Here I am, 13 years after starting this blog, drafting my first ever recipe with chicken. Woah! Because my passion for plants, while ever-strong, no longer defines me.

It took me almost two years to share this story because I didn't want to make it "a thing." It honestly wasn't that big of a deal to me; I saw it coming, and it felt vain and silly making a hullabaloo about it.
Breaking news: Alexis is an omnivore! Sigh.
But as I started writing that chicken recipe, the words came pouring out of me. I quickly realized these truths were worthy of their own chapter in the Hummusapien book.
I know in my heyday I inspired a lot of people to go vegan, and then to consider wellness culture's role in perpetuating eating disorders. Even when it's hard, I've always been honest in hopes that it'll inspire you to look deeper.
So how did I get here, you ask?
Rewind to the summer of 2022 when I laid eyes on a burger at my friend's wedding and proceeded to eat it (after not eating meat for a decade).
Yep...the end to my meatless days was as simple as hearing what my body had to say and finally listening.
I'd always said that if I felt the desire to eat something, I wouldn't let a label stop me. But I did. I just told myself otherwise.
I followed a plant-based diet for years, driven by a passion for its impact on overall health and the reversal of chronic disease.
And that flame hasn't burned out. It's just not my life's fire anymore.
Reflecting back on my journey, I can say with the wisdom of having healed from disordered eating that labeling myself was an invisible wall protecting me from having to choose. From losing control.
We tend to tell ourselves stories and live and breathe and see the world through the lens of those narratives.
I was safe in that box. The story had been told. I am plant-based. But am I?
In all honesty, I missed eating the food I grew up with. I wanted to share the foods my friends were eating when we ate out. I wanted my own kids to be raised as confident, open-minded eaters. And oh the glory that is eating the same thing as my husband!
I truly enjoy meat now. It feels freeing (and kind of surreal?) to say that and experience the difference of it not being riddled with questioning or guilt or an identity crisis.
"If I just eat all the things, do I matter?! Who am I if I'm not this label?"
But I know exactly who I am. My life now is messy and loose and spontaneous. It keeps me guessing, and I love that so much. I can continue to surprise myself.
Funnily enough, this journey has been cyclical; how I eat now is most similar to how I ate growing up. It's led me home.
Home in my body. Home in my thoughts.
Nutrition will always have my heart, but it'll never hold a candle to the passion I feel when creating beautiful food. I care deeply about quality ingredients, but to me, delicious is the most important thing.
I want to taste and experience everything. I can no longer be caged in by the dogmatic inner voice barking the "whys" and "shoulds" behind my choices.
The quiet, the trust...it has humbled me to my core.
Posting solely plant-based recipes now feels inauthentic when in my daily life I'm eating everything.
Rest assured that posting meat doesn't mean we're kissing plant-based recipes goodbye. There is room to love them both!
We will all continue to evolve. Such is life. I am certainly not who I was when I started this blog at age 21.
My brother's death changed me, too. Hardened me.
I don't care as much what people think of me anymore. I've been through a lot, and every challenge I thought would break me turned me into a braver, stronger, and more resilient version of myself.
And I like her a lot.
Getting this all "on paper" has been one of the most cathartic experiences I've had in years. Thank you for giving me a platform to do it.
Moving across the country, eating meat again...what will this wild woman do next?! I can't wait to find out.
---
Please be kind in the comments. Know that I'm being vulnerable in sharing my personal story, which probably looks wildly different than yours. We are all on our own journeys, and that's worthy of celebrating.
Alexis Joseph says
For sure, thanks Sarah. I'll delete it.
Alison says
Your post today reminded me to come back and leave a comment on this one. This random Internet stranger/occasional commenter is proud of you! I love your recipes, but the reason I read your blog is because your writing is honest and authentic. Stay true to yourself and what you need for you and your family. The rest sorts itself out. Cheers!
Alexis Joseph says
Alison, your comment really hit my heart. Thank you.
Bre says
I am excited to see your recipe repertoire expand!! I sometimes am vegeterian and sometimes not, depending on my feelings and seasons of life. Your blog will remain a go-to for me... maybe even more so. Thanks for sharing.
Alexis Joseph says
Love this, Bre. Sounds like freedom to me!
Karla says
Beautiful!
I was vegan for almost a decade before getting pregnant and all of a sudden CRAVING meat (which I had for a while, but suppressed up until then).
My duaghter is soon turning 2 and I have continued to explore eggs, fish, chikcen - when she puts something in my mouth (which she does daily), I want to eat it!! Me not accepting whatever she eats and wants to share would be sending some wrong signals 🙂
I solute you and your journey, Alexis! You are so strong, reading this made me smile!!!
Alexis Joseph says
Man, the number of corned beef sandwiches I craved (and ate) in pregnancy LOL...why are salted meats so satisfying in pregnancy?! Love the special relationship you're cultivating with your daughter--she's a lucky gal. XO!
Katie says
Good for you for doing what is in your best interest and not worrying about what others think. They aren’t living in your body or your home. Screw them! I grew up eating all the meat, then went vegan, then pescatarian, then back to eating meat all because I was listening to my body and the cravings. Nutrients from ALL types of food sources are critical especially for women. Pregnancies also have a tendency of switching up our eating which mine all did.
God put certain animals on this earth for human consumption, we just need to make sure we eat them in an ethical killing process. So eat and support local.
You have so much support, ignore the ignorance of the haters.
Alexis Joseph says
You get it! Pregnancy totally changed up my eating too, both times. Thanks for your insight here, Katie!
Alexis Joseph says
DELISH.
Donna says
I don't have kids so your posts recently don't resonate with me quite like they used to. And that's ok because your recipes are still delish! One thing that has not changed is your writing. You are an excellent writer, Alexis. Keep on doing your thing, and I'll keep adding chicken to some of your older recipes 🤪
Alexis Joseph says
That means so much, Donna. I haven't written as much lately and it felt really good to get back to my roots. Thanks for sticking around as my life changes! And so glad you've found it helpful making the recipes your own 🙂
Randi Tivin says
You are amazing. Ignore ANY AND ALL negative comments. Thank you for sharing. You are and continue to be inspirational.
Alexis Joseph says
Thank you Randi, that means so much.
Alexis Joseph says
Sorry to hear it disgusts you. I'm not for everyone, and I'm ok with that.
Karla says
Reading your comment made me so sad, S. I am so sorry you have no compassion for people being on their own journeys, maneuvering life in a way that makes sense to them in the moment.
I do not know Alexis, but she has been through a LOT, and I bet that listening to her body and intuition is what gives her the strength to be such a light in the world. This was an intelligent, heartfelt, vulnerable and inspiring post written from the heart.
Your comment was judgmental and cruel - to Alexis AND to others on a similar journey. You are shaming a lot of people with your words.
A person can eat meat AND care deeply about animals at the same time. I do! Alexis does!
Alexis Joseph says
This made me tear up. It feels like you know me. Thank you, Karla. We're all on our own journeys and it's so hard to remember we don't know what we don't know.
Gregory W Crezee says
What a fabulous article! Life, and everything in it... is subjective! That's what makes life so grand. For me, I believe in a higher power. Certain animals he/she (politically correct! LOL) put on this earth. For us to raise, and eat. Now, I do believe that any and all animals must be treated in thee most humane way possible. And those with a conscious and soul, believe that as well. We must always remember this... no matter what. Always, and I do mean always... Stay true to yourself! Because in the end, only one judge will matter. The rest of us, were simply human... There are those who do believe they have the power to judge. Thanks again for a ...from the heart article. I look forward to many more.
Alexis Joseph says
Thanks for you thoughtful comment, Gregory! I'm glad it meant something to you.
Jessie says
I’ve always loved your recipes and can’t wait to see what you come up with next- meat or no meat! Thanks for sharing your story 🙂
Alexis Joseph says
Thanks for being here, Jessie!
Angela says
I am newish to your blog--found some great recipes a while ago and enjoy checking in from time to time. Glad I saw this headline and want to offer my support in sharing your "new story." I too benefitted from awakening to my own new "who I am" about 10 years ago. While I loved being one *label*, I realized I'm still that person, but it didn't define me anymore.
Isn't life wonderful?! If we're lucky, we have time to be many different versions of our selves, try different approaches and change when it feels right. Go you!
Alexis Joseph says
We are undefined! Yes, it is 🙂 Thanks for making me smile, Angela!
Paige says
And we can’t wait to watch your story go on and continue to evolve! Thanks for sharing <3
Alexis Joseph says
Amen, thank you Paige!
Lizenia says
Thank you for sharing and being open with all of us . You’ve been an inspiration to me ever since I found your green bean cassrole recipe ( which is a hit at every thanksgiving dinner I attend) . I didn’t grow up eating it and it’s the most American thing I think I make lol. Since my student days and now an RDN , I hope to start my own blog soon too. You’ve been one of my inspirations for that as well. ❤️
Kay says
Love this! I’ve followed your blog since the early days (circa 2014). I’ve always been a meat eater but have enjoyed incorporating more plant based things in my diet, and your blog has always been a great source of culinary inspiration! Plus I hear some people argue meat is plant based…cows eat grass after all! At the end of the day, it comes down to listening to your body which you’ve always advocated.
Alexis Joseph says
I'm so glad to hear you're an OG fan...thank you SO much, Kay!
Cristina says
Beautifully written and heart-felt, like always ❤️. Don’t ever stop being you! It’s always great to read about the exciting changes in your life. Wishing you all the best in this new chapter.
Alexis Joseph says
Awww thank you, Cristina! That means so much, truly.
MNASH says
You should be proud that you are listening to your body and setting such a great example for your boys and those around you!
Thank you for sharing this all with us!
Alexis Joseph says
I really am, thank you friend!
Kelli says
Thanks for sharing Alexis. I saw similarities between your story and mine- I ultimately began eating meat again during my first pregnancy. It’s a blessing to grow and change and evolve, and to have self awareness that allows that to happen. You are an inspiration!
Alexis Joseph says
I craved corn beef (and ate it multiple times) like no other in pregnancy!! Thank you, Kelli 🙂
Jen says
Thank you for being so open and authentic and telling your story. I truly think it will help so many people if they are trying to figure out who they are to see that even though change can be scary, it can also be freeing. After being diagnosed with a lifelong genetic medical diagnosis that may shorten my life, I learned to approach food in a different way. If I wanted to eat something, I eat it. I used to feel guilt doing that but now I remind myself that tomorrow isn’t promised and if I restrict myself due to insecurities that it will all be silly if given the opportunity to look back on my earth life.
I’m happy that you are happy. That’s a big factor of what matters in this world. That we show love and grace to ourselves and to others.
Alexis Joseph says
Thanks, Jen. I think it will help free people who may be feeling similarly, too. Sometimes it takes a huge moment to make a change. Tomorrow isn't promised, that's for sure. Love and grace, amen!
Heather Leann Johnson says
Mic drop. Nuff said. <3 xoxo
Alexis Joseph says
Hahah XO thank you!
Wilma says
Hello Alexis
There is such judgement out there regarding food and food choices.
I like all food but ALL food doesn't like me.
I listen to my body and hate pain - so if my body registers anything different I pay attention.
If COVID reminded us of anything it is - one size does not fit all.
I went to a Cardiologist -speaker - who suggested eating plants - no added oil 75% of the time 80% 90% etc.
I don't have a heart condition but love all discussions about food.
I eat mostly veg ( thank you so much for your amazing recipes upping the anti on delicious ways to serve veg.).I like eating like a Mediterranean.
Food family fun and friends.
My meat preference is a grilled steak or a Reuben sandwich.
My two grown children have issues with food - gluten sensitive - dairy sensitive low FOD.map and our daughter in law is allergic to all things cow.
?????
Challenging for sure.
A Toronto cancer doctor advised eating everything organic BUT if you can afford it - go with EWG list for veg AND boil ( not long ) your chicken and pour off liquid before roasting.
Soak your meat 24 hours before cooking and pour off water .
We are each unique - our finger prints tell us this.
So so sorry to hear about your brother.
Keep well.
Your recipes are like warm comforting hugs in my house.
Love to you and your family.
Alexis Joseph says
Love that you're listening to your body, Wilma. The "comforting hugs" comment has me smiling so huge. The ultimate complement!
Kim says
Amen to all the comments. You are an inspiration as I work to recover from disordered eating. I love how you expressed your journey here. THANK YOU!
Alexis Joseph says
That means SO much, Kim. Keep on growing on your journey!
Elle says
So proud of you and being true to yourself at every stage of life!! Change is the only constant and this is inspiring. Xoxo
Alexis Joseph says
Love you!!
Jan Brulz says
Alexis, I am so happy that you shared your post about including meat in your diet. You are always an inspiration to me. I love reading your posts, enjoying your making your recipes and eating the final product). The picture that you shared with you and your two sons in so adorable. You are a beautiful family.
Jan Brulz
Alexis Joseph says
That truly means so much, Jan. You've been here for a while! XOXOX
Charles Jarrett says
Alexis: thank you for sharing this and exactly what I needed to hear. Right time, right message. Tried hard to move from most plant based to all plant based and I found I need to strike a blend of both to be sustainable.
Your message was authentic and gave me validation to accept what works for me.
Thank you,
Charles
Alexis Joseph says
Heck yes! A blend is amazing. We don't need to ONLY consume plants to be healthy and happy. And that balance looks different to everyone! Permission to be you!
Jackie says
Go you! I hope you didn't get sick after eating that burger!!! People hiding disordered eating behind selective diets isn't talked about enough. Thanks for bringing this up!!
Alexis Joseph says
Nope, I felt nothing LOL. Yes, certain diets can definitely be a mask for disordered eating, often unbeknownst to us. There is a often a verrrrry thin line separating it from "wellness." Healing is definitely a journey!
Lauren S says
Thank you so much for sharing this chapter of your life! I remember the first time I went out to eat at a pizza restaurant (after deciding I wanted to eat meat again) & I was like “omg! I can eat ANYTHING on this menu!” How liberating!! Hope it feels like that for you, too.
Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Alexis Joseph says
Liberating is right! I LOVE pepperoni 😉
Dylan says
Thank you for sharing your story and being authentic, as always.
Alexis Joseph says
Thanks for being in the passenger seat on this crazy ride!! XO
Lynsey Hargrove says
Hi Alexis! This is a beautiful post that embodies the idea of giving yourself permission to evolve. Isn't that what life is about?! I was once a plant-based eater and after a trip to Turkey (which is very meat centric) and feeling better in my pregnancy having meat I decided to make the switch. I'm also a dietitian and love nutrition and love plant-based foods and love the earth. But I also love being able to freely eat whatever, try new cuisines, be fully immersed in a culture, and most importantly displaying a healthy relationship with food to my kids. This can be done in a variety of ways plants/meat or both and I love that you are fully embracing this.
Alexis Joseph says
Permission to evolve--YES. That's funny because a trip to Israel is what ignited my plant-based passion back in the day. And I'm glad it did because I wouldn't be who I am today without it. So agree about experiencing new cultures fully when there are no restrictions and the sentiments about kids. Thank you, Lynsey!
Tracy says
I love your honesty so much! You owe no one a single thing but I appreciate you that much more than I already did, which was quite a bit. You're real and I love that. I'm glad you're happy! Life's crazy and you gotta do what you gotta do. You gotta be able to change your mind about things without judgement from others. I think you rock, Alexis!
Alexis Joseph says
Amen, thank you so much for being here Tracy!
Geri says
I am happy you continue to evolve and grow.
Stagnation is never healthy.
You do what makes you happy and healthy .
I will continue to enjoy your newsletters and delicious recipes.
Alexis Joseph says
That means so much, Geri. You're so right.
Erin Addess says
As always, I love your honesty, vulnerability, and ability to share those aspects of yourself so eloquently. Most of all, I love your balance and willingness to share how you find balance in this world, battling preconceived notions, diet culture, and societal views. I love your plant based recipes, and now I'm excited to try your chicken/meat recipes too! Can't wait for them!
Alexis Joseph says
Thank you, Erin! It ain't easy, but no good things are, right?
Anna says
I had a similar experience after eating strict paleo for almost two years. One day I wanted pasta, I ate it, and I’ve never looked back!
I’m also a lot healthier than I was when I was severely restricting major food groups.
Balance has and will always be what works best for me!
Alexis Joseph says
Hahaha I love this!!
Lisa says
You are so inspirational. Thank you for sharing such a vulnerable part of your life. I’m going to share this with my daughter who resumed eating meat again as well after being vegan for years. Blessings to you and your family
Alexis Joseph says
That means so much, thank you for sharing with her Lisa!
P says
Excited to hear your next chapter. Thanks for sharing.
Alexis Joseph says
Thank you for being here, Patti. It means a lot!
Sue says
Honestly, good for you. I never labeled myself as a vegetarian or vegan, though a month could go by and I hadn’t eaten meat, but so what if I did!! Life is much too short to have a militant label on what you eat. As Warren Zevon said, “enjoy every sandwich.”
Alexis Joseph says
Right, who cares! It's definitely adds a layer of complexity when my professional identify is so tied up in it all but man, feeling free feels GOOD.
Mary says
Good for you. Doing what your heart is telling you to do. Go for it. I just want to find your flourless pumpkin pie bars??? Keep doing what YOU want to do, don't worry about others.
Alexis Joseph says
LOL. Thank you Mary, here they are!
S says
After 30 years of being a vegetarian, I started to eat meat during my first pregnancy because it was all I craved. It was a weird identity shaking change but I went through a similar emotional thought process as you did. You are not alone. Food should be a source of pleasure and nutrition, not self judgement. Thanks for this post!
Alexis Joseph says
OMG I craved salty cured meats like no other in both pregnancies!! Amen to pleasure and nutrition vs judgment. Thanks, S!
Val says
What a beautifully written piece my friend. Always love you honesty and authenticity - not to mention the courage and vulnerability it takes to share your life so openly with so many of us here. We're all surrounded by so much noise about the 'right' way to eat and even there is no one 'right' way, it leaves so many of us confused, feeling like we need to scramble for that label that we identify with, or adhere to same crazy food rule that we've just picked up from the latest person or media outlet. What I love so much about you and your messages is that you cut through that. You lead by example of how not to fall into the latest BS and you show what a healthy, delicious, and FUN relationship with food actually looks like - in a very natural and easy going way without putting a heavy emphasis on it (because heavy emphasis can make it feel like yet another "I should" kind of thing to follow, ya know?).
I remember when you first wrote about having that burger at your friend's wedding (I think in a Lovely Meals?). I was so tied to "plant-based" as a label that your prompt of "hey, labels aren't necessary" was eye opening for me. It prompted me to reflect on my dietary choices and... low and behold... I realized I missed meat. That just because I love plants, doesn't mean I HAVE to be so rigid - I slowly started including more meat. If that ain't proof of the power of your words girl...! 🙂
Thank you for always keeping it so real and for prompting honest self-reflection.
Alexis Joseph says
I get confused with all the noise, too! It's all so mind-numbing and discouraging, especially when we're trying to listen to what our own bodies have to say. And amazing memory, I DID share the burger experience in a Lovely Meals! Healthy, delicious, and fun can all live in one--amen. Thanks for being on this journey with me; I wouldn't be here without you! (And obviously taste tester Bill LOL.)
Denise Londergan says
"don't care as much what people think of me anymore. I've been through a lot, and every challenge I thought would break me turned me into a braver, stronger, and more resilient version of myself.
And I like her a lot."
The above is the most important part of your message. It is not even about food! Yay!!!
Keep on keeping on. You are and inspiration to all of us out here.
PS: your kiddos are so stinkin' cute!!
Blessings to you and your family
Alexis Joseph says
It isn't, you're so right! So fun to see your name here, Denise 🙂 Thank you and I hope all is well!
Sarah says
Kudos to you for being yourself and sharing. Way to go!
Alexis Joseph says
Thank you for the encouragement, Sarah!
Patrick says
This was beautifully written. I love the idea that this new “choice” brought you back home.
When Warren Zevon was on David Letterman for the last time, knowing he was dying, Letterman asked what he had taken away from his life journey. Warren paused and said “enjoy every sandwich. I hope you keep enjoying all those sandwiches be they meat or plant based!
The only thing I didn’t like is that we exist in an online world where it’s necessary for you to remind people to be kind. And lord knows you needed to post that. Here’s hoping everyone listens. Take care. Be well.
Alexis Joseph says
Awww I love this so much, Patrick. Thank you for being here.
Katie says
This is true freedom from disordered eating. I'm so thankful for you sharing your experience. I pray everyone reading it sees the bravery, the truth and a joyful life in your story. 🙂
Alexis Joseph says
It really is. Thank you, Katie!
Rebecca says
Hi! I did the same thing after a major life event. I was vegan for 5+ years. I was so depressed I couldn't eat anything and then one day I was like I'm craving a chicken wing....and I ate the damn wing. I haven't looked back.
Cheers to being your authentic self. It feels very good.
Alexis Joseph says
Oh wow! Ate the damn wing...LOL. Love this!
Denise says
I say, YAY! for you. How liberating this must be for you. And I am thrilled that you will now also be posting recipes that include meat. I have been adding meat to your fabulous plant-based recipes for years:)
Alexis Joseph says
It seems like a lot of people have been ding that, and that's so good to know!
Julie Browning says
Just wanted to say that I love how you shared this. Good for you. We are all on our own journeys. And I respect everyone's personal journey - even if it's vastly different from mine. Keep up the good work.
Alexis Joseph says
Truth. Thank you, Julie!