From Vegan and Intermittent Fasting to Paleo to Balance: Why the “Best Diet” Is the One That Works for You
- thrivewithnanthi1
- Feb 1
- 3 min read
For a long time, I was convinced I had found the perfect way of eating.
I followed a vegan diet for nearly a decade, and for years it truly worked. I felt light, energized, and healthy. My digestion was good, my body responded well, and I believed I had finally figured out what optimal health looked like.
Until I hadn’t.
Gradually, things began to change. My cholesterol and blood sugar levels crept up. I was constantly hungry, tired, and inflamed, and I started gaining weight despite doing all the “right” things. I was also practicing intermittent fasting, but instead of feeling clear and energized, I felt depleted and preoccupied with food.
That’s when an important realization hit: I had boxed myself into rigid labels.
What once supported my body was no longer serving it.
And that realization changed everything.
The Myth of the “Perfect” Diet
From vegan and intermittent fasting to paleo, keto, carnivore, and everything in between, there is no shortage of diets—each backed by science and passionately defended by followers.
But here’s the truth we don’t talk about enough:
👉 There is no universal “best” diet.
What works beautifully for one person may not work at all for another.
What worked for you five years ago may not work today.
This is the essence of bio-individuality—the understanding that each person’s body, lifestyle, genetics, hormones, stress levels, and environment are unique.
Your body isn’t static. It evolves. And your way of eating should evolve with it.
When “Healthy” Starts to Feel Unhealthy
Many people stay loyal to diets that no longer serve them because:
They’re afraid of “doing it wrong”
They strongly identify with a diet label
They fear judgment or confusion from others
They believe changing course means they’ve failed
I felt all of that.
But staying committed to a way of eating that left me exhausted, inflamed, and constantly hungry was far more damaging than letting go of the label.
The turning point was learning to listen to my body instead of following rigid rules.
The Shift From Restriction to Balance
When I stopped asking, “Which diet should I follow?” and started asking, “What does my body actually need right now?” everything changed.
I began focusing on principles instead of labels:
Balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and fiber
Blood sugar stability instead of extreme fasting
Variety instead of restriction
Nourishment instead of perfection
The result?
More energy. Fewer cravings. Improved lab results. And a much healthier relationship with food.
Not because I followed the latest trend—but because I found balance.
If You’re Afraid to Change Your Diet, Read This
If you’ve been considering a change but feel scared, confused, or guilty, let this be your reminder:
You’re not failing if a diet stops working
You’re not inconsistent if your needs change
You’re not weak for listening to your body
You’re evolving
Your body is always communicating with you. The real skill is learning how to listen.
And sometimes, the healthiest thing you can do is release rigid rules and choose flexibility, awareness, and balance instead.
Principles > Labels
I’ve written about this before, but today I follow principles rather than labels. Some of the guiding principles I now live by include:
Prioritizing whole, nutrient-dense foods
Limiting refined sugar and ultra-processed foods
Cooking at home whenever possible
Building balanced meals
Focusing on ingredients, not calories
Listening to my body
Getting comprehensive blood work when possible to understand what my body truly needs
A Gentle Question to Reflect On
Instead of asking, “Which diet is the best?” try asking:
✨ “What actually makes me feel good—physically, mentally, and emotionally?”
That answer is your true north.
And it’s allowed to change.
If this resonates, let it be a reminder that your body isn’t broken—it’s communicating. And learning how to listen can change everything.
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