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.

Book Review: Keto

This book provides a thorough explanation of the science behind the ketogenic diet, along with the benefits and modifications for various health conditions, common myths and mistakes, and advice for maximizing exercise. There are 12 chapters covering the failures of modern nutrition, disease tree, how the body works, a well-formulated ketogenic diet, hormones, modifications for diseases, common mistakes, nutrients, fasting, exercise, meal plans, and accelerating healing.

Keto is for the reader interested in the science behind the diet. It may be too complicated for the newbie; it may be a goldmine for someone who has been enjoying this lifestyle for a while and would like to take it to the next level. Emmerich has several other keto books and this one provides new information and explanations that have not been shared before.

Check out my review of Keto: The Complete Guide to Success on the Ketogenic Diet, Including Simplified Science and No-Cook Meal Plans, on LinkedIn. 

Emmerich, M. and Emmerich, C. (2018). Keto: The complete guide to success on the ketogenic diet, including simplified science and no-cook meal plans. Las Vegas: Victory Belt Publishing, Inc.

Book Review: The Big FAT Surprise

This well-researched book will inform and educate you about why we face the crisis of obesity today, why we have dutifully followed the nutritional dogma, and how healthy fats can make it better. I recommend it to anyone and everyone who questions the benefits of fat in their diet--and also vegetable oils, cholesterol, and the Mediterranean diet. Check out my review of The Big Fat Surprise: Why Butter, Meat, and Cheese Belong in a Healthy Diet, on LinkedIn. 

Teicholz, N. (2014). The big FAT surprise: Why butter, meat, and cheese belong in a healthy diet. New York: Simon & Schuster. 

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!

Book Review: Paleo Girl

This book is a guide for girls to transform their health through a paleo/primal diet, fitness, and lifestyle behaviors. Topics covered include what to eat, fitness, sleep, puberty, motivation, and do-it-yourself recipes and products. While the target audience is young girls, the information is valuable to adults as well.

Check out my review of Paleo Girl: Take a Leap, Empower Yourself. Be Awesome.

Klenke, L. (2014). Paleo girl: Take a leap. Empower yourself. Be awedome. Malibu, CA: Primal Blueprint Publishing.

Book Review: Fat for Fuel

Dr. Mercola’s mitochondrial metabolic therapy program prescribes a high-fat, adequate protein, low carbohydrate diet built on eating the highest quality foods available. While the diet is not complicated, the implementation of it—if you follow all instructions and recommendations—is quite complex. Admittedly a very science-heavy book, Dr. Mercola recommends seeking the advice of a nutritionist to address any challenges one may be facing. This is great! I recommend this too!

A nutritionist can troubleshoot issues by asking questions about what is working, what is not, assessing a food journal, reviewing glucose readings, and then making customized recommendations to support your journey. Check out my review of Fat for Fuel: A Revolutionary Diet to Combat Cancer, Boost Brain Power, and Increase Your Energy.

Mercola, J., MD. (2017). Fat for fuel: A revolutionary diet to combat cancer, boost brain power, and increase your energy. New York: Hay House, Inc.

Picture: Terrine of foie gras and pork pate.