Argentine actress Agustina Cherri, known for her interest in healthy eating, made an important change to her diet. After 16 years of vegetarianism, she decided to eat meat again during her fourth pregnancy.



In an honest conversation with her followers on social media, she shared that she felt the need to include it in her diet while expecting her son Bono. Her decision came as a surprise, but it also raised a common question: what is the best way to start eating meat again after going without it for many years?



Cherri explained that she is currently aiming for a varied, balanced diet. That idea is key. It is not about choosing between meat and vegetables, but about finding a combination that meets your personal needs and can be maintained over time.



How to Start Eating Meat Again After Years of Vegetarianism



The body does not completely lose its ability to digest meat simply because you have followed a vegetarian diet. However, some people may experience heaviness, gas, or changes in their bowel habits when they begin eating it again, especially if they start with large amounts, fatty cuts, or heavily seasoned dishes.



Nutritionist Nadia Hrycyk advises starting with small portions and observing how your body responds. There is no need to fill your plate with meat on the first day. A moderate amount, served with vegetables, makes it easier to assess your tolerance more calmly.



Lean white meats, such as chicken or fish, are often a practical choice to begin with. The cooking method also matters: baked, grilled, boiled, or steamed options may feel lighter than fried dishes or meals with lots of sauces.



Some useful steps for making the transition include:




  • Start with a small portion once or twice a week.

  • Choose lean cuts and simple preparations.

  • Chew slowly and avoid eating in a rush.

  • Pay attention to whether persistent digestive discomfort appears.

  • Consult a professional if you are pregnant, have anemia, a digestive condition, or a previous dietary restriction.



Every body has its own pace. You do not need to force yourself to eat a food that makes you feel uncomfortable, nor move faster than feels right for you.



Why Vegetables Should Still Have a Place on Your Plate



Starting to eat meat again does not mean giving up plant-based foods. In fact, Hrycyk points out that vegetables should make up an important part of the plate.



Vegetables provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and a variety of colors and textures. They also help make your diet more complete. You can serve meat with a salad, squash, carrots, broccoli, eggplant, leafy greens, or whichever seasonal vegetables are available to you.



It is also advisable to continue eating legumes, nuts, and whole grains. If you enjoy pasta, you do not have to cut it out: you can choose whole-grain options, watch the portion size, and combine it with vegetables and a source of protein.



Oats can also be part of complete breakfasts and afternoon snacks. If you are looking for ideas, you can check out how to incorporate oats into your diet to gain muscle mass.



Protein, Iron, and Vitamin B12: What You Need to Keep in Mind



Proteins are involved in building and repairing tissues, in addition to carrying out many other functions in the body. When they are digested, the body obtains amino acids that it uses in different processes.



There are many sources of protein. They include meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products, as well as legumes, tofu, nuts, and seeds. Eating meat again does not mean you have to stop consuming the plant proteins that were already part of your routine.



Lean red meat provides protein, iron, and vitamin B12. Even so, it is best to eat it in moderation and alternate it with other sources. The overall quality of your diet matters more than any single food.



To better understand how to combine different food groups, this guide on which nutrients are essential for our diet may also help you.



Listening to Your Body Without Guilt or Rigid Rules



A diet can change because of pregnancy, health, preferences, financial circumstances, or new personal needs. That does not make the change a failure. Eating also means reconsidering what makes you feel well at each stage of life.



If you decide to eat meat again, do it gradually and without pressure. Pay attention to digestion, fullness, energy, and enjoyment. If pain, diarrhea, vomiting, or recurring discomfort occur, seek medical or nutritional guidance.



Your plate does not have to be perfect. Try to make it varied, colorful, and enough for you. The goal is not to follow a dietary label at any cost, but to build a flexible, mindful relationship with food. 🌿