Carnivore Diet Evolution: 6 Years In - New Foods and Fitness Goals

My Carnivore Journey: 6 Years and Counting

As I reflect on my six-year journey with the carnivore diet, I'm amazed at how much has changed. From a newlywed focused on healing to a fitness enthusiast building muscle, my priorities and dietary needs have shifted dramatically. This article will delve into my evolving relationship with specific foods, my new fitness goals, and the lessons I've learned along the way.

The Shift in Priorities

When I first embarked on the carnivore diet, my primary focus was healing. I was dealing with autoimmune issues, histamine intolerance, and the aftermath of a long-term vegan diet. My body needed nourishment and restoration, which meant avoiding certain foods that could trigger inflammation or setbacks.

Now, six years later, my goals have shifted. I'm no longer just focused on healing; I'm actively working to build muscle, improve my strength, and maintain a positive mindset. This change in priorities has led to some surprising adjustments in my diet.

Three Foods That Changed Everything

1. Cheese: From Foe to Friend

When I first started the carnivore diet, cheese was off-limits. It caused inflammation, triggered histamine intolerance, worsened my autoimmune skin issues, and left me feeling lethargic and puffy. Moreover, it was a slippery slope that often led to overeating.

Fast forward to today, and cheese has become a daily staple in my diet. This shift is primarily due to my increased physical activity. As I've started weightlifting heavily 5-6 times a week, I've found that I need the extra calories and nutrients that cheese provides to support my muscle-building goals.

It's important to note that I'm not consuming just any cheese. I stick to raw, unpasteurized varieties, which I find at Costco or Sprouts. The raw cheddar from Sprouts has become a particular favorite.

2. Kefir: A New Staple

Like cheese, kefir was once problematic for me. Now, it's become an essential part of my daily diet. I consume raw, unpasteurized kefir, which I've found a clever way to source even in areas where it's not typically sold for human consumption.

At Sprouts, I purchase the "pet version" of kefir, which is essentially the same human-grade product sold as a pet food topper. This loophole allows me to access raw, unpasteurized kefir even in states where it's not legally sold for human consumption.

The addition of kefir to my diet has been crucial in supporting my increased physical activity and muscle-building goals. It provides additional calories, protein, and beneficial bacteria that aid in digestion and overall health.

3. Dry-Aged and Cured Meats: No Longer Off-Limits

During my first three years on the carnivore diet, I had to avoid all dry-aged and cured meats due to severe histamine intolerance. Consuming these foods would lead to symptoms like a runny nose, itchy skin, and even hives.

Now, six years into my journey, I can fully tolerate and enjoy dry-aged steaks and cured meats like prosciutto. This change is a testament to how much my body has healed over the years. I now relish the pungent, blue cheese-like flavor of dry-aged steaks, making them a favorite for special occasions and date nights.

The Role of Physical Activity

One of the most significant changes in my carnivore journey has been the introduction of regular, intense physical activity. For the first five years of my carnivore diet, I didn't exercise at all. This was partly due to a toxic relationship with exercise that I had developed during my vegan years, where I would use punishing workouts to compensate for binge eating.

The carnivore diet helped heal not only my body but also my relationship with food and exercise. It took five years of focusing solely on nourishment and healing before I felt ready to incorporate intentional physical activity into my routine.

Now, I'm weightlifting heavily 5-6 times a week, and I'm loving the results. This increased activity level is what necessitated the changes in my diet, particularly the inclusion of cheese and kefir to meet my increased caloric and nutritional needs.

Lessons Learned and Advice for Others

Patience is Key

My journey underscores the importance of patience in the healing process. It took me five years to fully heal and feel ready to incorporate exercise into my routine. For those just starting their carnivore journey, especially if you're coming from a background of malnourishment or chronic health issues, it's crucial to give your body the time it needs to heal.

Listen to Your Body

Throughout my journey, I've learned the importance of treating my body as an "n=1 experiment." What works for one person may not work for another, and what doesn't work for you now may become tolerable or even beneficial in the future. Keep testing, keep reintroducing foods, and always pay attention to how your body responds.

Addressing Electrolyte Imbalance

For those new to the carnivore diet, symptoms like low energy, muscle cramps, and headaches can often be attributed to electrolyte imbalance. Increasing salt intake or using a high-quality electrolyte supplement can help alleviate these symptoms.

The Importance of Community

Embarking on a carnivore diet can feel isolating at times. That's why I created the Steak and Butter Gang community five years ago. Having a support system of like-minded individuals can provide inspiration, motivation, and valuable tips for success on the carnivore diet.

Conclusion

My six-year journey on the carnivore diet has been one of continuous learning and adaptation. From focusing solely on healing to now incorporating fitness goals, my dietary needs and food tolerances have evolved significantly.

The inclusion of raw cheese, kefir, and aged meats into my daily diet has been crucial in supporting my new fitness goals and muscle-building efforts. These foods, once problematic for me, now play a vital role in my nutritional strategy.

For those on their own carnivore journey, remember that healing takes time, and what works for you may change as your body heals and your goals shift. Stay patient, listen to your body, and don't be afraid to adjust your approach as needed.

Whether you're just starting out or you're years into your carnivore journey, remember that you're not alone. There's a whole community of carnivores out there ready to support and inspire you on your path to optimal health.

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