top of page
  • Whatsapp
  • Instagram
  • Facebook

From Vegetarian to Whole Food: My Journey to Real Wellness

Writer's picture: Kate Bozek-ManzionnaKate Bozek-Manzionna



I’ve been on quite the culinary journey over the years. For decades, I was a proud vegetarian, convinced that ditching meat was the key to health, ethics, and saving the planet. But here’s the thing: while my intentions were good, my diet wasn’t. It was filled with processed, meat-free substitutes and convenience foods that didn’t exactly scream “health.” Think veggie burgers that required a chemistry degree to decipher the ingredient list and snacks that were “plant-based” but far from natural.

When that didn’t work, I took the plunge into veganism. Surely cutting out all animal products would fix everything, right? Not quite. While I was eating more plants, I was also leaning heavily on vegan substitutes—those highly processed “cheeses,” “meats,” and “desserts” that were technically vegan but packed with preservatives, additives, and other nasties. My health wasn’t thriving, and deep down, I knew something wasn’t right.

A Turning Point: Realizing Processed Isn’t the Answer

It was during my studies in nutrition that I started piecing it all together. Our bodies don’t thrive on labels like “vegetarian” or “vegan”—they thrive on real food. The more I learned, the more I realized that the healthiest diets aren’t about exclusion; they’re about inclusion. Whole, nutrient-dense foods. Ingredients that our ancestors would recognize.

Around this time, I came across Dave Asprey’s work. His journey, while different from mine, deeply resonated. After years as a strict vegan, his research and experimentation led him back to incorporating animal products. He realized that modern industrial farming practices often harm more animals than ethical, organic animal farming. In his view, eating responsibly sourced meat could actually result in fewer lives lost than eating vegetables from large-scale industrial farms.

On top of that, Asprey came to appreciate the nutritional benefits of animal products—specifically the high-quality proteins and healthy fats that are difficult to replicate with plant-based alternatives. While I haven’t taken the same path, I see his point of view, and it’s shifted my perspective. It helped me understand the science behind nutrition while also reminding me to find a balance that feels right for me.

Finding My Balance: Responsibly Sourced Animal Products

Here’s where I drew the line: while I fully recognize the benefits of grass-fed beef or pasture-raised chicken, eating meat is simply not something I’m comfortable with. It’s a balancing act between who I am and what I recognize as good for my health.

Instead, I found my own middle ground. I reintroduced responsibly sourced animal products like wild-caught fish, grass-fed eggs, and ghee (a lifesaver for someone like me who’s lactose intolerant). These foods brought a richness and depth of nutrition that had been missing from my vegan and vegetarian diets—without compromising my personal boundaries.

Lessons Learned: Back to Basics

What I’ve learned through this journey is simple but powerful: the best diet is the one that works with your body, prioritizes whole, unprocessed foods, and respects the planet. For me, that means embracing real food in all its forms—plants, sustainably sourced animal products, and everything in between.

I no longer obsess over labels like “vegetarian” or “vegan.” Instead, I focus on quality, sustainability, and nourishment. My meals now are vibrant, varied, and full of life, with ingredients that fuel my body and my mind.

Tips for Your Real Food Journey

If this resonates with you, here are a few ways to start moving toward a real, whole-food diet:

  1. Ditch the Labels: Don’t get caught up in being “vegan,” “keto,” or “whatever’s trending.” Focus on what makes your body feel its best.

  2. Shop Smart: Look for responsibly sourced options, like wild-caught fish, pasture-raised eggs, and organic produce. Support local farms when you can.

  3. Read the Ingredients: If you can’t pronounce it or your great-grandmother wouldn’t recognize it, maybe skip it.

  4. Add, Don’t Subtract: Instead of focusing on what to eliminate, think about what to add. More veggies, more whole grains, more nutrient-dense foods.

  5. Cook at Home: Preparing meals from scratch is the best way to control what’s going into your body—and it can be surprisingly fun.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Real Food

This journey has taught me that food isn’t just fuel—it’s medicine, connection, and life. Moving away from processed substitutes and back to real, whole foods has transformed my health, my mindset, and even my relationship with the planet.

If you’re feeling stuck in your diet or unsure where to start, just remember: it’s not about being perfect. It’s about progress. Start small, stay curious, and trust your body to guide you.

What’s one step you can take today to move toward real food? I’d love to hear about your journey!

Does this version feel true to your voice and choices? Let me know if we should tweak anything further!

0 views0 comments

Comments


© 2024 by Infinievolve

bottom of page