Zinnia Cole didn’t always understand the connection between her gut and her energy levels. She thought feeling bloated and sluggish by 3 PM was just part of life.
“I figured it was work stress or lack of sleep,” she admits. “It never occurred to me that my gut needed more care.”
It wasn’t until she transitioned to a vegan lifestyle that she began paying attention to how food affected her digestion. But even then, she quickly realized that “vegan” didn’t always mean “gut-friendly.” Overloading on legumes, raw greens, and processed meat alternatives left her stomach in knots. “My body needed nourishment, not just labels,” she says.
So Zinnia took a different approach: gentle, planned, and intuitive. She started preparing meals in advance that were high in fiber but easy to digest. Cooked root vegetables, blended soups, fermented additions like sauerkraut, and simple grains like quinoa became staples. She roasted, simmered, and softened instead of relying on raw textures.
Her Sundays became “gut-prep” days—not just for time efficiency, but for intention. “I’d make one stew, one grain, one green, and one dressing I loved,” she explains. “I wasn’t trying to make Instagram-perfect containers. I just wanted to feel good all week.”
Over time, her energy returned. Her skin cleared. Her mind felt sharper. “Your gut is your second brain,” she now tells friends. “And it deserves just as much attention.”
Today, Zinnia coaches other beginners through the process, reminding them that small steps and cooked veggies are sometimes more healing than cold smoothies and raw kale. “Meal prep doesn’t need to be complicated,” she says. “It just needs to be kind.”
