Converting from vegetarianism

I have been a vegetarian for more than 10 years and I have always thought it helped my colitis.  However, lately I have been thinking of starting to eat some chicken a few times a week to get a bit more protein because my husband and I are trying for a baby and I worry that my restrictive diet might not provide what I will need.  If I didn't have colitis I wouldn't worry, but I worry that i could flare and have to cut out dairy, etc. and that then I wouldn't get enough protein, etc.   Has anyone had problems tolerating meat after a long period of vegetarianism and do you have any advice on how to make the switch?  Thanks in advance for the advice!

It's so funny that you say that-this is what I tell people about vegetarianism all the time! I guess I am just feeling worried about my health during a pregnancy. But you're right, if I worked at it, I should be able to make it work. I guess I posted here so that, in case it came to a situation where I felt I should eat meat, I knew how to prepare myself and the best way to transition.

I'm logging in under my boyfriend's name. He has UC, and while he's not vegetarian, he has significantly reduced his consumption of meat in order to help his condition. I'm vegan for ethical reasons (but have learned how much it benefits my health).

I agree with what the other two posters have said. Stick with your vegetarianism. It's good for you, and it'll be good for your baby.

If you have questions, someone at Vegan Outreach (VeganOutreach.com) may be able to help. Jack Norris, the co-founder, is a registered dietitian, and Anne Green raised her daughter vegan from birth. Ellen is now 11, I think. (I know you're vegetarian, not vegan, but I think they'd be glad to help. The group is not the "vegan police.")

Good luck with starting your family!

Tracy

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I was a vegetarian for just under 15 yrs. I was dx'd with UC after 8 yrs. I was told growing up that I shouldn't be a vegetarian, not becuase i was deficient in ANY area but that my diet was too rough on my colon (they said this for years before i was dx'd) I ate a lot of beans, lentils, and raw veggies. My issues with meat have always been textural not ethical. I still have problems with a lot of fish and haven't gotten used to chicken. My colon however loves meat. I never had a bad experience when i started adding meat to my diet and I started with steak. Rare steak. It reminds me of tofu :)

I would talk to an ob and/or pediatrician about a vegetarian diet at this point in your life. I agree with others that it may not be necessary to change your diet but if it makes you more comfortable then a little bit of meat may be worth it for a happy pregnancy.

Good luck!

I always tolerate eggs well and I usually am ok with peanut butter. Thanks to all for the advice and good wishes. This has really helped me think this through, and I think I am going to stick with being a vegetarian (at least for now!).