To Brisket, or Not to Brisket

Yes, I ate the brisket. Oh, nom nom, yes I did.

I've been a "pescetarian" since June 20, 2010. Its been ten wonderful months of a plant and whole-grain based diet, supplemented by the occasional piece of fish or seafood. I have never felt healthier, more energetic, or more in touch with my body.

Since I moved to New York, I've been feeling a bit tired, and always hungry. I'm eating no differently than I did two months ago, but my lifestyle is now more active. I walk everywhere and I no longer sit at a desk for 7 hours a day. My body feels like it needs more calories.

For a while I was living in a "vegan-style;" forgoing diary products at home all together, and no eggs. To try and fill my belly a little more, I have been eating eggs, yogurt, and cheese regularly, but I am still hungry! I feel like I need more.

I am not sure if my body is undergoing a vegetarian plateau, or if I need more fish in my diet, but I have very strong cravings for beef. I think I would like to incorporate some high quality beef back into my diet in small amounts.

I started by tasting bites of my friend's meat-based meals last week, and I felt no immediate changes in my body. All signs go.

I knew I was going to have some of the Passover Brisket.

I had a small serving, perhaps one slice of meat, with a hearty serving of the pot roast vegetables. Immediately after I ate the meat, I felt peppy and satisfied.

Later that evening, I was very, very sick. I don't think my body was ready to accept meat. Maybe I just "run" better on veggies and fish.

I want to incorporate some meat back into my diet but have no idea how to do it in a safe and healthy way.