Can a Vegetarian learn to eat meat again?

I'm a vegetarian, but I'm going to Navy Basic training. I know they wont accomidate to my vegetarian diet, and I've been thinking that if I get desperate enough I could eat a bit. But I've been this way for almost 10 years, and I don't know if I could get over the guilt. Any advice?

Well... If guilts the issue, then go get to know some roosters. Keep in mind that the chicken you get in the start are generally all males, so it's those mean roosters you're eating...

As for Navy Basic - You're not going to want to make the fuss to get a special diet... But you should see enough chicken, eggs and rice to make it through your daily nutrution needs.

You won't be allowed to talk to the servers, nor them to you... So, take what they give you, and eat what you can...

If you've not eaten meat in ten years, I'd avoid anything that's come from a mammal (It'll be hard to digest, and really it's not the healthiest for anyone.) for awhile...- Longer if it's a guilt issue...

Eating Poultry and fish should get you though...

Vegetarians don't LEARN to eat meat. They choose to eat it.

Isn't that undiverse and worthy of taking to an employment tribunal!!
Employers are supposed to take in to account the fact that you donn't eat meat and not discriminate against you on ANY grounds. If you are British call ACAS on 0845 7474747 they are a Government organisation that gives free advice on Employment Law . The Navy are not ABOVE the law!!!!

maybe start out with fish and then gradually work your way up to poultry, first turkey then chicken. You can leave out beef and just eat fish and poultry. That's pretty much what I do. I was vegetarian for a while and when I ate fish for the first time I felt so good! That protein is good for you. But the taste of beef was never to my liking. I think the protein will be absolutely necessary for you in your heavy physical training. You gotta have those amino acids which veggies can't supply like meat do. Just eat what you can. Don't feel guilty. If you chose vegetarianism for animal cruelty reasons, then just tell yourself this is temporary (unless you end up wanting to stay on this new way of eating.) The thing is this: You are more important than animals at this point!

Are you 100% sure they won't accommodate your diet? I have seen some of the MRE's and some were vegetarian. I suggest asking your recruiter!

Start off with smaller portions too, it will be easier for your body to digest

Honestly I would go see a nutrionist about that, Ive always been told once you have had a meat free diet your body can not process meat. Which may, or may not be true depending on the person. :)

Yes, you can learn to eat meat again. But you will need to start off slow to reaccustome your body to meat. As someone suggested earlier, start with seafood, fowl, pork and red meat would be last. Eat a little bit and build up to a regular portion; if you don't, you will definitely get sick. The guilt? Your health is just as important and your body will be expending alot of energy and will need lots of protein. Don't make yourself sick over this; do what your body tells you and know that later on, you can resume your vegetarian diet again. Perhaps you "keep vegetarian" one day of the week during this time to help you stay true to yourself as a compromise.... good luck!

Wow... that's a tough one! I agree with the poster who said to talk to your recruiter and make SURE they won't accomodate your diet. I mean... if you had food ALLERGIES, they'd HAVE to accomodate (since some people's food allergies are severe)... so who knows. There's always the possibility and it can't hurt to ask.

Other than that...I don't know what to tell you. When my friend went through basic training, she said she felt half starved most days as it was. I doubt you'll get the nutrition you need (especially with all the exercise you'll be getting) by just avoiding their meats and eating the sides, etc. Good luck to you! I sure hope your recruiter tells you they can accomodate.

The Navy is much more accomidating than they used to be. Hey give healthier choices now. Talk to your Company Commander (or whatever the heck they call them these days) and express your dietary needs.
I'm a 20 year Navy Man and I've seen so many changes for the better and their attention to nutrition is one.
Good luck!!!

I THINK THAT YOU COULD EAT MEAT AGAIN!!!! I MEAN MAYBE YOU'LL GET SICK FOR A WILE BECAUSE YOUR STOMACH IS SO USED TO VEGETABLES!!! BUT I THINK YOU COULD DO IT!!!

We have desame problem i am a vegetarian now,but i wanna eat meat again but if i eat one I'm still disgust to eat it,I DON'T WANNA BE A VEGETARIAN ! sorry,I think there is a possibility to eat meat again but i didn't know because we have desame problem.SORRY

stick it in your mouth and chew

Having been in the military I know what it's like to work your buns off in basic training...you will be soo hungry you might get passed it. Why on earth would anyone NOt eat meat? Thats crazy talk!
But..bottom line is you're body is the only thing that will tell you forsure if you can handle it or not.

Read the part in the bible just after the great flood. ( in
Genesis).
God tells Noah to eat freely of all the beasts. If God says it's ok, you shouldn't feel guilty.

I'm sure that when you reach the point of massive, crazy hunger, guilt will no longer be an issue.