Starting with the carnivore diet can be a significant change, but there are many good reasons to take the plunge. Here’s a comprehensive guide for those ready to improve health, manage weight, or simply try a new lifestyle.
- Clarify Your Goal
Why do you want to start the carnivore diet? Is it to improve health, lose weight, enhance sleep, or perhaps to break a sugar addiction? Whatever the reason, having clear goals can help you stay motivated and make the journey easier.
- Check Your Health with Blood Tests
Before you begin, take a blood test to get a baseline view of your health. This not only gives you a point of comparison later on but also allows you to see what changes occur in your body as you transition to a strict carnivore diet. Seeing results in black and white can be incredibly motivating!
- Give It the Time It Needs
Carnivore isn’t a “quick fix” but more of a long-term lifestyle. To get an honest picture of how your body responds, give the diet at least 60–90 days, though you could start with a 30-day trial. It takes time for the body to adjust, especially if you’ve been eating a carb-rich diet.
- Prepare for Transition Symptoms
During the first few weeks, you may experience symptoms similar to a cold, often called the “carnivore flu.” Diarrhea, headaches, and sugar cravings may appear as your body adjusts to the new diet. To ease the transition, try reducing sugar, seed oils, and carbs before fully switching to carnivore.
- Build Your Carnivore Menu
Carnivore consists solely of animal products: meat, fish, eggs, and possibly dairy if you tolerate it. Start with beef and gradually introduce other products. Use animal fats for cooking, such as tallow, lard, or butter. Remember, water and mineral water are your best beverage options!
- Be Cautious with Dairy at First
If you have health concerns or want to lose weight, it may be wise to avoid dairy at the beginning. Even if you’re not lactose intolerant, dairy can trigger inflammation for some, which can impact both weight loss and healing. Try reintroducing dairy gradually if your body seems to tolerate it.
- Eat According to Your Hunger
Carnivore is simple when it comes to hunger and fullness – eat when you’re hungry and until you’re satisfied. Aim for 1–3 meals a day without snacking between meals. Over time, you’ll notice your body adjusting and signaling clearly when it’s full and content.
- Adjust Your Fat Intake
Fat intake on carnivore is individual, and it may take some experimenting to find the right balance for you. Some feel best with 50% fat and 50% protein, while others prefer higher fat intake. Remember, if you eat too much fat, your body might not absorb it all, which can lead to loose stools. Too little fat, on the other hand, can cause constipation.
- Create a Supportive Environment
To make your journey easier, adjust your environment and let close ones know about your goals. Keeping a home free from temptations like sugar and snacks makes it easier to stick to the diet. Additionally, support from family and friends can be crucial for maintaining motivation, especially in the beginning.
- Expect Fewer Bathroom Visits
When eating nutrient-dense, highly bioavailable foods like on carnivore, it’s common for your body to absorb nearly everything, resulting in fewer bathroom visits. As long as the consistency is soft, this is entirely normal.
- Mistakes Are Part of the Journey
If you slip up and eat something outside of carnivore, it’s no catastrophe. Focus on why you chose carnivore in the first place and get back on track. Everyone makes mistakes, but the key is to return to the path without guilt.
Carnivore can transform health, energy levels, and overall well-being for many. By giving your body the right conditions and patience, you can experience the benefits of this natural diet. Take it step by step and listen to how your body responds. Good luck with your carnivore revolution!