My Best Advice, Reflections, and Ideas from Starting and Sticking to a Carnivore Diet

1. Clean Out the Pantry

Get rid of all processed foods, grains, sugars, and seed oils. Throw them out! Even if you don't stick with carnivore, those items are best avoided.

If you live with others who eat differently, try to agree on certain foods to stop buying and remove them from the house—especially if they are triggering for you.

2. Eat Without Restriction

When I started carnivore, I ate whenever I was hungry or felt like eating. This approach helped with cravings, social situations, and adjusting to new habits—like giving up my evening sweet snack.

It’s not a good idea to go hungry during this transition. My body was ravenous for nutrients, and I was surprised by how much I could eat. I listened to my body and fed it whenever it asked, as long as the food was carnivore-friendly.

It usually takes 3 to 6 months to become fully fat-adapted. Once that happens, hunger signals calm down. I still eat when I’m hungry, but my appetite is now much more stable.

3. Don’t Let Small Things Hold You Back

If you’re curious about carnivore and want to heal, give it a try! During my first three weeks, I still drank coffee and occasionally had a small piece of dark chocolate. By the end of that period, I naturally lost interest in those items and stopped.

Carnivore often makes it easier to quit non-carnivore foods over time, so don’t let small things stop you from starting.

4. Focus on Fat

When I started, I had just had three kids in six years. My body was starving for nutrients and fat. I needed to eat 100-150g of butter daily alongside fatty meat and eggs to feel satisfied. Now, after a year, I eat 80-100g of butter per day.

Constipation? You might need more fat.

Diarrhea? You could be eating too much fat or consuming too much melted/rendered fat. Try eating solid fats instead.

5. Don’t Skimp on Salt

Salt is crucial when starting carnivore. Invest in good unrefined sea salt and salt your food to taste.

6. Be Patient

Give carnivore a fair shot—at least 30 days, though 90 days is better. Everyone’s adjustment period is different. For me, it took about 14 days. During that time, I felt very tired, and my joints were so sore I thought I might be getting sick. But then, the fatigue lifted, and my energy improved. From there, things kept getting better!

7. Take Pictures and Measurements

Many people try carnivore for health reasons, but weight loss is often a big motivator. Take pictures and measurements (waist, hips, thighs, etc.) when you start. Progress isn’t always obvious on the scale, but your body may still be transforming.

8. Seek Knowledge

Understanding nutrition, paleoanthropology, and the healing mechanisms of the carnivore diet helped me make sense of this “crazy” way of eating.

It’s also helpful when answering questions from others about fiber, vitamin C, saturated fat, cholesterol, heart disease, and colon cancer. The more informed you are, the more confident you’ll feel.

9. Handle Social Pressure

Don’t do this for others—do it for yourself.

Starting carnivore is a big change, and friends or family may not understand it. Many people will try to convince you it’s unhealthy. Pleasing others won’t fix your health, and over time, most will see how well you’re thriving and leave you be.

Early on, it helps to prepare and communicate in advance that you eat differently now. Bring food everyone can enjoy that also suits your diet.

10. Find Support

Seek like-minded people for support. Online communities like the Carnivore Diet group on X or local carnivore meet-ups are great for advice and encouragement. Connect with others going through similar experiences—they can help answer your questions and keep you motivated!