My Carnivore Journey: A Comprehensive Reflection on Diet, Health, and Lifestyle

Rooted in an 80/20 fat-to-protein ratio, my daily routine is focused on nutrient-dense staples like ground beef, eggs, bacon, and butter. Over time, this approach has transformed not only my health markers but also my relationship with food, exercise, and overall wellness.

This isn’t about being prescriptive. It’s about sharing what has worked for me and encouraging others to explore what might work for them.

Core Diet: What I Eat and Why

Nutritional Staples

My daily meals revolve around a consistent set of ingredients that provide balance, satisfaction, and sustainability:

• 80/20 Ground Beef: A perfect balance of fat and protein for energy and satiety.
• Eggs: Packed with essential nutrients and healthy fats, they’re incredibly versatile.
• Bacon and Bacon Fat: Flavorful and rich in fats that fuel my day.
• Butter: A staple for cooking and a critical component for maintaining the ketogenic balance.

While my diet is simple, it isn’t monotonous. I add variety with small indulgences like kimchi, pickles, or chicharrones. Occasionally, I’ll use condiments like mustard, fish sauce, sriracha, or even a touch of ketchup to enhance flavor without disrupting my nutritional goals.

The Role of Intermittent Fasting

One Meal a Day (OMAD) has become the foundation of my eating routine. By consolidating my food intake into a single daily meal, I’ve given my body extended fasting windows that encourage:

• Autophagy: The body’s natural process of cellular repair and detoxification.
• Efficient Digestion: Less time spent on digestion means more energy for other processes.
• Simplicity: Meal planning and preparation become effortless.

OMAD allows me to feel focused and energized throughout the day while fully enjoying the meal I prepare each evening.

Transforming My Health: A Cardiologist’s Surprise

Reversing Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes

Before starting carnivore, I was firmly in the diabetic range with my A1C levels. My cardiologist even suggested medication like Ozempic to manage the condition. However, through the combination of a high-fat carnivore diet and intermittent fasting, I reversed these numbers.

In just a few months, my A1C levels dropped—not just into pre-diabetic range, but into the green zone of healthy blood sugar regulation. These results were life-changing, sparing me from medication and proving that dietary intervention could work where other approaches had failed.

Normalizing Blood Pressure

High blood pressure was another challenge I faced. By embracing fat as my primary energy source, I’ve managed to normalize my blood pressure without medication. My cardiologist, initially skeptical of my diet, has since been astounded by the results.

Key Improvements

• Improved Insulin Sensitivity: My body now handles glucose far more effectively.
• Reduced Inflammation: Chronic inflammation, a risk factor for many diseases, has decreased dramatically.
• Better Lab Results: My lipid profile and overall metabolic health are the best they’ve ever been.

Lifestyle Essentials: Beyond the Plate

Sleep and Autophagy

Quality sleep—8 to 10 hours per night—is non-negotiable in my routine. This rest fuels autophagy, allowing my body to heal, detoxify, and regenerate. Sleep, combined with fasting, creates an environment for optimal recovery and longevity.

Hydration and Black Coffee

I drink over 155 ounces of water daily, supplemented with LMNT electrolytes to replenish essential minerals. Black coffee is my morning ritual, providing mental clarity and extending my fast without disrupting ketosis.

5 AM Mornings

Waking early has shifted my perspective. The peace and focus of early mornings have replaced the chaos of nightlife. By 5 AM, I’m awake, reflective, and ready to start my day with intention.

My Evolving Relationship with Alcohol and Nightlife

In my younger years, alcohol symbolized sophistication and connection. Quitting drinking felt like letting go of an identity tied to late nights, bars, and social events. But sobriety has given me so much more:

• Morning Clarity: Free from the haze of late-night indulgences.
• True Connection: Reclaiming time for meaningful relationships and activities.

Letting go of alcohol wasn’t just a health choice; it was a step toward embracing the person I want to be.

Exercise as Meditation: The Kettlebell Tattoo

My kettlebell tattoo—a black-and-white outline on my left hand—is a daily reminder of my commitment to movement. I color it in with markers to match the kettlebell I’m using:

• Purple (20kg)
• Green (24kg)
• Blue (12kg)

This playful ritual keeps me engaged and motivated. My workouts, including kettlebell swings, TRX movements, and slow rowing, are meditative and intentional. They emphasize consistency over intensity, aligning with my philosophy of sustainable health.

Social Flexibility and the No-Cheat Philosophy

I don’t take traditional cheat days, but I reserve indulgences for social occasions. Sharing meals with friends allows me to stay connected without feeling restricted. Whether it’s pasta, dim sum, or bread, I fully enjoy these moments and return to my routine the next day.

FAQ: Your Questions, Answered

Why do you follow a carnivore diet?

I follow a carnivore diet because it simplifies my relationship with food while yielding profound health benefits. In the past, my attempts to manage nutrition involved overly complex plans that felt unsustainable. The carnivore diet has eliminated decision fatigue by focusing on a few nutrient-dense staples that are satisfying and easy to prepare.

Health improvements have been significant, including the reversal of diabetes, stabilization of blood pressure, and enhanced energy levels. This way of eating provides clarity and focus, both physically and mentally. It’s not just about cutting out carbs or following trends—it’s about discovering what works for me and sticking with it.

What’s the significance of your kettlebell tattoo?

The kettlebell tattoo on the webbing of my left hand between my thumb and forefinger is more than just body art—it’s a constant reminder of my commitment to strength and discipline. Fitness, especially kettlebell exercises, has become a core part of my identity. However, there have been periods of injury and inactivity when staying motivated was challenging.

The tattoo acts as a visual cue to stay consistent, even on days when I don’t feel like moving. To make it even more interactive, I color in the kettlebell with markers to match the weight of the kettlebell I’m using for a particular workout. This playful ritual keeps me engaged and reinforces the importance of showing up every day, even if it’s just for a few swings or slow rows.

How do you handle social eating?

Social eating is one area where flexibility meets discipline. I don’t take traditional cheat days, but I reserve indulgences for meaningful occasions, like meals with friends or family. Sharing food has a deep social and emotional value, and I don’t want my dietary choices to create barriers.

When these opportunities arise, I allow myself to enjoy the moment fully—whether it’s a plate of pasta, dim sum, or bread with olive oil. The key is mindfulness. These meals are intentional, not impulsive, and I always return to my core routine the next day without guilt. This approach balances consistency with the joy of connecting over food.

What’s your approach to hydration?

Hydration is a cornerstone of my health routine, and I treat it with the same intentionality as my diet. I aim for over 155 ounces of water daily to ensure my body is functioning optimally. Low-carb diets, like carnivore, can lead to quicker depletion of electrolytes, which is why I supplement with LMNT electrolytes.

These supplements contain sodium, potassium, and magnesium—key minerals that prevent dehydration, muscle cramps, and fatigue. I also avoid sugar-laden hydration options, keeping things clean and simple. Hydration isn’t just about water—it’s about balance, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining energy and performance.

How has sobriety changed your life?

Sobriety has been one of the most transformative aspects of my journey. Growing up, I associated alcohol with sophistication, social connection, and even creativity. Letting go of drinking initially felt like letting go of a part of my identity.

But the clarity I’ve gained from sobriety has been life-changing. I now wake up early, free from the fog of late-night indulgences. My focus, energy, and overall well-being have improved dramatically. Sobriety has allowed me to prioritize my goals and redefine what it means to be “cool” or “fun.” I’ve embraced a lifestyle where my mornings are productive, and my mind is clear.

How has this lifestyle affected your health markers?

The impact of this lifestyle on my health markers has been nothing short of miraculous. My A1C levels, once in the diabetic range, have not only reversed but are now firmly in the healthy zone. Blood pressure, which was once a concern, has stabilized naturally without medication.

Inflammation markers are at an all-time low, reflecting improved cardiovascular and metabolic health. These results have been validated by regular lab work and the astonishment of my cardiologist. This is more than anecdotal—it’s measurable, life-changing progress that underscores the power of aligning diet and lifestyle.

What role does exercise play in your routine?

Exercise isn’t just physical for me—it’s meditative. My workouts are centered around slow, deliberate movements that build functional strength without overwhelming my body. Kettlebell swings, rowing, and TRX exercises form the core of my fitness routine.

The focus is on consistency and sustainability rather than intensity. I’ve found that integrating exercise into my daily rhythm keeps me grounded and sharp. My kettlebell tattoo is a constant reminder of this commitment, motivating me to prioritize movement even on challenging days.

Glossary of Key Terms

1. Autophagy

The body’s natural process of cleaning out damaged cells and regenerating healthier ones. Triggered by fasting and deep sleep, this process plays a critical role in reducing inflammation, improving metabolic health, and promoting longevity. My routine of one meal a day and prioritizing sleep amplifies this process.

2. OMAD (One Meal a Day)

A fasting strategy where all daily caloric intake is consumed in a single meal. This approach simplifies eating, encourages fat adaptation, and provides extended fasting periods to promote autophagy and metabolic repair.

3. LMNT Electrolytes

A sugar-free electrolyte supplement that provides sodium, potassium, and magnesium. These are essential for hydration, especially on low-carb diets, where electrolyte loss can occur more quickly.

4. Slow Fitness

An approach to exercise that emphasizes deliberate, controlled movements to build functional strength and prevent injury. Prioritizing quality over quantity, it focuses on sustainability and mental engagement during workouts.

5. Fat Adaptation

The process by which the body transitions from using carbohydrates to fats as its primary energy source. This metabolic shift, common in ketogenic and carnivore diets, enhances endurance and stabilizes energy levels.

6. Ketosis

A metabolic state where the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. Achieved through low-carb eating, ketosis is marked by the production of ketones, which serve as an alternative energy source.

7. High Fat/Low Carb (HFLC)

A dietary approach emphasizing high fat intake and minimal carbohydrates to encourage fat adaptation, stabilize blood sugar, and reduce insulin spikes.

8. Chicharrones

Also known as pork rinds, these are crispy, fried pork skin snacks that are high in fat and protein. They are a popular low-carb, carnivore-friendly treat.

9. Electrolyte Imbalance

A condition where the body lacks essential minerals like sodium, potassium, or magnesium, often seen in low-carb diets. Symptoms include muscle cramps, fatigue, and dizziness, which can be mitigated by supplements like LMNT.

10. Insulin Sensitivity

The body’s ability to effectively use insulin to lower blood sugar levels. Improved insulin sensitivity is a key benefit of low-carb diets, reducing the risk of diabetes and metabolic disorders.

11. Intermittent Fasting (IF)

A dietary pattern that cycles between periods of eating and fasting. IF enhances fat burning, promotes autophagy, and improves metabolic health.

12. A1C

A measure of average blood sugar levels over three months. Lowering A1C is a primary goal for reversing diabetes and prediabetes, as achieved through dietary changes like the carnivore diet.

13. Fat-to-Protein Ratio

The proportion of dietary fat to protein, commonly expressed as a percentage. An 80/20 ratio (80% fat, 20% protein) is often used in ketogenic and carnivore diets to optimize energy and satiety.

14. Nutrient Density

A measure of how many nutrients a food provides relative to its calories. Carnivore staples like eggs, beef, and liver are highly nutrient-dense.

15. Inflammation Markers

Biological indicators of inflammation in the body, such as C-reactive protein (CRP). Low-carb diets often reduce these markers, promoting better cardiovascular and metabolic health.

16. Functional Strength

Strength developed through movements that mimic real-world activities. Kettlebell exercises, for example, enhance functional strength by engaging multiple muscle groups in dynamic ways.

17. TRX Suspension Training

A form of bodyweight resistance training using straps to perform functional movements. It’s ideal for improving strength, balance, and flexibility.

18. Micronutrient Deficiency

A lack of essential vitamins and minerals, which can occur in restrictive diets. Supplementing with magnesium, potassium, and sodium can address deficiencies in low-carb lifestyles.

19. Glycemic Load

A measure of how a food’s carbohydrate content impacts blood sugar levels. Low-glycemic foods, such as those in carnivore diets, help maintain stable blood sugar.

20. Kettlebell Complexes

A workout method involving sequences of kettlebell movements performed without rest. These routines build strength, endurance, and coordination while providing a full-body workout.

Conclusion: Living Intentionally

This journey isn’t about perfection; it’s about discovering what works for me and living intentionally. From reversing diabetes to embracing early mornings and kettlebell rituals, my lifestyle reflects a commitment to health, simplicity, and joy.

If my story resonates with you, I hope it inspires exploration and curiosity. Everyone’s path is different—this is mine, and it has transformed my life.