Eating a varied plant-based diet - and avoiding all meat, fish

In the great story of human life, where the body, mind, and spirit are bound in a delicate harmony, the food we consume plays a pivotal role in shaping our well-being. Michael Greger, in his thoughtful reflection, "Eating a varied plant-based diet—and avoiding all meat, fish, chicken, and dairy products—may have much to recommend it, but it's certainly not for everyone," imparts an essential truth: that there is no universal solution to nourishment, and the path to health must be shaped by the unique needs of the individual. In these words, Greger reveals the ancient wisdom that health, like wisdom, is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather a personalized journey, one that must honor the diversity of the human condition.

In the teachings of the Greeks, particularly the great Hippocrates, the father of medicine, we find a similar understanding. Hippocrates famously said, "Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food." This profound teaching was not a call to follow any single diet, but to consider food as the foundation of health and healing. Hippocrates recognized that the body thrives on balance and that the correct nourishment for each person depends on their nature, their environment, and their life’s work. The idea of a plant-based diet, like the one Greger champions, aligns with ancient thought in its focus on simple, wholesome foods—foods that are grounded in the earth, that carry the wisdom of the natural world. Yet, Hippocrates would also have recognized that the needs of the body are as varied as the souls that inhabit it, and that no single approach could be universally applied.

Consider, too, the great Romans, whose dietary practices were shaped by their understanding of the body as a temple that required careful care and balance. The famous Roman philosopher Seneca wrote extensively about self-discipline, including in his thoughts on food. He emphasized that eating should not be about indulgence or excess, but about moderation and wisdom. Seneca believed in eating food that nourished the body while avoiding extremes—understanding that the body, like the mind, requires simplicity and clarity. His teachings resonate with Greger’s perspective, where a varied plant-based diet may offer benefits to some, but may not be the right path for all, just as Seneca suggested that no single approach could suit everyone.

In the Middle Ages, the famous monastic orders, such as the Benedictines, also understood the importance of food in spiritual and physical life. The monks ate a simple, plant-based diet, often fasting and abstaining from meat, believing that simplicity in diet led to clarity of thought and a more disciplined spirit. Yet, even they did not prescribe this path to all. Benedictine wisdom taught that the spiritual journey was one of individual discernment, where each monk’s path was shaped by their own physical constitution, the needs of their body, and their unique role within the community. Greger’s acknowledgment that a plant-based diet may not be for everyone echoes this ancient understanding: that what is beneficial for one person may not be appropriate for another, and that we must all seek the path that best serves our unique needs.

The lessons we can draw from these ancient traditions are clear. Just as Hippocrates, Seneca, and the Benedictines understood that food is not a mere substance, but a cornerstone of both physical and spiritual health, so too does Greger’s insight guide us toward a deeper understanding of individuality in our health choices. A plant-based diet, like the Benedictine approach, may indeed offer great benefits for some—helping to cleanse the body, enhance vitality, and promote longevity. But the diversity of the human experience means that such a path may not serve all. Just as a warrior may need the strength provided by meat, or a laborer may need the calories that come from dairy, so too must we respect the individuality of our bodies in choosing the nourishment that is best for us.

The lesson here is one of balance, discernment, and self-awareness. In our pursuit of health and vitality, we must not fall into the trap of one-size-fits-all solutions. Greger’s wisdom invites us to think deeply about what serves our bodies best, to consider the whole of who we are—not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. We are not all the same, and our needs are as varied as the seasons, the landscapes, and the cultures that shape us. Thus, we must approach health with an open mind, a willingness to listen to our bodies, and the humility to understand that no path to wellness is universal.

Let us take this ancient wisdom into our own lives. As we seek health, let us not be swayed by trends or external pressures, but rather focus on what makes us feel whole—what gives us energy, clarity, and peace. Let us embrace variety in our diets, knowing that the path to well-being is often found in adjusting to our own needs, just as the ancients did. In doing so, we honor the great truth that health is not a one-size-fits-all pursuit, but a deeply individual journey that requires reflection, balance, and respect for the wisdom of the body and the earth.