Being a vegetarian and a runner can be a tough combination, but it’s great that you’re open to eating meat. It seems that many vegetarians who eat fish are motivated by animal cruelty. If this is the case for you, it’s absolutely possible to eat meat and not support animal cruelty by purchasing from responsible and ethical farmers who respect their livestock.

For more information on this, you may be interested in reading the following articles:
The Meatrix: The Revolting Reality of Factory Farming
Are You Eating Toxic Meat?
Why Grass Fed Beef is Better For Your Health

In regard to increasing your mileage and feeling the need that you’re not getting enough nutrition, keep in mind that endurance training is a very strenuous burden to your body. As such, try to have an open mind about the possibility that you may simply be doing too much.

In regard to meal planning, you can start by focusing more on natural whole foods such as fish, fruit, and vegetables as much as possible. Since you currently don’t eat meat, you may have to rely more on fish, but will still need to be conscientious about mercury toxicity. Vital Choice is an excellent place to order seafood that will reduce your need to worry about this. As you feel comfortable, you can gradually add pasture raised meat to your diet.

As a vegetarian, I assume that you must be eating a lot of grain and dairy. Keep in mind that these are the two most common food sensitivities and may be impacting your health and your recovery ability. As you add more meat to your diet, you’ll be able to reduce your dependency on dairy. Since you’re a runner, you’ll need more carbs than the average person. If possible, I would try to get them from high starch fruits and vegetables rather than grains. Also be aware that soy is not the health food that it’s commonly believed to be and you should consider avoiding it as much as possible.

Here’s more information on the dangers of grains and dairy.

Two excellent books that will provide you with excellent nutritional information as well as recipes to help you plan meals are:

Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon
The Garden of Eating by Rachel Albert-Matesz & Don Matesz

You may also want to consider Metabolic Typing.

Stephen – It’s common for people to ignore the importance of food and it’s great that you’ve risen above it. Because of all the misinformation that exists today, even people who have always been conscientious about what they eat are still eating poorly. I agree that a good diet is one of the most important aspects of being healthy and am hopeful that more people will start getting it right!

Raine – Same here. Neither Fresh or Food, Inc. are scheduled to show in my area. Food Matters, however, is available on DVD. Food, Inc. is supposed to be available on DVD later this year. With the goal of these movies being to spread awareness, it would be nice if they were more accessible.

Thanks again!