The Carnivore Diet: My 30 Day Challenge

In late November of 2022, I stumbled upon a video while scrolling through my phone.

This video, featured a young man who, like me, struggled with the same autoimmune disorder.

In the video, he shared how adopting a carnivore lifestyle had remarkably improved his life.

I had vaguely known about the carnivore diet for nearly four months and had been increasingly captivated by the benefits it offered to its followers.

His story highlighted that the diet had not only cured his autoimmune condition but also enabled him to discontinue his medication.

This revelation sparked a sense of hope within me, as I realized that there was a practical solution to addressing my autoimmune disorder.

It meant I could actively take steps to heal myself and embrace a life without relying on intravenous treatments every four weeks.

This marked the beginning of my research journey. I discovered more influential figures  who have adopted this diet and had even experimented with it themselves.

Prominent names like Joe Rogan (comedian), Mikhaila Peterson (creator of the Lion Diet/podcaster), and the "carnivore king" Shawn Baker (doctor).

Despite these "meat heads" reputations, they passionately advocate for the carnivore diet and enthusiastically praise its positive impact on health.

Exploring the Benefits of the Carnivore Diet:

A common thread runs through their narratives, highlighting key benefits associated with this unique dietary approach.

Let's delve into a few of the benefits the diet claims to have:

Weight Loss:

At the core of the Carnivore Diet lies a high-protein, low-carbohydrate composition.

Research has consistently indicated that such dietary patterns can effectively boost weight loss.

This happens because of something called ketosis.

When your blood sugar drops, your body starts burning stored fat. Lots of people have lost weight this way, and it's the reason behind their success stories.

As well as that fact that eating lots of protein contributes significantly to satiety, reducing overall calorie intake and weight loss.

The Carnivore Diet even challenges assumptions about fibre consumption.

While fibre is traditionally considered essential for digestive health, recent studies suggest excluding fibre-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and grains might alleviate digestive issues in specific individuals. Interestingly, people who follow the

Carnivore Diet often have fewer digestive issues, showing how our bodies respond differently to various nutrients.

Enhanced Mental Clarity:

People who like the Carnivore Diet often discuss how it helps their thinking. They say that sticking to the diet makes their minds feel clearer, and they can focus better.

This is similar to another diet called the Ketogenic Diet. When people start this diet, their bodies need to adjust from using carbs for energy to using fats.

This change can make them feel tired and moody at first, like when they miss sugar. But after a few days, those feelings go away.

As the body gets used to eating more fat and less carbs, it starts using ketones (which come from breaking down fat) instead of glucose for energy.

This shift is linked to better thinking, sharper focus, and more consistent energy levels.

Inflammation Reduction:

(The one I was most impressed by)

Emerging evidence suggests a compelling link between the Carnivore Diet and inflammation reduction.

A diet rich in healthy fats and low in carbohydrates correlates with decreased inflammation. Particularly, the impact on the digestive system and the body as a whole.  

In a notable 2013 study, researchers compared participants on a high-fat, low-carb diet with those following a low-fat, high-carb regimen.

Surprisingly, individuals consuming higher fat content exhibited lower markers of systemic inflammation.

This observation led researchers to hypothesize that a diet emphasizing healthy fats could possess inherent anti-inflammatory properties

Carnivore Advocates

Mikhaila Peterson had struggled to deal with arthritis since she was a kid. Even when she grew up, this problem stuck around.

But things changed when she decided to try something different – the "lion diet," about eating only meat, salt, and drinking water.

This unusual diet helped her ditch her medicines and brought down the inflammation in her body.

Then, in late November, I heard about Brett Ender. He was a college student like myself and had the same autoimmune disorder.

He was on the same intravenous treatment until he tried the carnivore diet. After a few months, he stopped taking his meds entirely by sticking to this diet.

That got me interested. It felt like the missing piece of the puzzle.

I decided to try it, hoping it might help me cut down on the meds I was still taking.

I currently take a strong medication called infliximab, and I even taken extra daily pills to manage the symptoms, such as steroids and other anti-inflammatories.

Mikhaila Peterson and Brett Ender's experiences show that what you eat can make a big difference in your health.

Their stories inspired me to explore new ways to improve without relying too much on medication.

Embracing Change

I was really stepping up my game when it came to staying active.

I saw the carnivore diet as the missing link that could finally tip the scales, inspiring me to fully embrace this unique dietary path.

However, one significant obstacle stood in my way: discipline.

There's only one thing that can weaken my resolve.

Bread.

Bread reigns supreme, it holds a special place in my heart.

It's what I grew up with, a comfort I can't deny.

I have a deep fondness for bread.

I even consider it a dessert and often choose it over other options.

Giving up bread would be the toughest challenge I'd face.

Once the holiday season came to an end, and I had my fair share of bread indulgence, I knew I was ready to take on the carnivore diet.

I was eager to see if it could truly make a positive impact on my life.

To help you understand, let's break down my journey of adopting the carnivore diet by looking at how things unfolded over time:

January 1st

I embarked on my carnivore diet journey by getting all the necessary ingredients. Following the diet's restrictions made grocery shopping a breeze.

I lined up my food for the upcoming month, which included ground beef, salmon, eggs, bacon and butter.

One exception I made to the carb rule that fell inbound with the Carnivore Diet was raw dairy, which contains nothing beyond its original ingredients.

This meant I could enjoy raw cheese like real Parmigiano Reggiano (my favourite)

I aimed to consume a good amount of fats, primarily through fatty meats, fish, and organic butter.

One key aspect of the carnivore diet is maintaining a balance between meat and fat intake, roughly in a 3:1 ratio compared to the carbs you're avoiding.

The main goal of the carnivore diet is to eliminate any potential sources of inflammation that might come from various foods we usually eat.

Most oils we commonly use, like canola oil, grapeseed oil, and sunflower oil, are known to be highly inflammatory

Due to these considerations, I had to prepare my food using only animal fats, specifically organic butter and ghee.

To keep things simple, I kept seasoning to a minimum also. Seasoning  meals with just salt, which is quite similar to the "lion diet" but also aligned with the rules of the elimination diet.

Occasionally, I gave in and added a bit of pepper for some extra flavour or a touch of lemon juice to my salmon.

Nevertheless, the goal for the month was that the food needed to be basic and straightforward.

Beginning the Carnivore Diet:

January 3rd

As January 2nd marked my last indulgent meal before diving into the carnivore diet, the journey officially commenced on January 3rd.

This day was my trial run, my first real experience with this unique way of eating.

One exciting aspect of keeping track of my eating is the ability to reflect on previous days. I have a screenshot of my first meal on the carnivore diet, which I can reference to remember the start of this journey.

Here's a glimpse of my First day:

The initial days were manageable. While it took some time, the adjustment period was not overly challenging. I felt fine during those early days of the diet, almost akin to a runner's high

These initial moments set the tone for what was to come. Adapting to a new way of eating had its share of hurdles, but the first few days marked the beginning of a significant dietary transformation.

January 7th to 9th

While finding my routine, on the fourth day, a craving for something sweet hit me particularly hard.

This craving usually struck during those late-night moments when I normally indulged in a treat.

Now, faced with the absence of those late-night munchies, I experienced a serious sugar withdrawal.

Simultaneously, fatigue began to creep in, casting a shadow over my days.

With no coffee or sugar to boost energy, my energy relied solely on bacon and butter (fats).

It proved to be a trying experience as I grappled with maintaining my energy levels throughout the day.

I found myself going to bed early, around 10 pm – an uncharacteristically early hour.

With little else to do in the evenings, without snacking and fatigue from the day, sleep became an appealing alternative.

These few days were undoubtedly the most challenging thus far.

January 10th-14th

As the first week of my journey under the new diet drew to a close, I settled into the carnivore diet's rhythm.

By now, crafting my breakfast had become an effortless task.

The simplicity of cooking bacon and preparing scrambled eggs in its fat made my morning routine streamlined and convenient.

The routine had firmly taken root, and I began to notice improvements.

With seven days of experience behind me, I could sense a positive shift.

Throughout the day, I didn't experience any feelings of hunger, and my energy levels were steady and ordinary.

Nothing seemed out of stock in that regard.

Interestingly, I hadn't yet encountered the cognitive effects that some proponents of the carnivore diet often mentioned.

Despite this, I did start to notice changes in my body.

After a week on this eating plan, I observed that my trips to the bathroom had become less frequent, occurring just once a day and involving a much smaller volume.

In general, I still felt much the same, but there was a subtle enhancement in my overall mood throughout the day.

As I completed this initial week, it became more apparent that the carnivore diet instigated changes within me...slowly.

January 15th:

(the day it kicked in)

Sleep has never been a problem for me.

But then came that morning, and I sensed the carnivore diet's impact.

Usually, when I "hit the hay", it would take about half an hour for me to drift off (minus the time I spend on my phone).

I'd wake up a bit groggy, hit the snooze button a few times, and finally roll out of bed lazily.

Not this time.

On this particular day, I woke up feeling RECHARGED.

It was like a switch had flipped. Instead of dragging myself out of bed after snoozing, I SPRANG up with energy, beating the snooze button on my very first try.

It was incredible. I felt like I had time-traveled to the next day.

No more morning fog, no grogginess—just a jolt of alertness, ready to take on the world.

This was the day when all my carnivore experiments seemed justified. It was a truly invigorating sensation.

The entire day flowed with a consistent energy level.

No midday crashes, no post-lunch sleepiness that usually comes after eating.

I was fully charged all day, and surprisingly, I didn't need coffee, energy drinks, or anything of the sort.

I felt like Spider-Man discovering his superpowers for the first time. It was electrifying.

As the day ended, I capped it off with a satisfying slice of cheese.

Apart from that, I felt fantastic. By this point, I had already lost 5 pounds in just two weeks.

The carnivore diet was turning out to be more than I had hoped for—it was becoming a genuinely uplifting experience.

January 15th to Feb 1st

During this period, I experienced some of the best days.

The carnivore diet seemed to be working wonders for me.

I woke up with mere minutes to spare before my alarm went off.

Everything felt aligned.

I had my meals planned out for the day, and let me tell you, the food tasted incredible!

(I had nothing to compare anymore).

I was feeling fantastic.

My workouts were a breeze, and I was reaping all the benefits the carnivore diet was said to offer. It was like all the positive effects were finally kicking in.

Around this time, I had my blood work done.

One particular marker, the CRP number, an inflammatory marker, had taken a significant dip. It indicated that my body was responding well to the diet.

The signs were unmistakable: a pure diet proved to be effective.

However, there's a catch to the carnivore diet. It demands a level of dedication that ties you down.

Because of this, going out with friends or just hanging out became a challenge.

Explaining that you cannot eat most things at a restaurant due to the "abundance of seed oils" is not precisely a light-hearted conversation when most restaurants foods are fried in such seed oils.

As social pressures and concerns from family members grew,(mostly my loving mother) it became harder to stick to the diet.

However, it wasn't just others.

As the third week unfolded, I found myself in the grip of intense cravings.

A deep longing for a banana, an apple, an orange – any type of fruit to quench the yearning for sugar began to take hold.

So even though I was enjoying the carnivore benefits, I made a decision.

I resolved to finish my carnivore month but would transition away from this eating style once the 30-day challenge was completed.

Final Reflections and Key Takeaways

My experience with the carnivore diet has been quite remarkable.

The effects were crystal clear, especially during the second week.

Based on this, I'd certainly consider trying the diet again, this time with a more informed approach. I would involve:

• Embracing essential lessons of the diet, such as prioritizing higher fat consumption over protein
• Incorporating more enjoyable fats like raw cheeses (such as goat cheese)
• Exploring various natural fat sources like beef tallow
• Choosing steaks with natural marbling and collagen to enhance my nutrition rather than lean cuts of meat
• An element of guesswork was involved in creating the diet despite my research. In hindsight, I could have approached this aspect more diligently, establishing a more accurate baseline for my overall health to more accurately collect before and after data.
• While I took supplements to compensate for nutrients not acquired from meat, such as vitamin C and fish oil for brain and immune health. Instead I would increase my intake of organ meats as they are a rich source of essential nutrients.

I attempted to include liver in my diet throughout the month; relying solely on salt and butter for seasoning made consuming it a bit challenging. I'd find a way to incorporate them more effectively, either through supplements or by blending them into my beef patties.

Pros and Cons:

Regarding the positive aspects of my experience, the highlights of the carnivore diet were:

Renewed Energy Levels

I have never felt more alert.

Rising from my bed in the morning without of morning fatigue is an underrated perk of the carnivore diet.

The steadiness of energy throughout the day, rather than spikes, stands out as a remarkable outcome of this dietary approach.

This aspect alone would make me seriously consider embracing the diet again; it proved to be the most rewarding facet.

Equally compelling was the unwavering consistency of my energy levels all day long.

Not once did fatigue encroach upon my productivity; I accomplished much work throughout the day.

I sailed through my day without any energy slumps, and my nighttime sleep was solid.

Yet, when bedtime rolled around, I was unmistakably primed for rest.

I felt genuinely worn out, and I could drift into a deep and restful sleep without any struggle.

The renewed energy levels I experienced during this time were undoubtedly a significant highlight of my carnivore diet experience.

Inflammation Markers

During the diet, I witnessed a reduction in my inflammatory markers, which was my primary reason for embarking on the carnivore diet journey.

This outcome was incredibly satisfying; however, there are certain aspects I wish I had considered before diving in:

Before starting the diet, I had undergone blood work around two months earlier.

This timing didn't provide the most accurate comparison to determine the diet's impact on my inflammatory markers.

Ideally, receiving blood work before-during and after the diet would have been more informative. Allowing for data-driven insights into any improvements throughout the diet.

Additionally, weekly blood work would have been advantageous to monitor the diet's effect on inflammation and ensure I was obtaining all the essential nutrients my body required.

Cognitive Enhancements

While I didn't transform into a super genius during this dietary journey, there were undoubtedly noticeable cognitive improvements.

Throughout the day, I experienced heightened focus.

With the absence of sugar-induced distractions and a clear plan for my daily meals, maintaining concentration on my work became significantly more straightforward.

As much as I would have relished gaining superpowers from the diet, my experience was more about an elevated sense of cognitive function.

I found myself finely tuned and exceptionally engaged when tackling tasks, even though I acquired no extraordinary abilities.

Reduced Sugar Cravings

My inclination towards sugary treats had always been a constant, yet something shifted after I completed the diet.

Months later, I noticed I wasn't instinctively seeking a sweet indulgence before bedtime.

This transformation has been pivotal in maintaining my dietary goals and effectively cutting down on the consumption of added sugars.

Food Label Insights

Above all, I'm genuinely grateful that this diet has offered me fresh insights into food labelling.

It's fascinating to discover that seemingly "healthy" foods often conceal a multitude of extra preservatives.

Strangely enough, they're infused with excessive seed oils which I have now learned are some of the worst things to consume.

These revelations have led me to be cautious about health foods with a lengthy ingredient list.

I've learned to gravitate towards options with a concise 6-7 ingredients or fewer, recognizing that simplicity often aligns with better health.

While avoiding the allure of Oreos' preservative-laden composition might be challenging, consciously moderating their consumption contributes significantly to an enhanced overall state of health.

Challenges of the Diet:

Monotony in Meals:

While I'm quite a fan of a good steak, consuming a daily routine of ground beef, eggs, and salmon without the vibrant addition of vegetables or even a succulent piece of fruit proved to be less than enjoyable.

Upon completing my 30-day journey, the first carbohydrate I embraced was a ripe yellow banana.

The sweetness of that moment was truly unmatched, making it abundantly clear how much I had missed such simple pleasures.

Impact on Lifestyle:

The restricted range of permissible foods creates hurdles when it comes to dining out or seeking swift food options.

In my pursuit of an elimination diet, I committed to solely indulging in genuine and unadulterated sources of sustenance.

This meant even a seemingly harmless Costco rotisserie chicken was off-limits due to its added preservatives.

Thus, uncovering food choices that aren't inundated with extraneous ingredients proved to be a considerable challenge.

Final Comments

The carnivore diet was truly a valuable experience for me. I learned new things that have helped me manage my autoimmune disorders and given me some relief from relying on medications.

While I hope to be medication-free eventually, I'm grateful there's something I can actively do to take charge of my autoimmune issues and make positive changes for my health.

I encourage anyone considering changing their diet or making a lifestyle shift to try it.

It's not as daunting as it might seem compared to doing nothing at all.

Exploring natural, organic ways to improve yourself without relying on quick chemical solutions can make you feel better and more accomplished.

For those of you who've read this, firstly thank you (sincerely) for reading my story.

If you are interested in learning more about the carnivore diet, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you might have.