what you want, but to say you “have to”? Uh…no.
Wait…the turkeys on this “ethical farm” die of old age?
….really? And I guess the pigs used for ham and the chickens do, too, huh?
Froggie
November 2, 2013 at 3:45 am
I think your body will crash. meaning it will react differently since you haven’t had any meat in you for 5 months. If your going to be a vegetarian don’t do a “cheat day” stick to your promise. If your planing on eating mean then don’t go back to being a vegetarian, your cheating your self as well as your body.
Jessica Ruiz
November 2, 2013 at 4:25 am
I will not be having a cheat day. I will have my own main course – a rice-stuffed butternut squash – that I will bring to the table Thanksgiving. If you are eating a balanced diet, you should not be feeling sick, and meat is not the answer to what you’re feeling. I had a three-day “detox” period, as well, where I had some nausea and headaches, but my body adjusted and I have felt great ever since. Your body should adjust if you are eating a balanced diet. Are you eating your leafy greens? Legumes? Nuts? Whole grains? Are you getting B12 through fortified products, supplements, eggs, dairy, or seafood? You should try to identify the deficiency and find the plant-based foods that will provide you what you are missing. Once you have a basic knowledge of nutrition, it’s not hard to get your nutrients with even a vegan diet. Rule of thumb: hit every food group daily, and consider “leafy greens” a new food group. If you don’t like greens, you can always puree them into a fruit smoothie so you won’t taste them, but they are a critical source of iron and many other nutrients (tip: have them with a little vitamin C to aid in the absorption of the iron).
I would not recommend a “cheat day,” as you may mistakenly credit meat for making you feel better when it is actually iron, protein, or B12 – which you can get from non-meat sources – that is responsible. If you are determined to eat meat on Thanksgiving, however, I would suggest that you eat small portions of the meat to avoid overwhelming your body – make your meat serving cover no more than a 1/4 of the plate. This is a recommended serving even for everyday meat-eaters.
toril90
November 2, 2013 at 5:17 am
dude, if you’re going to “cheat” then what’s the purpose of trying a veggie-diet in the first place? I guess you could try to only eat fish. they’re probably the only possible meat item that’s not poisoned with hormones & antibiotics.
Chris Christie the fat guy
November 2, 2013 at 5:59 am
Never saw a reason to cheat on this day. I like my pants fitting and not needing a nap after dinner. I will probably be the only one but that’s the way I like my meals thanksgiving or not.
GP1500
November 2, 2013 at 6:45 am
You may be having those symptoms from detoxing. If you eat all of those meat products, it may make it last longer.
I suggest you eat a little more protein (and iron) in case you’re not eating enough of it (are you eating nutritious vegetarian food, or did you just take the meat out of your diet?). Have a couple of eggs for breakfast, and then either protein pancakes for lunch, or a protein shake before dinner. If you’ve already had enough protein, then you wont be craving it so much when dinner comes around.
Your symptoms can either be detoxing, or a deficiency. If it’s detoxing, then eating meat will make it take longer for you to feel better. If it’s a deficiency, then you need to eat more nutritious food and less empty calories (or more food if you’re losing weight and don’t want to be). And eat some spinach for iron (egg and spinach omelet? Spinach salad?).
HorseLover
November 2, 2013 at 7:00 am
I don’t “cheat”. Vegetarians do not eat meat, period.
I’ve gotten through the past 23 Thanksgivings without eating any meat, and will not be eating any this year either.
S
November 2, 2013 at 7:35 am
If you plan cheat days, you are not a vegetarian.
If you feel weak eat more.
If you think you’re anemic, see a doctor.
Sheesh.
☮Jen D☮
November 2, 2013 at 8:05 am