Okay we tricked you, we meant how NOT eating meat has changed his life 😉
We caught Steve to ask him a few questions about his lifestyle change 2 years ago and find out why he stopped eating meat and how its going!
>Tell us about how you felt in the lead up to / what was the reasoning behind your lifestyle changes.
F#(!ng sore, all the time.
I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, which is when the tissue in your joints gets inflamed/thickened. Which causes pain, swelling (inflammation) and deterioration. I had swollen joints, especially my hands and fingers which was also effecting my mobility, taking classes was painful, anything with my hands in use. But it effects my whole body, I am sore and achy;
All of the time.
>What exactly were your lifestyle changes?
Eliminating meat from my diet, adding in more plants. (Anti-inflammatory aspects from certain foods like leafy greens are higher)
BUT I can not live without salt and pepper squid though so if you were to put a name on it, I am a Pescatarian which means the only ‘meat’ I eat is fish and seafood.
I really miss saveloys..
>What did you notice from these changes/how do you feel now?
After about a month I was feeling better, not so sluggish and achy, more mobile, major reduction of the swelling in my hands and joints. I had also lost weight. (Not his ultimate goal – to lose any weight, but this is often the case; researchers believe this is largely due to the difference in nutrients non meat and meat eaters consume. In general, meat eaters consume less plant proteins, beta carotene, fiber and magnesium and more fats and fatty acid. On the other hand, non meat eaters typically consume more fiber, potassium and vitamin C.)
>What is your advice for people who may feel the same or have been considering making these same changes.
Still getting the right amount of protein (all macros) is important and I have supplemented with protein powder to do that and making sure I choose high protein food options and still getting the right balance of all nutrients.
We also recommend you get in touch with a nutritionist like Bek Parry or your healthcare professional to get some guidance before making any lifestyle changes like this – even come and chat to us in the club and we can help direct you to the right people or let you know when Bek is visiting us next for nutritional help.
