When it comes to dieting, discipline makes a big difference…

So, in terms of eating meat and dairy products, I wouldn’t recommend it. At least for the first 30 days you’re on the diet. 

The risk in reintroducing meat and dairy products too early is that you’ll slip back into old patterns of eating before you experience the full benefits of the plant-based diet. 

On the other hand, if you can stay faithful to the plant-based diet for 30 days, your cravings for meat and dairy products will greatly decrease. You’ll also have a chance to see just how much better you feel on the plant-based diet and how much progress you can make in just a short time.

At that point, if you decide to reintroduce meat or dairy products on occasion, at least you’re making an informed decision.

Personally, I did my best to stay disciplined on my plant-based diet until I reached my ideal weight (though I would never claim to have practiced it perfectly) . Once I hit my goal, I began reintroducing meat and dairy products very slowly (about once a week) until I was sure I could eat those foods again without gaining back the weight I lost.

You’ll have to make your own choices here. I found a healthy mix that lets me enjoy some of my old favorites, while using plant-based meals to keep things balanced. If I feel like I’m tipping that balance in the wrong direction, I go back to a strict plant-based diet until I’m back at the bottom of my ideal weight window.

As I’ve said elsewhere, it’s just like adjusting a thermostat.

I explain this idea more in the Plant-Based Diet eBook, be sure to check them out today if you haven’t already!  

Still have more questions? Follow the links below to find answers to other common questions people have about following a plant-based diet.