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From:	Amanda (74.78.131.210)
Subject:	Thrice-Failed Vegetarian
Date:	July 1, 2012 at 5:20 pm PST

I've tried on three separate occasions (twice recently) to become a vegetarian
(with the intent of transitioning into veganism sometime in the future), and have
been unable to do so. The first time I was not as knowledgeable as I could have
been about my dietary needs and such. However, on attempting again last
month, I really did my homework. I'm very knowledgeable about food in general
and have a very healthy lifestyle. I made sure to practice a really well-rounded
diet with a lot of protein and a very diverse set of plant-based foods, fruits,
veggies, dairy, and eggs so that I got all of the vitamins that my body could
require. However, about a week or two in I experienced a lack of appetite and
chest tightening for a few days which got worse until I had to go the hospital. I
got back to eating meat and the symptoms went away within a few days. Every
time I stop having meat for more than 2 or 3 days the symptoms start up again. I
tried taking a daily vitamin which only made me feel worse (i.e. shaky, weak,
etc.). I tried slowly transitioning (having one meal with meat a day, then one
every other day, etc.), which also has not been successful. I've been really
disappointed that I have been unable to become a vegetarian (nevermind being a
vegan). There is a history of diabetes in my family (not sure if this would make
any difference). Do you have any advice for what I could do to make the
transition more successfully?

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