When Ysadora Leigh transitioned to a vegan lifestyle, she wasn’t chasing trends—she was searching for relief. Years of digestive discomfort had led her down a long road of elimination diets, supplements, and confusing advice. It wasn’t until she focused on gut health specifically that things began to shift.
Her weeknight meals now revolve around fiber-rich plants, fermented foods, and simple, well-cooked staples. “It’s not about eating a salad every night,” she says. “It’s about balance—warm, comforting meals that your digestion actually thanks you for.”
A typical evening might include a lentil stew with turmeric and ginger, served over brown rice. Or a tofu stir-fry with garlic, cabbage, and tamari. She loves to end the night with a spoonful of coconut yogurt or a mug of chamomile tea.
“I learned the hard way that not all vegan food is gut-friendly,” Ysadora explains. “Some meals left me more bloated than ever.” By cutting down processed meat substitutes, focusing on soaked legumes, and lightly steaming cruciferous vegetables, she found a formula that works.
Meal prep helps her stay on track, but she doesn’t obsess. “I cook two big batches early in the week, then switch up flavors with herbs and sides,” she says. By Thursday, she’s still energized and not bored of her meals.
Her skin cleared up. Her mood stabilized. Most importantly, her stomach stopped fighting back. “Gut health isn’t just about probiotics. It’s about what you consistently feed your body every day.”
