Mirelle Fox’s story is a testament to the power of listening to your body and creating a lifestyle that works for your specific needs. As a busy graphic designer, Mirelle found herself juggling multiple deadlines while managing a household full of picky eaters. As you can imagine, cooking was often the last thing on her mind. Food became something she grabbed in a rush, sometimes settling for whatever was quickest — even if it wasn’t the healthiest option. The aftermath was a familiar pattern of afternoon crashes, bloating, and skin breakouts, leaving her feeling drained and frustrated.
Over time, she realized that she had to make a change, not just for herself but for the sake of her health. “I wanted something anti-inflammatory and energizing,” she says. “But I also didn’t want to live on smoothies or bland veggies.” This desire for a diet that would nourish her body without sacrificing flavor led her to explore the vegan-paleo approach to eating, a combination that excludes grains, dairy, and processed foods while focusing on whole, plant-based ingredients.
While the concept of a vegan-paleo diet might sound restrictive at first, Mirelle found that it opened up a whole new world of vibrant, nutrient-dense foods. She spent weeks researching and planning meals that would meet the specific needs of both a vegan and paleo diet. The first few days were challenging. She struggled to find satisfying protein sources that aligned with the vegan-paleo principles and missed her usual bread and snacks. But as the days went by, something changed. By the second week, she noticed a significant improvement in her energy levels, her skin began to clear up, and her digestion, once often bloated and uncomfortable, felt much calmer.
The key to Mirelle’s success was focusing on whole, nutrient-rich foods. She incorporated a variety of leafy greens, root vegetables, seeds, nuts, and legumes into her meals. These foods provided her with the vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats her body needed to feel its best. Rather than feeling deprived, she began to appreciate how satisfying simple, fresh ingredients could be when combined in the right way.
One of the most important things that helped Mirelle stick to her new meal plan was meal prepping on Sundays. She would cook large batches of nourishing stews made with coconut milk and a variety of vegetables, roast trays of seasoned squash, carrots, and sweet potatoes, and prepare creamy cashew-based sauces that could be drizzled on just about anything. This meal prep ritual made her week much easier and more efficient, as she could grab pre-made meals or components whenever hunger struck.
Her family, initially skeptical about the new way of eating, soon became big fans of her meals. One dish in particular, her sweet potato “bowls” with avocado and tahini drizzle, won them over. Even though Mirelle didn’t have to preach her new diet to everyone, she couldn’t help but share the benefits she was experiencing. “It’s not about being perfect,” she says. “It’s about choosing foods that make you feel alive.” And for Mirelle, that meant eating foods that nourished both her body and soul. She quickly learned that the vegan-paleo way of eating wasn’t about limiting herself, but rather about making empowering, informed choices that made her feel more energized, clear-headed, and connected to her body.
For anyone looking to explore a similar lifestyle, Mirelle’s experience serves as a great blueprint for how to make a vegan-paleo diet work without feeling overwhelmed. The first step is acknowledging that you don’t have to be perfect — this isn’t about labeling yourself or adhering to strict rules. It’s about listening to your body’s needs and choosing whole, nutrient-dense foods that support your unique health goals. It’s important to note that a vegan-paleo diet doesn’t have to be bland or restrictive. It’s possible to enjoy satisfying, flavorful meals without relying on processed foods or animal products.
One of the biggest challenges for many people transitioning to a vegan-paleo diet is finding adequate protein sources. Since animal products and grains are off the table, it can be difficult to know where to get your daily dose of protein. But as Mirelle discovered, there are plenty of plant-based options that are both satisfying and rich in protein, such as legumes, seeds, and nuts. Some great options include chickpeas, lentils, quinoa (technically a seed, not a grain), hemp seeds, and chia seeds. By incorporating a variety of these into her meals, Mirelle was able to keep her energy levels high and avoid the dreaded afternoon slump.
Another key to Mirelle’s success was her commitment to eating anti-inflammatory, nourishing foods. The paleo-vegan approach emphasizes eliminating processed foods, refined sugars, and dairy, which are often contributors to inflammation and digestive issues. Instead, Mirelle focused on whole, fresh foods that would fuel her body without causing discomfort. Root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets are rich in antioxidants and provide natural, sustained energy. Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and arugula are packed with essential vitamins and minerals that help support the immune system and promote overall well-being.
Mirelle’s vegan-paleo meal plan offers an inspiring example of how small changes in the way we approach food can lead to big health benefits. By eliminating processed foods, focusing on whole, plant-based ingredients, and committing to meal prep, she was able to create a sustainable eating plan that not only made her feel better but also brought her family closer together around the dinner table. As Mirelle wisely puts it, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about making choices that allow you to feel alive, energized, and at peace with your body.
