Book Review: The Dietitian's Dilemma

The Dietitian's Dilemma: What would you do if your health was restored by doing the opposite of everything you were taught? by Michelle Hurn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Registered dietitian Michelle Hurn voices her frustration with how the health system is failing patients and shares how she regained her health following an unconventional diet. Hurn also shares the testimonials of others in their recovery to health, which is interesting. Nine chapters cover diabetes, mental illness, eating disorders, sarcopenia, heart disease, history of nutrition guidelines, plants versus animals, getting started, and her nutrition as an ultra-runner.

The highlight for me was reading the personal stories. Otherwise, I did not find much new information in the book. I wouldn’t recommend it as a self-help, wellness, or diet book. I was disappointed that there wasn’t more detail about her running career and how that has shaped her as a dietitian. This could have been a more focused way to talk about elimination diets, restoration of health, and exercise. I would not recommend this book for a person exploring the ketogenic or carnivore diet; better primer books are available.

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Book Review: The Carnivore Cookbook

If you eat meat, I recommend this book 100%. If you have an autoimmune disease--this is a must-read! Explore the carnivore diet--a simple, animal-based way of eating--which includes animal proteins, excludes inflammatory ingredients, simplifies food choices, and reverses insulin resistance. The authors give a detailed explanation of the science that supports this lifestyle, along with over 100 recipes to enjoy.

Emmerich, M. and Emmerich, C. (2020). The carnivore cookbook: The complete guide to success on the carnivore diet with over 100 recipes, meal plans, and science. Las Vegas: Victory Belt Publishing, Inc.

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Book Review: The Carnivore Diet

The goal of this book is to make people aware of an all-meat diet as an option for better health and to share the successes that many have had with this approach. 

There is a lot of information to combat veganism, which seems excessive and overdone at times. Also, for some of the controversial topics, the author doesn’t provide strong evidence to support or refute a position and ultimately asks the reader to decide for themselves (e.g., eating raw versus cooked meat; nose-to-tail versus muscle meat; grass-fed versus grain-fed). The anecdotal stories are interesting but lack the scientific studies behind them.

The author provides historical accounts, scientific studies, personal triumphs, and personal stories. This book isn't for everyone but may be helpful if you are considering an elimination diet--consult a nutritionist!

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Baker, S. (2019). The carnivore diet. Las Vegas: Victory Belt Publishing, Inc.

Carnivore Update 2: 80/20 Rule Isn't Going to Work

For some reason, it has been difficult for me to stay 100% carnivore. Of course, I made the concession for coconut oil early on...but that led to allowing coconut butter/manna, which led to some sweet potatoes, onions, tomato sauce, and stevia. I should not have been surprised--but I was!!--when I felt the beginnings of a yeast infection. So, clearly I cannot just add any old starches or carbs--this is exactly why I gave them up. It is a good reminder and a incentive to commit 100% to the carnivore diet. I've been having a variety of protein; tried mussels from Whole Foods that were OK. Besides the usual sardines, smoked oysters, smoked salmon, ground beef, eggs, we had a really yummy ground sirloin, beef hot dogs, and roasted chicken from Wagshals. The hanger steak, brisket, and fully cooked shredded beef (nothing added) from Wellness Meats were all very tasty too.

No changes to report as far as weight or feeling amazing because I have NOT been consistent. Hopefully, we'll see some changes next week with my renewed efforts.

Carnivore Update - Butter is Out

Ten days of eating mostly an animal-based diet and I really miss my Whole Foods 365 French Vanilla stevia! I had become very liberal in using it in and on my egg waffles, mixed with coconut oil, and even in my coffee! The craving for it has not really decreased with time, but we'll see. As a treat and just to try it one more time, I consumed a ton of butter the first three days. Oh, how I love grass-fed, salted butter. Yet again, however, it caused quite a bit of puffiness around my eyes and cheeks. I had to take it out...and instead have been using coconut oil. I know this is not from an animal, but I need the extra fat and calories. I've also varied the protein with bone broth, sardines, smoked oysters, egg waffles, smoked salmon, ribeye, liverwurst (no fillers), turkey, beef baby back ribs, chicken wings, pork/beef meatballs, egg bake, hamburgers, etc.

I do not feel any different--no better, no worse--so I will continue for now.

Carnivore Experiment

Ready, set, go! Ketogenic diets were all the rage in 2018, and carnivore has some promising popularity for 2019. In the spirit of the ever-evolving and tweaking nutritionist, I am going to try carnivore...aiming for 30 days. Due to celiac disease and mold allergies, I eat quite closely to this diet anyway (and I LOVE meat/fish)--so I don't think I will have any issues with compliance and I'm interested to see if I will feel any different. I can't recommend what I haven't tried myself (n=1), so we're starting off 2019 with this one. The plan will include any and all forms of animal proteins and fats, plus coffee, mineral/spring water. Did I mention I am a huge fan of fat? And, I love organ meat! I'll record the majority of my meals via Instagram with periodic blog updates as well. Yum, yum, yum!