Are you struggling with chronic pain, autoimmune disease, or painful headaches? Then an animal-based ketovore diet might be worth exploring… it was for me! Let me explain.
Yes, eating a plant-based diet has been all the rage for quite some time now and is backed by a lot of research. But what about an animal-based diet? Yes, that’s right – I am talking about ketovore (also known as a carnivore or zero carb) eating.
For me, it was a journey to discover how this type of diet could help heal my body and mind. I’ve been on this new path for a few months now and want to share my thoughts and experiences so far!
- What is a Ketovore Diet and How Does It Work?
- Exploring Animal-Based Ketovore
- My Experience So Far on Animal-Based Ketovore
- Additional benefits of following a ketovore diet
- How to get started on an animal-based ketovore diet
- Food options for an animal-based ketovore diet
- Sample meal plan for a ketovore diet (my go to’s!)
- The best animal-based ketovore resources to get started
- Getting Certified as an Animal-Based Ketovore Coach
- The Wrap – Healing on Animal-Based Ketovore
- PIN FOR LATER
What is a Ketovore Diet and How Does It Work?
The ketovore diet is an animal-based nutrition plan which includes only meat, fish, eggs, dairy, and some non-starchy vegetables.
It excludes grains, legumes, fruits, nuts/seeds, sugars, starches, and all processed foods.
This way of eating aligns with the Primal/Paleo template and focuses on fats (from animal sources), moderate protein intake, and minimal carbohydrates.
Exploring Animal-Based Ketovore
When I first decided to try the ketovore lifestyle about three months ago I was feeling tired all the time and had low energy levels throughout the day. My chronic migraines were devastating, and my Lupus stats were NOT improving despite being on medication. With my background in health, nutrition, and fitness, I knew deep down there was a fueling & absorption problem, but couldn’t put my finger on what was causing all the inflammation. (And neither could any of my docs!)
I would also have random aches in my joints that would come out of nowhere (especially in my hands), and my digestion was not functioning optimally despite eating clean as possible. I felt like I had tried EVERYTHING with no success.
One day, I came across a migraine doc on a podcast that was talking about the healing and migraine management benefits of an animal-based diet – my ears immediately perked up.
I had always heard of keto for migraines due to the benefits of the ketones for brain health, but never took the plunge. Frankly, I wasn’t keen on eating all that FAT and wasn’t interested in a fad diet…. I wanted a lifestyle I could sustain without measuring, counting, and checking ketones!
My Experience So Far on Animal-Based Ketovore
After hearing Dr. Angela Stanton on a podcast in October 2022 and researching various low carb diets available online, I decided that going ketovore might be beneficial for me in terms of healing my body from within.
And boy, did it work!
After just two weeks on the diet, I noticed drastic improvements in my energy levels throughout the day and improved digestion. (I know, I thought a high-fat animal-based diet would WRECK my stomach, but it didn’t!)
Plus, my aches were gone completely after one month on the diet! I am able to run again (slow and with walk breaks…) But STILL!!! I’m able to be out doing something that I love again!
Not only was this an incredible improvement in terms of physical health but also mental clarity too – something which I wasn’t expecting at all
Brain Fog Gone
Suddenly my brain started to fire on all cylinders again – I could think clearly and concentrate again! And guess what? I’m off Adderall for the first time in years (which is great timing due to the national adderall shortage, lol! 😉 )
But that’s not the only medication I’ve weened off –
Able to Ween Off Medications
As a matter of fact, this weekend, the hubs and I cleaned out our master bathroom drawers and cabinets, and I threw away an ENTIRE GARBAGE bag of medications that I had gathered over the years of trial and error.
As of today, I’m only taking three medications that include hormonal supplementation… which means I’ve stopped almost 7-8 medications in three months!! (No wonder my gut is doing better, eh? 😉 )
Improved Sleep
As I mentioned, almost immediately after starting animal-based ketovore I had more energy and my chronic fatigued vanished. But I bet the fact that I started sleeping like a log helped!
Yes, my sleep improved dramatically – not only could I fall asleep faster, but I also had DEEP quality zzz’s, leaving me waking up refreshed.
No more coffee all day long! (I do indulge in the decaf still because I love the taste and ritual 👍) But caffeine consumption is almost zilch!
Additional benefits of following a ketovore diet
Going animal-based and following the ketovore diet could be the best decision you ever make.
From increased energy levels to improved cardiovascular health, there are so many health benefits from a ketovore lifestyle, such as:
- Weight loss!
- Decreased inflammation levels
- Reduced chronic disease symptoms (specifically autoimmune diseases!)
- Mental health/ mood improvements
- Fewer migraine/ headaches
- Improved gut health
- Balanced hormones
- Improved sleep
- Fewer sugar cravings
- Increase in energy levels
- Less brain fog and improved concentration
Not only do followers of this diet notice changes in their bodies, but they also enjoy the yummy animal-based meal options like steaks and eggs. Yep, hearty, delicious foods for the win!
So, why not give the animal-based ketovore diet a try?
How to get started on an animal-based ketovore diet
Starting a ketovore diet can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be a chore! This animal-based, low-carb, and high-fat approach to eating is a great way to get your body on the right track.
Start by ADDING animal proteins, fats, and simple vegetables to your diet before going crazy with eliminations. Focus on animal-based proteins at each meal – which is the backbone of the nutritional healing your body needs.
Next, start by taking it day by day. Understanding your personal nutrient intake takes time; fortunately, so does reaping the rewards of a ketovore lifestyle! Slow and steady in the right direction is better than going all in, getting frustrated with the eliminations and finding yourself back at Domino’s days later!
Food options for an animal-based ketovore diet
Eating an animal-based ketovore diet can give your tastebuds a wild ride! Your menu can be tailored with options ranging from bacon, steak, and whole eggs to salami and aged cheese. Here’s a quick list of animal-based foods to start incorporating into your meals now:
- Grass-fed Beef (red meat)
- Pork
- Lamb
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Duck
- Quail
- Organs/ organ meats (liver, heart)
- Wild Caught Fish (salmon, tuna, trout, etc.)
- Shellfish (clams, crab, lobster, shrimp)
- Goat Milk
- Cow Milk
- Eggs
- Butter
- Ghee Butter
- Yogurt
- And lactose-light cheeses (Cottage Cheese, Ricotta Cheese, Cream Cheese)
- Bone broth (i love kettle and fire!)
Depending on the animal protein you choose for your meals, you can get creative by braising bison steaks or concocting fancy dishes like homemade chicken soup.
The hubs and I have done brisket on the smoker and many pot roasts in the crockpot – both are DELICIOUS and easy to make.
While hefty animal-based proteins are definitely at the core of this diet, the possibilities for getting adventurous with ingredients are endless.
Who said healthy eating was boring?!
Note: I prioritize animal-based proteins over trying to eat tons of fats – My macro ratios are around 70/30. 70% Protein, 30% fat – but see what works best for you and your body!
Sample meal plan for a ketovore diet (my go to’s!)
When it comes to following a ketovore diet, animal-based meals provide your body with the most efficient fuel for burning fat and reaching nutritional bliss!
Every day, I’m always trying to keep things fresh with my meals – so I like to switch up what animal proteins, beef, and eggs I eat daily.
To keep things simple, my go-to meal plan includes:
Breakfast: egg whites + two whole eggs – scrambled or fried with butter. Sometimes I’ll add some turkey bacon or sausage. Decaf coffee with A2 half and half.
Lunch: about 10-12oz lean ground beef with 1-2 hard-boiled eggs with honey mustard.
Dinner: Burgers, steak, or salmon with a low-carb vegetable option. Sometimes I’ll add eggs again, or experiment with different sauces/ dips.
Snacks: Epic beef bars, The New Primal beef/turkey sticks, and tabs of butter! I’m also diggin Keto Bread inspired by Maria Mind Body Health
Reminder: This is a typical day, not every day! I leave room on date nights and weekends to enjoy other foods that might not be animal-based ketovore – but during the week, I do try to stay on point as much as possible!
Quick Note: I don’t practice intermittent fasting right now (at least not intentionally!) because I’m still healing my hormones and need to keep my cortisol from spiking. But if skipping breakfast is doable for you, it’s a great way to increase the fat burn and introduce even more benefits to your mind and body!
Eating animal-based foods helps me stay on track with my diet while also providing my body with all the nutrients it needs.
The best animal-based ketovore resources to get started
Once I learned about the healing benefits of meat-based diets I went right to youtube to learn everything I needed to learn! Here are a few of my favorite resources linked below – enjoy!
- Animal-based 30
- Steak & Butter Gal
- Nutrition with Judy
- My Zero Carb Life
- Dr. Elizabeth Bright
- Lillie Kane
- Lil Bit of Fit
Getting Certified as an Animal-Based Ketovore Coach
Given the profound effect of animal-based diets on my health, I plan to expand on my nutritional certifications and get a specialty certificate in this way of eating!
Note: An animal-based ketovore diet is meant to complement your life – what I mean is don’t overhaul your social life and relationships to be sitting at home chomping on burger patties alone on Friday night.
Learn to bring animal protein to the activities and social engagements by looking ahead at menus, finding family-friendly animal-based recipes, and planning accordingly.
I’ll be taking clients soon 🙂 Stay tuned!
The Wrap – Healing on Animal-Based Ketovore
Overall, transitioning into a ketovore lifestyle has been incredibly beneficial for me both mentally and physically! Not only have I noticed improvements in terms of energy levels but also from lupus, migraines, and digestive issues are gone thanks to this lifestyle change.
If you’re looking to make positive changes in your life, then give animal-based ketovore a try – you won’t regret it!
Happy healing, everyone! 🙂
Xo,
jules
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