Why a Change of diet?

High blood pressure. Aching, arthritic knees. Now high blood sugars and elevated cholesterol. What next?!

A recommendation to try a whole-foods, plant-based diet has this retired chef and overweight grandmother reeling. I’m not going to be a vegan! But it’s back to the kitchen—this time, not for comfort food, but for a shot at healing.

I’ve never been one to do what’s “good for me,” but I’ve seldom backed down from a challenge. So here I am, curious to see if this way of eating can truly change my health outcomes and maybe, just maybe, help me lose the medications. More to the point—will it be sustainable?

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Why I Write as Selena

I chose to write through Selena Bean because I prefer a little privacy online. The internet is a scary place, especially for us oldies, and creating a character gives me room to explore this journey without putting everything on display. Selena shares my values, my curiosity, and my kitchen—but she also gives me just enough distance to write clearly, honestly, and with a bit more courage.

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What Makes Back to Life Different?

Back to Life is a wholefood plant-based blog written through the lens of a retired chef persona, designed to connect with older adults and health-seekers of all ages who are skeptical of wellness trends. Unlike typical plant-based blogs that promote perfection, purity, or rigid ideology, Back to Life offers emotionally honest commentary, flavour-first recipes, and practical nutrition insights—all delivered with warmth, honesty, and a touch of tongue in cheek.

This blog documents a real health journey—not a perfect transformation. It’s built for readers who crave good health without compromising on flavour.

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What You’ll Find Here

• Wholefood recipes that don’t taste like cardboard

• Nutrition visuals that explain without preaching

• Commentary that questions trends and celebrates simplicity

• Real-life stories from the trenches of transformation
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How It’s Built

I didn’t start this blog as an expert. I started it to feel better—and to share what I was learning about food, health, and flavor. I have had to learn a whole lot about blogging as well and to be fair, I wouldn't be able to do it without the help of AI. The ability to have my questions answered in seconds, or have an image created in a minute or two, albeit sometimes with two heads, is invaluable. AI helps me brainstorm, organize, and draft. I still do the editing, the seasoning, and have the final say. This blog is built with curiosity, a bit of tech and a lot of time. It’s not perfect. It’s a work in progress. I am just an old chef with a laptop, not an IT wizard!

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If You’re Just Passing Through

If you’re a meat eater who usually scrolls past vegetarian sites—guess what, so do I (though not always. We all need veggies and a little inspiration now and then). I’ve cooked and eaten this type of food before. It’s not new to me, and it’s usually quite enjoyable. The problem has always been sticking to it—making it a forever thing. Taste is paramount. If food tastes boring, it won’t last long. So, you won’t find any bland food here. I intend to go the full hog this time and really make a feast of cooking up the beans!

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Why I Write

I began this blog while trying to improve my health without relying on or increasing the amount of medication I take. I didn’t start it to sell enlightenment or hug strangers. I just wanted to document what I’m doing, mostly to help a friend understand a bit more about nutrition and cooking.

If the eating regime works, maybe someone else will get something out of it too.

This isn’t a polished wellness journey—it’s a gritty, hopeful experiment in coming

Back to Life.

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