Meat Cravings?

I have been a vegetarian for five and a half years. It started at the beginning of college because let's be honest: college dining hall food is questionable, especially the meat! I had a lot of reasons for my vegetarianism:

-it can be more environmentally friendly
-it can be cheaper for my food budget
-it can be healthier for my body
-it can be better for the animals

Of course, all of these reasons depend on a lot of different factors. Vegetarians are not always healthier than meat-eaters, and there are plenty of vegetarians who still spend a lot of money on other foods (unhealthy or healthy.)

Thinking back on when I became a vegetarian, I do believe an underlying reason for my decision was dictated by ED. I was at the height of my anorexia, and eliminating meat was another food group I just didn't need to worry about. Being a vegetarian was socially acceptable, and I could cut out a lot of calories by not eating meat.

Fast forward five years, and I have become a much healthier vegetarian. I get my protein from a variety of sources, including lots of eggs, dairy products, beans, nuts, seeds, and hummus. I actually have not really had the urge to go back to meat. At the same time, I do not feel any malice towards meat-eaters. All of my friends eat meat, and I now buy meat for my boyfriend when we cook together.

Yet, something strange has happened these past two days.

I HAVE BEEN CRAVING MEAT.

What is this?!?!?! I want to delight in some sushi, and the commercials I'm seeing for popcorn chicken and burgers look strangely tempting. I am so confused!

Now that I am eating a variety of foods, is my body finally "waking up"? It is getting nutrients after five years of starvation. Is the next step in my recovery to eat meat?

I just don't know if I am ready for that yet, but it is something to keep in mind. Time will tell if the vegetarian lifestyle continues to meet my needs, or if I will go over to the dark side. Is that why the chicken crossed the road? Hehehehehehehe!