KTC Carnivore Challenge

Starting January 1, Michelle and Andrew will go carnivore and we challenge you to do it, too, for the entire month.  If you've ever done it (Michelle has twice), or you've been wanting to try (Andrew has but wonders about his metabolism), or you have massive doubts and simply want to understand the WHY, read on...

Some time ago some famous person quipped: "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels."  (Yes, there was an uproar around that.)  But if you've ever been on the carnivore diet and stuck it out past those tough first days (sometimes weeks), you'll understand, truly to your core, that "Nothing tastes as good as healthy feels."  This was Michelle's experience. 

What's the Challenge?

For one month, eat only animal products, including fats -- eat no grains, no veg, no fruit, no processed anything.  As much meat as you want, preferably from ruminants, and only water to drink.  Fish, eggs, and dairy products are a matter of preference though use caution around the latter - dairy.  

Before you begin, you must, must, MUST consult your doctor or nutritional adviser.  That's only prudent. 

You may wish to know in advance your labwork, perhaps your weight or BMI.  Or if you're like Michelle, pay special attention to how you feel before you start.  How's your gut?  How are your joints?  How do you feel in your clothes?  Take note of your skin, your hair, your tongue, your bowel movements.  Pay close attention to the before because once you're in it, you'll really start to notice some changes.

What to expect?

Every body is different.  There is no shortage of possibilities on what you can expect when you switch to a carnivore diet.  But change is for certain.  As the body transitions from burning glucose to burning ketones, a whole host of changes will take place.  You might experience crazy fatigue, you might notice that you smell differently, taste differently.  Your head might hurt or at times it may feel foggy.  These effects can be expected and are considered very normal through the process. 

For some the changes will last a few days, for others, weeks.  Depends on how much glucose is stored in the body.  Stick it out.  Once you're through it, you'll feel extraordinarily better.  You'll likely feel more satiated, less hungry at odd hours.  Cravings may be a thing of the past.  Your mental acuity might sharpen.  Your system might start working like clockwork and you'll be far more aware of how food makes you feel.  Or what you no longer feel.  The inflammation, the bloat, and the joint stiffness may go away.  You'll likely have more energy throughout the day.  And your skin, hair, and nails...  You can only imagine.

This was Michelle's experience.

How to do it?

Meal plan, meal plan, meal plan.  Did you get that?  Plan ahead.  When you have a long day behind you or ahead of you, it's super hard to suddenly figure out your food.  Much easier to reach for simple carbs.  The key is to know and prep your options. 

Source your meat wisely and locally.  Find ranchers whose cattle are grassfed AND finished.  Regenerative farmers and ranchers are your friends as their animals are often organically- and ethically-raised.  Ask around at your local farmer's markets.  

Use animal fats and lots of it.  Tallow, lard, ghee.  They not only taste better, they're better for you than processed seed oils.  

Eat at home as much as possible.  Dining out can be one of the hardest things to do when you're on the carnivore diet because not all meat is created equal.  Do you know where your steak came from?  What was it cooked in?  Canola oil is some of the worst and yet it's used everywhere.   

Why the Challenge? 

Our human ancestors subsisted on animal products, organ meats and marrow being the most coveted.  It has long been known that the most prized parts were saved for pregnant women, young children, and the elderly.  The reason was simple: animal products have always been the most nutrient- and calorie-dense foods available containing essential amino acids and micronutrients necessary for brain growth and to increase body size.   

But hey, times have changed.  A variety of foods are now available.  It has never been easier to access tropical fruit in Alaska.  Or seasonal produce at all times of the year.  Grazing cattle takes up precious resources.  Never mind the ethical position.  A diet rich in animal fats increases the chance of this, that, and the other.  Whatever your assertions, insert them here.  But really, have times changed because dietary needs certainly haven't.  Humans still require the most nutrient- and calorie-dense foods available to them or else the brain and body suffer.  Enter the rise in gut-related ailments or mental health imbalance. 

And then there's this... Plants ARE trying to kill you.  Think about it.  Animals can get away.  Fruits want to propagate and they do so when their seeds are dispersed - by the wind, by ingestion and subsequent elimination.  Plants, how do they protect themselves?  They do so through chemicals that can actually be toxic to humans in significant quantities (they're called "antinutrients"; think: oxalates, lectins, glucosinolates).  Historically, most vegetables have to be cooked or fermented in order to be adequately processed by the human gut.  

Quite simply, there are nutrients in animals that you cannot get from plants.  Even vitamin C is stored in the organs of certain animals.  Eat responsibly-raised animals and you'll get all the nutrients you need through what they're consuming.  Nature is very efficient like that.  Take a look in the mirror.  If your teeth don't tell you that you're a meat-eater, then this diet may not be for you. 

This was Michelle's experience.  

And come January, Michelle will do it again, this time with Andrew trying it out for himself, and maybe you'll join, too.  Come find us at the farmer's market.  Can't wait to talk with you about it!