Fueling Your Body with Intention: My Journey to Nutrient-Dense Eating for All Diets

Hi, I’m Cheryll — the voice behind Beyond Vegan Bites. I created this space to support anyone looking to make intentional, nourishing food choices, no matter your dietary background. At 60 years young, I’ve been on quite a health journey — one that took me from 20 years of veganism to a more inclusive, nutrient-dense way of eating that includes animal products.

Whether you’re vegan, transitioning, carnivore-curious, or somewhere in between — you’re welcome here. This is a judgment-free zone where the focus is not on labels, but on fueling your body with intention.

From Vegan to Meat-Inclusive: A Personal Health Transformation

For two decades, I lived a committed vegan lifestyle. I believed in it with my whole heart — for my health, the environment, and the animals. At first, it felt like the right path. I ate mostly whole foods, made everything from scratch, and took pride in my plant-based choices.

But as time passed, I began to feel like something was off. Despite all the “healthy” eating, I struggled with:

  • Constant bloating and gas
  • Frequent nighttime urination
  • Poor sleep quality
  • Brain fog and low energy

I tried everything within the vegan framework — eliminating gluten, grains, soy, oxalates, and even doing raw veganism. Nothing truly fixed the underlying problems. Deep down, I felt depleted. Something had to change.

Then in July 2024, everything shifted.

I came across a YouTube video featuring fitness YouTuber Will Tennyson and Dr. Paul Saladino, discussing the Animal-Based diet. It emphasized nutrient-dense foods like meat, organs, raw dairy, fruit, and honey. Intrigued, I dove deeper. I watched interviews with Paul Saladino on Joe Rogan and began to realize just how much of the science around food I had misunderstood—or had never been exposed to.

I felt conflicted at first — could I really stop being vegan after 20 years? But my body was asking for something different. After a lot of soul-searching, I made the decision to try animal foods again.

My first meal? Lamb chops. And not only did I tolerate them — I loved them. It felt like my body was absorbing nutrients it had been craving for years.

Nutrient-Dense Eating for All Diets: No One-Size-Fits-All

Since then, I’ve embraced a nutrient-first approach that prioritizes:

  • Protein (0.8–1g per pound of ideal body weight)
  • Carbohydrates based on individual goals and activity level (inspired by Mark Sisson’s carb curve)
  • Healthy fats from whole, real foods

I’ve also learned to let go of labels and dogma. I no longer believe there’s one perfect diet for everyone. Veganism served me at one point, and it may be the best choice for others. But for me, reintroducing meat helped me finally regain energy, sleep deeply, reduce inflammation, and think clearly again.

I don’t regret my vegan years — I honor that chapter. It taught me discipline, compassion, and a love for cooking whole foods. But I now understand that nutrient density and bioavailability matter deeply — especially as we age.

Inclusive Nutrition: Helping You Fuel Your Body, Your Way

Here’s what Beyond Vegan Bites is really about:
Not keto, not carnivore, not vegan, not paleo.
It’s about real food, nutrient density, and listening to your body.

If you’re:

  • Vegan and feeling stuck or nutrient-depleted
  • Curious about reintroducing animal foods mindfully
  • Already eating meat but want to cut processed junk
  • Trying to find a sustainable way to eat without guilt

You belong here.

I believe in reducing sugar, processed carbs, and seed oils — no matter your diet. I also believe in compassion and community. You can love animals, eat meat, care about the planet, and still be intentional with your food choices.

My Approach: Balanced, Intentional Eating After 60

After turning 60, health became even more personal. I wanted energy to be active, think clearly, and feel strong — not just survive.

That’s why I’m focusing on:

  • Macronutrient balance (protein, carbs, fats that suit your goals)
  • Whole foods over processed products
  • Oxalate awareness (after discovering how they may have impacted my joints and digestion)
  • Cyclical low-carb patterns to support hormones and metabolism

I’m also currently completing my Primal Health Coach Certification, so I can help others through coaching and consultations in the future.

What You’ll Find on Beyond Vegan Bites

Until my coaching practice launches, I’m here to support you through:

  • 🥑 Nutrient-dense recipes (for vegans, meat-eaters, and in-betweeners!)
  • 🧠 Blog posts about intentional eating, emotional food choices, and nutrition science
  • ❤️ A safe place to explore your next step — whatever that looks like

📘 Visit the blog
🍽️ Explore recipes
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📲 Follow me on Instagram

Let’s Evolve — Together

I believe in honoring where you came from and embracing where you’re headed.
So whether you’re eating plants, meat, or somewhere in transition — let’s grow together.

Beyond Vegan Bites is here to help you feel energized, nourished, and aligned.
Because you deserve to feel your best — no matter your plate.

Cheryll