Is Meat Essential to a Healthy Adult Diet? Why or Why Not? Part One

To answer the first commonly asked question . . . the answer is NO. Meat is NOT essential to a healthy adult diet. To answer the second, simplistically . . . meat, in and of itself, is not for everyone, and certainly NOT in the amounts we have become accustomed to in our society.

Let's explore this a bit further - from my perspective.😉

For instance, although we are all uniquely designed, I, myself, am living proof that meat is not essential and, therefore, does not equate to health. I do not eat meat, and I am still able to enjoy intense exercise on a daily basis. I also recover extremely well, don't have midafternoon energy slumps, and my blood type is O+ to boot (for those that believe our blood type matters that much). That being said, I started straight out of the gate with lots of juicing, green smoothies, salads, sprouts, and superfood algae, like spirulina and chlorella, as my staples.

I did not go the route of "junk food vegan," and then blame it on the lack of meat. Instead, I completely did away with ALL the white poisons, and made sure to fuel my cells with

nutritionally dense foods.

Now, before anyone takes offense (which is not my intention), I want to be clear: I believe there are many individuals who may genuinely need meat in their diet. Depending on the uniqueness of their physiology, biochemistry, and life experiences, some people simply do better with animal-based sources of nutrition.

Their bodies may break down, absorb, and assimilate the constituents of meat more effectively than they do from plant-based proteins. For these individuals, including some meat can be a supportive and even necessary part of their nourishment.

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My background in oncology, along with a deep self-guided study of immunology and microbiology in earlier years, laid a strong foundation for understanding the complexity of the human body. Over time, I’ve layered that with experience in human nutrition, advanced biofeedback, and astrology—each lens offering deeper insight into the beautiful uniqueness of our individual design.

And while our bodies are incredibly adaptive and resilient, one truth continues to ring loud and clear: None of us thrive on a constant intake of man-made synthetics, chemicals, or isolates.

These substances may promise quick fixes, but they are not sustainable—not for the long-term health of our minds, bodies, or the Earth itself.

True nourishment honors nature. It aligns with our biology, supports our energy, and restores our connection to the rhythms we were designed to live by.

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Unfortunately, we live in an instant gratification society where we have been programed to reach for quick fixes, instead of understanding and learning to honor the uniqueness of our WHOLE selves to want to do the work and take the time to unravel our challenges and find the root to their causes.

Since the day I decided that I did not want meat anymore (which took me about a year to completely transition as I learned more and more about plant-based protein sources), I never felt like I was missing something. That said, I wholeheartedly understand, that what has been working for me (which may change from time-to-time) will not work for everyone (which is open to changes, as well, depending on the stressors in our lives at any given time).

For instance, I, personally, went a solid 15 years without meat and dairy, and can say, that I never felt I “needed” it. However, there were a few occasions (a few years back), while in a new relationship, where I gave into the pressure of others. Even still, I made sure to choose only grass-fed and finished beef. Sure, it tasted good . . . I digested it fine . . . but I was not craving it and I truly did not want it. I finally asked myself “why” . . . and for the answer to be - for another’s comfort and/or ignorance was not a good enough reason for me to continue.

At that point in my life, I had just spent eight years accepting every client and customer who walked into our raw, vegetarian café doors . . . appreciating them and meeting them where they were at on their journey . . . never judging why or how they could not give up meat and dairy and eat like this every day of their life. YET, in those moments I was allowing myself to feel judged and compromising my very own values and preferences.

Just one of many self-love lessons that we all receive and that will be unique for all of us.

I apologize for the long preface. I just know, that when I am working with a client on ANY issue, I will ALWAYS invite them to ask themselves and be honest with themselves with their “why.”

For example, if someone is choosing a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle for the sake of the environment, and to help stop animal cruelty . . . yet they are experiencing neurological issues or passing out . . . then we need to get to the root of the issue for the health of the individual, first and foremost. If it can safely be done with tweaking their diet and/or adding superfoods and therapeutic dosages of supplementation, then GREAT! However, if it is an amino acid assimilation or neurotransmitter issue that can only and/or easily be solved by eating a small amount of organic, clean meat on occasion . . . well then, there should be no food shaming or guilting (to self or others).

On the other hand, if the client’s “why” is because of the social obstacles and challenges they fear facing, or the false programing that they “need” it in order to get enough protein, or that a plant-based, organic lifestyle is too expensive, then teaching with love and kindness is in order to help allow for a well-informed decision. FYI, this is why we created and opened our business in the first place . . . to bring awareness to the masses of the possibilities . . . NEVER to create more stigma and divide. Above all, I feel overall health and wellbeing of SELF must ALWAYS come FIRST and is the take-home message here.

The above part of my answer to the "why or why not" came straight from the heart. Tune into Part Two, where I reference a few source that you may wish to explore more on your own.

If you made it this far, I thank you for reading! Feel free to share your story; we all learn best when we care enough to listen and keep and open mind. ✨