🥩 My First Year on the Carnivore Diet: The Good, The Bad, and What I Learned

nutrition

From “Healthy Superfoods” to Carnivore: My 1-Year Journey

September 1, 2024 was the day I officially began my Carnivore journey — though truth be told, it started out more like keto. I had just gone shopping, stocked up on what I thought were “superfoods,” and I couldn’t bring myself to throw them out. That “sunk cost” mindset kept me holding on a little longer to greens, nuts, seeds, and sweet potatoes.

What I didn’t realize then was that many of those foods were loaded with oxalates — plant compounds that can build up in the body and cause painful issues in joints, muscles, and even skin.

By February 2025, after binge-watching Carnivore doctors and success stories, I decided to go all in. And that’s when the real transformation — and the challenges — began.


🌱 The Hidden Danger of “Healthy” Superfoods

  • Spinach, almonds, chia seeds, sweet potatoes, and berries were staples in my diet.

  • These foods are marketed as nutrient powerhouses, but they’re high in oxalates.

  • Over time, oxalates can crystalize and store in soft tissues, bones, and joints — leading to pain, inflammation, fatigue, and brain fog.

  • When you remove them (by eating Carnivore), your body begins oxalate dumping — the painful but healing process of clearing them out.

I leaned heavily on Sally K. Norton’s book Toxic Superfoods, which explained oxalates and how to support the body during this detox.


🥩 Learning to Love Beef

For decades, I didn’t like beef. I had mental stories around it, tied to a bad relationship (lame, I know, but true!). But Carnivore challenged me to rethink that. I learned how to:

  • Cook it well and season it simply.

  • Appreciate it as both fuel and medicine.

  • Build meals around steak, ground beef, roasts, and eggs.

Beef became my foundation, and my healing accelerated.


✨ My Biggest Wins After 1 Year

  • Brain fog cleared — my focus and energy returned.

  • Inflammation reduced — joint pain is mostly gone (except during oxalate dumping flares).

  • Strength rebuilt — I’m consistently lifting weights again.

  • No cravings — I eat 2 meals a day, with zero food noise or sugar addiction.

  • Simplified kitchen — no powders, expensive organic produce, or “superfood” jars.

  • Financial savings — real food (meat, eggs, butter, salt) is more cost-effective than “health” products.


🚧 The Challenges

  • Oxalate dumping can be rough — rashes, fatigue, and painful flares.

  • Social pressure — most people can’t imagine life without plants, and explaining Carnivore isn’t always easy. But it's worth it. Don't let well meaning friends and social situations deter you.

  • Doubt — some days I wondered if I was doing the right thing, but I stuck it out. Honestly, I was 95% certain I was!


👥 Why Community Matters

One of the most life-changing experiences of this year was attending the Steak and Butter Gang meetup in Montana.

Being surrounded by like-minded people who “get it” gave me encouragement, accountability, and a sense of belonging. It reminded me: don’t do Carnivore alone.

Community makes all the difference.


🎟️ Join Me at MeatStock 2026

If you’re ready to connect with others on this path, I want to invite you to MeatStock 2026 — the biggest Carnivore and meat-based lifestyle event.

📌 Join us at MeatStock 2026!
👉 Use my referral code LTL for $50 off any ticket: Get Your Ticket Here

Let’s meet in person, share stories, and keep building this amazing community together.


💡 Final Thoughts

Carnivore isn’t a quick fix. It’s a journey — with highs, lows, and everything in between. But after one year, I can confidently say it’s the best decision I’ve made for my health, energy, and quality of life.

If you’re curious about the Carnivore diet, dealing with oxalate issues, or looking for support, I hope my story encourages you. And remember — don’t do it alone. Find your people, show up to events, and lean on community.

Here’s to year two — stronger, healthier, and surrounded by steak-loving friends.

 

 

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