Feb. 17, 2025

Why We Stopped Forcing Vegetables on Our Kids — And What Happened Instead

This blog post expands on the discussion from our latest podcast episode, #299 Why We STOPPED Eating Vegetables to Get into the BEST Health of Our Life. Learn how to improve family health without vegetables.

Why We Stopped Forcing Vegetables on Our Kids — And What Happened Instead

Yes, you read that right—we stopped eating vegetables. More specifically, we stopped eating the roots, stems, and leaves that are typically considered “healthy” staples in a balanced diet. I know, it sounds shocking. But after years of battling bloating, fatigue, and nagging health issues, we made a bold move that transformed our family's well-being.

In this post, I want to share why we made this decision, how it’s tied to the science of nutrient bioavailability, and what family health without vegetables has looked like for us.

This wasn’t a spontaneous choice—it was the result of years of learning, unlearning, and deep research driven by personal health struggles and the heartbreaking loss of my father to cancer at a young age.

Our journey has taught us that sometimes the “healthy” foods we’ve been told to eat may not be serving us the way we think they are.

From Kale Chips to Carnivore

Our story began like many others. We were health-conscious, green smoothie-drinking, salad-loving parents. Our first date was literally at a salad bar! But over time, we noticed something: despite our efforts, we didn’t feel great. Our kids had digestive issues. We were constantly dealing with bloating and brain fog. And worst of all? It felt normal. Like, “this is just how life feels as a busy parent” normal.

But it didn’t sit right with us. So we started asking questions and diving into the research. What we discovered turned everything upside down.

The Hidden Problem with Vegetables

Here’s the thing: not all plants want to be eaten.

Fruits like cucumbers, squash, and even avocados are designed by nature to be consumed and have their seeds spread. But the roots, stems, and leaves? Those parts of the plant contain natural defense chemicals—toxins—designed to keep animals (and us) away.

These compounds can cause inflammation, bloating, gas, and other digestive struggles. Once we started connecting the dots, it made so much sense. No wonder our kids didn’t want to eat their spinach—they were literally resisting plant toxins.

When we removed these “health foods” from our diet and focused on simple, nourishing foods our bodies actually wanted, we noticed a profound shift. Our digestion improved. The gas and bloating disappeared. And our energy levels went through the roof.

It’s About More Than Just Veggies

This shift wasn’t just about what we cut out—it was also about what we added in.

We began to center our meals around high-quality animal foods and nutrient-dense fruits. We studied the science behind insulin resistance, and how managing blood sugar (especially for growing kids!) is crucial for long-term health.

We learned about:

Insulin Resistance: Constant carb consumption causes spikes in blood sugar, leading to fatigue, mood swings, and eventually, chronic disease. Teaching our kids how to eat in a way that keeps blood sugar stable has become a daily part of our life.
Muscle Mass: Building and maintaining muscle helps regulate insulin and improves metabolic health. Our whole family focuses on staying active and strong.
Fat & Cholesterol: These aren't the enemies we were taught they were. Healthy fats are critical for hormone production, brain function, and overall resilience—especially for kids and teens.

So, What Do We Eat Now?

Our plates look very different today than they did a few years ago.

We focus on real, whole, nourishing foods like:

Grass-fed beef and lamb
Free-range eggs
Full-fat dairy (yes, including butter and cream)
Seasonal fruits (zucchini, squash, avocado—fruits that look like veggies)
Homemade treats made with love and real ingredients (think crème brûlée, not protein bars)

We avoid seed oils, refined sugar, and anything processed. Not because we’re trying to be perfect—but because we’ve seen what a difference it makes in how we feel and function.

This isn’t about restriction. It’s about freedom.
Freedom from constant cravings, emotional eating, afternoon crashes, and the feeling that we’re doing everything rightand still feeling awful.

The Results Speak for Themselves

We rarely get sick anymore. Our energy is steady. Our kids are thriving—strong, sharp, and resilient. We’ve let go of the guilt around skipping the broccoli and instead focused on feeding our family in a way that feels intuitive, joyful, and effective.

This isn’t a diet. It’s a lifestyle. One rooted in understanding how our bodies work and what they truly need to flourish.

Final Thoughts: Choose What Nourishes You

I know this isn’t the mainstream message. And I’m not saying it’s the right path for everyone. But for us, letting go of conventional food rules opened up a whole new world of health, clarity, and peace around eating.

If you’re struggling with low energy, digestive discomfort, or just feel like something’s off despite your “healthy” diet—maybe it’s time to question the norm. You don’t have to go all-in overnight. Start with curiosity. Start with listening to your body. And don’t be afraid to break the rules if they’re not working for you.

You deserve to feel amazing.
Your family does too.

Want to dive deeper? Listen to Podcast Episode #299: Why We STOPPED Eating Vegetables to Get into the BEST Health of Our Life to hear our full story.

The topics discussed in our episodes are intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. They should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for any medical concerns or questions.

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