I was a vegetarian for several years and went back to eating chicken about a year ago. I was having soft tissue problems - I had tendinitis in 4 different parts of my body within a 3 year period all from "overuse" even though I really was not over-training. My chiropractor suggested I try eating some meat to see if it made a difference. I don't like red meat and I am allergic to fish, so I just eat chicken maybe 2-3 times a week at most and do whey protein shakes as well. I have not had any problems since I started eating meat. I have also noticed that my performance on the bike has improved, which I didn't expect.

So...while I think vegetarianism is the ideal (I don't really enjoy eating meat), I don't think it was working for me. A lot of veg products you can buy at the store are processed and that's something to think about too. Too much processed food is not good either. So...if you can prepare healthy meals and your body responds well, I say go for it. I think it's different for everyone. It certainly can't hurt to try. I tried for 6 years and ultimately I think there was something I wasn't getting that I needed.

It's hard though. I do think about the animals and some days it's hard for me to eat the chicken. I have to eat pre-cooked (can't see it in its raw form) chicken. But, I am feeling better and it has kept me out of physical therapy!