In 2017 I was over 40lbs overweight and in constant pain. I committed to making some changes. I tried doing things like paleo, keto, etc. and initially lost 10-15lbs or so, but, plateaued after about 2 months despite increased running mileage. I couldn't run consecutive days and eventually hurt my back 3 months in. I went to Airrosti, Doctor put me on muscle relaxers and something else after doing x-Rays and diagnosing me with inflammation. I ended up dropping out of a half-marathon before I even started due to back pain. I got desperate enough to do something crazy so inspired by Rich Roll and Josh Lajaunie I decided to try a whole-food, plant-based Vegan diet.
Within a week I was out of pain and back to running. PRd a 10K 2 weeks later. I stuck with it for about 6 months and lost over 30 additional lbs. I did resume eating meat like the OP suggested and now eat it occasionally and sparingly, but, continue to eat primarily plants. Finished my 2nd full Marathon last Sunday with a 10-day pure Vegan run-in.
I don't think my diet is going to save the world. I am an outdoorsman and kill plenty of fish, my boys hunt so this is not an ethical thing.
My thoughts are simple. If you are interested, try it for a few weeks and see what happens, but, fully commit to not cheating. See how you feel. It's laughable to hear people who have never gone an extended period of time without consuming animal products to tell me why a Vegan diet is less healthy than a Keto, Carnivore, etc. diet. I do agree the most important aspect is whole-food, plant-based part of the equation. The Vegan meat substitutes and junk food that's available for the Eco/Ethical Vegan isn't much better than the SAD.