From Mostly Vegan to Carnivore: My Journey Back to Health 

I tried carnivore - felt great, but I was missing fun in food Switched back to sweets - found fun in food, but I felt like shit afterwards. Conclusion is straightforward: go carnivore and find fun somewhere else!

I had gestational diabetes with my son. The dietician I spoke with gave me a meal plan that would have doubled my carb intake. I threw her plan out the window and cut out 95% of my remaining carbs. I had a very healthy baby boy. I credit that to all of the steak and eggs I had.

Nice video 😀 I am 53, observed and lived through beginning of food pyramid, did vegetarian, vegan, low calories and dozens of other diets. I remember eating white of eggs instead of yolks, loads of vegetables, whoke grains, you name it. As a result I was gaining weight, was hungry and tired. Now I went from keto to carnivore, much healthier and hapiier and more energy

I have done every diet and have lost lots of weight on all of them. Carnivore is the first diet where my will power doesn’t come into play and everyone’s will power gives out eventually. It’s like finding the holy grail of maintaining healthy weight forever. I also do 2 meals a day and never saw any need to do 1.

I’ve only been a carnivore for 8 months but the transformation in my heath has been amazing. Was pre-diabetic with an A1C of 5.8 and had a fatty liver on the verge of being NAFLD (Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease). This diagnosis really scared me and was my motivation for cutting out most carbs over a period of 3 months and ultimately going full carnivore. My A1C now is 5.2, have lost all my visceral fat, body weight dropped from 226lb to 176lb and waist size has dropped from 41” to 30” on a 6’1” body frame. I eat to satiety everyday (2MAD) and never feel hungry on a diet of eggs, bacon and fatty ruminant red meat (mostly ribeyes).

"Come together right now, over meat." John Lennon The Beatles Abbey Road 1969

Been searching too. Finally found the Carnivore diet 2 years ago.

I was a vegetarian for years but now I am carnivore for years and this has been the best I have ever felt... thats all I need to know...

My god the way your face looks now is so much more defined and conventionally “handsome”! I haven’t watched the video yet just judging by the picture … My face structure improved too with a more ketovore way of living it’s a miracle

I've been carnivore since May 2023. I've cured a lot, including, gout, chronic low back pain, occasional acute low back pain, chronic joint pain, reduced my blood pressure meds, and I've lost 70 lbs. Starting the lion diet to lose another 60 lbs and see if I can cure my Hashimoto's. If I never see another salad, it really won't break my heart, literally. Also, my fasting insulin went from 47.7 to under 10, and my fasting hbA1C is rock solid between 5.0 and 5.5. I'm 65 and feel better than I have since I got out of boot camp.

I would like to do this but I have low resources (3rd world country). Looking in the internet, I found "poor man carnivore" and was surprised that their recommended food was: organs (liver, pancreas, brain, kidneys, intestines, etc), eggs, chicken, etc. I ate this things when I was younger but I never knew it was a great source of fat and protein. I stopped eating it because you could see everywhere: "Organs are bad for cholesterol just like eggs". I guess I will go back to eat this and monitoring myself to see how it goes.

I was a strict Dr. Esselstyn vegan for over two years...At first my health improved, probably because I got rid of junk food, all oils, and ate far less…then it reversed in a dramatic way. My hair thinned, my skin got dry, I had no energy, I became depressed, weak, and food cravings started to go out of control, and more. Then the A-fib started. Now four ablations, and three cardio versions later. After the first of the year I started a near zero carb and meat diet eating mostly ruminant animals, eggs, and some fish. And now my A-fib has calmed done to sinus rhythm, my blood pressure is normal, no more depression, no more dry skin, my hair is growing back, no more cravings, and my gut works great! Veganism is a lie, and in most cases just another cult.

I am a meat eater but I will not thumb my nose up at some good, meatless lentil soup or a hearty plate of chickpeas and rice with a side of broccoli. What I am not down with is the new plant-based craze which involves heavily modified ingredients that are, as you say, removed from the food matrix, in order to make vegan 'burgers' and 'chicken'.

I would prefer to eat exclusively salads and grains. However, I now eat primarily meat for the last year. These are the things that have improved or went away after changing my diet: less joint pain, neck pain, IBS, depression, blood pressure normal now, iron & ferritin deficiency resolved. I have thicker hair, stronger nails, healthier gums, more defined muscles, no sunburn (never use sunscreen) and weight loss. I am almost 65. I feel well and take no meds.

Every time I listen to this guy . He makes sense!

I was a vegan for 2 years , it took me to end up in the hospital to realize I was eating wrong. My hair , nails and skin were horrible , my energy was horrible and much more ! I’m a vegetarian now , because the smell of meat alone makes nauseous, it is been hard to eat meat again after years of veganism/ vegetarian. Thanks you shining light in nutrition!

Wonderful story Mike. I did Paleo as well. You look amazing!

It would be interesting to see an interview with Jorden Peterson's daughter. I think she was the one who had a lot of medical problems and went to a mostly meat diet. She then was able to get off of most or all of her medication.

So perfect that the person that took the time to send you that message complaining on iTunes was actually named "Karen".

Carnivore is the way. All you need to do is try it for 90 days, you will never go back. Love the show brother, keep it up 👊

Keto and carnivore are the best. My hubby and I are 80% carnivore. We love it. We are so healthy and feel amazing.

Really appreciate you Mike! Thank you for sharing your knowledge. All the best to everyone here working hard to gain back their health! Love from Albuquerque

We're all biased - continue to learn with an opened, analytical perspective is the best any of us can do. Thank you for your content and info Mike.

Thank you for sharing, Mike. I have been following your work for well over a decade and have always found so much value from the information you share and the guests you interview. I appreciate your viewpoints and how you adjust your diet as needed. I have found a greater sense of health from keeping a lower plant and grain diet, as well.

Eat meat, exercise, fasting, sunshine... heal.

I had terrible perimenopausal symptoms. It was hell. I did not want to feel that way for years - it would have ended my marriage to a man I adore. Cutting out grains and most plant foods, and increasing the amount of saturated fat I eat has me back to normal. The mental aspect was the worst (although unpredictable, incredibly painful periods were pretty bad too) because I knew I was being utterly unreasonable, but I couldn't help feeling the way I did, even though I knew I shouldn't. I have noticed a huge difference in my 16 year old daughter too as she has increased her meat intake alongside me and wants meat at every meal. She is a lot more balanced hormonally and mentally as well. Too many people are finding true healing and health by eating the way humans should eat. We don't digest cellulose so we should NOT be eating huge amounts of plant foods. We are not herbivores who have specialised organs for fermenting cellulose to convert into fat. Any mammal that cannot digest cellulose must eat meat to be healthy. This is a biological fact that humans are not exempt from.

I watch my HRV (heart rate variability) on my Fitbit. Huge difference (positive) when eating a meat heavy diet.

Great video! This is what I needed to hear! I needed to be reminded to get back to a heavier meat based diet with some veggies. It definitely affects moods having too many carbs. Thank you for providing unbiased video on best diet/food choices! You Rock!

Hey man you are a true health guy. Love your opinions- you don't cherry pick anything. Keep the good info coming. Peace

I so appreciate your willingness to be transparent about this and not being pushy about trying to force everyone to follow any one agenda. I too am a veteran of the diet roller coaster and trying to figure out what worked best for my body. And I really take issue with anyone who has no idea about me personally my genetics my response to Foods, to try and demand that others follow. So thank you again for being very temperate in your wording, and I totally agree with a higher protein and fat diet helping a lot of health issues. It has for me.

I was a vegetarian for seven years in my 20s. Wanted to avoid all things CAFO but didn't even consider supplementation of vitamin B12, DHA, etc. (I also had a weakness for cute hippie girls which reinforced my nutrient poor eating habits.) As an athlete I lost muscle, lost tooth enamel, became anemic, decimated my hairline, and developed chronic low back pain & severe insomnia. Now in my 50s with nearly two decades of clinical experience as a licensed acupuncturist, I recommend an animal-based diet to all of my patients. Thanks to regular red meat consumption virtually all of my health problems resolved. Still waiting for my hairline to recover...

Don't metabolically abuse your body for decades like I have.... Carnivore diet is the most effective therapeutic for me. No move prescription meds... I am free.😊

Thank you for sharing your story. Your podcast is great and each one of your shows shows the passion you have for eating this way.

I agree, the body recomposes itself differently on a carnivore diet even at the same weight, I know it for myself having tested it, had to punch two new holes in my belt, the body becomes much more defined, inflammation decreases, belly fat disappears.

Been carnivore (with some fruit/honey) for about 2.5 months and I've felt great, tons of energy, no bloating or brain fog. A few days ago I tried adding some sourdough bread, immediately afterwards I felt my energy crash and brain fog setting in. I think grains are not suitable for human consumption.

That comment was pure projection. Keep doing what you’re doing, Mike!

Carnivore has is finally healing my eating disorder. I just ate breakfast for the first time in years. Im hoping this will help me stay on it. I am a sugar addict and keep failing. My thought is to eat more protein to fill me up

Love meat based -- 61 years old and feeling great. Thanks for all you do Mike! I appreciate you.

I'd venture to say that there are very very few health conscious people who have not been plant based or vegan for a long part of their lives. Everyone who veers away from that to a more meat based diet comes to see the shortcomings of being plant based. I'm coming full circle to staying away from anything that is pushed as a "healthy food". "Health food" for me keeps me hungry, and meat and dairy keeps me full. Interestingly, I eat a lot less food when I eat meat and dairy...I wonder who doesn't want me eating ultra satiating foods that don't trigger over eating? huh.

def not cherry picking i literally look forward to your videos and ive only been subscribed for about a week. so detailed and backed by facts

I always recommend your videos to people simply because you always back them up with the studies.

I started eating keto 3 years ago and now mostly carnivore and I feel sooo good!❤

Love hearing people’s stories. Accolades for sharing. Your words of wisdom might persuade a few people to try this healing way of eat.

Thanks for doing this video. It's great to hear your research on this topic.

I have seen the wonderful effects of being on a carnivore diet many times, and while it is simple enough to maintain I find the convenience of the standard American diet overtaking My Lifestyle at times. I always go back to carnivore when I want to not only look healthier, but feel all the wonderful effects as mentioned in the video. Thank you for your content as always, long time viewer and subscriber!

I would like to tell you that I love your content. Every time a new video comes up, I'm looking forward to putting it on. I got the impression that you honestly and calmly inform people by citing studies and then giving advice on how to live a healthy lifestyle. Not once did I get the impression that you try to push an agenda or persuade anyone to follow your exact life choices.

Great podcast Mike!!! Agree 💯…I’m eating a high protein and fat heavier diet with very low carbs..(keeping them around “30” for the oxalate dumping I’m going through). Thanks to Gabrielle Lyon, Sally k Norton, Shawn Baker.

I am sure biased after being 17 years vegetarian. 🙄 Mostly eating carbs...Feeling much better only during "fasting periods". 🤔 Now I know why... It came to me as soon as I discovered keto.👍🙏🏽

Love and appreciate this sharing. I have found that when I eat mainly animal-based diet I have no digestive issues whatsoever. That was not the case at all when I ate vegetarian then 4 years on a vegan diet. I now listen to my body (it’s an intelligence in and of its own) and it thrives on meat. Again, thank you for your contribution. Keep putting out the great content. 🙏💓

I have alpha gal syndrome from a tick bite, so I went vegan 13 years ago. My blood work is perfect. My doctor said I’m one of the healthiest patients he has ever had. I don’t eat crap like chips and Oreos though. I eat real food. I’m a size 2 and feel amazing. It’s ALMOST like people have different needs for their bodies or something. Go figure. 🤷‍♀️ I’ve done vegan keto as well and did great on that too. High fat, low carb works. High carb, low fat works. The trick is to not combine fats and carbs.

Life eats life! Eat to be optimal. Im feeling amazing at 38. Better than I did in my 20s. Want to work out now. Working my way to my first pull up. Feeling great. This is an authentic video. Thank you for sharing. Enjoy your day!

So glad to see this video in your collection. 😊👍

Great reasonable approach Mike. Making sense again!

I went from 4 years of strict veganism to animal based. I found that most vegan protein sources where very goitrogenic for my system and it got me tired, bloated with brain fog. I tried to counteract it with dulse (iodine) and brazil nuts (selenium) but that didn't fix it. Animal based with certain complex carb sources like yams and fruits and avoiding leavy green vegs works best for me.

Your channel is one of only a handful of the over 100k subscriber RU-vid channels I subscribe to. Yes you sell products, yes you push the meat based diet, but you have the experience and drive to be a real influencer. You look the part act the part and participate with us as much as time allows. I too tried the plant based diet but only lasted 7 months. Unlike you I never exercise or use any supplementation. However, after 40 years on the carnivore diet it still worked for me. My interests include gardening and my goal is to become an influencer in the farming world. Although skinny and told I look unhealthy I feel great and have zero chronic health issues. What other 55 year old has no grey hair and no back issues ever?

I’ve eaten mostly Greek yogurts, meat plenty of fruit honey and mineral water and I feel amazing mentally and physically, literally at the top of my game

It’s more than your opinion. You’re convinced to live this otherwise you wouldn’t commit your life to this cause. It’s too bad you’d be demonetized to actually flat out say you think it’s fact. I also understand you’re preserving your professional integrity and practicing good science. It’s a fact that you have helped people and doctors who promote this have saved people’s lives and turned patient’s health outcomes around. Thanks for the brilliant content and having the courage to speak out.

A famous carnivore, the Steak and Butter Gal (Isabella) snacks on butter. She has done interviews with Dr. Bright (a thyroid and adrenal expert) about butter. Isabella went from a very sickly vegan to a very healthy carnivore. Butter balances hormones and does a myriad of things, e.g., lowering cortisol. Here is Isabella’s channel: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-XrmiW-p6ueM.htmlsi=wAoH3iK5Ddn-CrqM.

Congratulations ❤ that you found the eating way which suits you most. And thanks for sharing this❤

The fixation with plants in American culture and guidelines is crazy, esp the vegans and vegetarians. We never had access to plants the way we do now - advanced monocroping technology (machinary and robots), synthetic fertelizers and pesticides, hybridizing, selective breeding, GMO and DNA analysis, modern distribution and transportation by air, land, sea. The idea that only eating plants or mostly eating plants is superior or safe is just ridiculous to me. For millions and millions years that defined our evolution this was never the way. Meat is what defined our evolution. Factory farming is bad but so is the insane industry to bring us an endless supply of plant foods, especially in regions that require tons of transportation. In the 1800s and 1700s and so on plants were an accent to a meat based diet. Plants added flavors to a meat stew and things like that. The plants of our ancestors were nothing like the plants of today that are engineered, monocroped, hybridized and selectively bred for sweetness or size. The plants of our ancestors also grew in soil that was unlike anything today. Local regenerative farming is the way - plants and animals together. We should do away with insane monocroping of corn and grains just like we should abolish horrible factory animal farming. It should be the consumer dictating these trends.

you Rock Mike - thanks for this - haters are going to hate - people eat what you want - Mike's results speak for themselves!!!

Mike, I’d love to see a video showing what you eat throughout a full day

Before I started fasting I too did not eat a lot of meat, I juiced with only vegetables, and filled up with carbs mostly. I had gut problems, I couldn't go anywhere unless I knew there was a washroom at close proximityes, it was a nightmare for me. I've switched my diet and started taking amino acids and fiber, and I started a carnivore diet, and now my gut issues are gone. Thankfully to all the great videos that give us the chance to look at what changes can be made if you research and make a few extra changes in lifestyle.

The concern I have about both carnivore and vegan diets is that neither are sustainable worldwide. I have traveled several times overseas, and it’s very hard to eat those ways in most places, especially India, where the cow is sacred. I have to eat what the locals eat. It probably boils down to what does your body best: some thrive on a plant-dominant diet, others thrive on a meat-dominate diet, others thrive on a starch-based diet. I’m still trying to find out what’s best for me.

Thank you for the tips about butter and oils. As a new ketovore/carnivore, I am trying to navigate through this new woe

I mostly like this podcast because you are not speak so so fast! I appreciate you, thankyou for your knowledge🎉

Truth! Thanks, MM. Similar story: I did vegetarian in my late 20s, then spent decades trying to eat less meat. The day I stopped the heart-healthy whole grains for breakfast was the day I stopped being desperately hungry by by 1030 am and stopped the nuclear fart1ng by 2 pm. Decades of grumpy gut - gone. Autoimmune hyperthyroidism hasn't come back. Mood more stable. Almost 6 years keto. A few years ago I flipped the proportions of meat and vege. Now more meat, green stuff to make the plate look pretty. I love a big salad from my garden, but it doesn't fill me up. Age 63 & more active than ever and building muscle! Brain much better; I spend my spare time reading the scientific literature and advocating for low carb. The evidence is IN.

I'm from Colorado. I'm sorry you got stuck in the tree hugger culture of Boulder. Glad you got out of there.

You are not biased but experienced in what is the proper human diet. Happy to see you stopped the heavy plant based diet. And wine is plant based sugar water, which is plant based. Happy to see you dropped that too! Water is best. Carnivore is optimal! I have been carnivore for 1 year 6 months and loving it!

I do eat limited vegtables and eat fruits sparingly. I started avoiding plant foods that make me cough (meat & fish never do that). Formerly, I took Vit C before meals, & NAC twice a day with fairly good control of the cough. But why control what you can avoid! Great video. Between avoiding anti nutrients, histamine releasing plant foods, and eating mostly carnivore, I think I've got it. I do think 100% carnivore would be too much of a drudge. Thanks, Mike!

Hi I used to watch you and your wife sometime ago And I can honestly say you look Younger Also don’t you find the negative opinions are mostly from those who are scared to take their health in their hands Each to their own but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it Or simply suffer with whatever you have going on health wise I’m saying this because I didn’t believe it Until one day I woke up sick of being in pain my feet hips and back So I did myself a plate of eggs bacon sausage and ate till I was full it wasn’t until dinner the next day I realised I’d got that far with one meal Moral of my story I’ve never looked back And that’s with guilt free cheat days Keep doing what you’re doing it’s clearly working 👏👏👏👏👏❤️😊😊😊

I’d recommend everyone reads Georgia Edes book “Change Your Diet Change Your Mind” especially if you have mood or mental health issues. She details exactly how plant foods, seeds, grains affect mood and brain function and why. People have recovered from issues like Bipolar, Schizophrenia, Depression & Anxiety using this approach. And in my opinion better mood and mental health is the best motivation to stick to this way of eating. Weight loss/leanness is simply a nice by product.

Hi mike, I ve been watching your channel for some time. I have had lupus for many years, and have tried many types of eating plans. I now eat a lot of organic grass-fed meat, Unpasteurized and unhomogenized Dairy, (including goats) and Free range eggs. My son is a fisherman, so lots of fresh fish👍. Steamed veg to go with the above. And the occasional pot of stew or a Cornish pasty as I love them haha. (And Porridge in the morning with some berries on top.) This mixed diet seems to be working for me. I feel stronger, And the wife says I look leaner which is a plus. Lupus is a horrible disease, if you Mike, or anybody else has any suggestions I'm open to comments. Oh and Mike, I don't think you are biased. I think you're doing your best to give a balanced view on how to eat healthily and live as well as we can. Take care, And thanks for the research.

I love both meats and veggies.

Thank you. I’m with you on this!!

Im plant based because it works for me. I'll never understand the need to throw shade. I hope that reviewer finds peace. I like your content and keep on keeping on.

yes YES! how YOU feel. what's good for YOU! there is no one diet that suits everyone.

It’s hard eating clean and right while traveling in airports and seeing family. Food is such a comfort thing for people

Good vid ! I was organic vegetarian for over 10 years and it dam near ruined my health! Low fat vegetarian because that's what was being pushed ! Never again ! Leads to muscle wasting, brain malnutrition "dementia", bone mass loss, hormone disruption. So I switched to a animal foods based diet and after 3 months I started feeling better and getting my strength back and now after 4 years on animal based diet I'm feeling fantastic, look much better, face skin way better, don't get sick anymore and building muscle back ! So don't preach to me about the crappy veganism diets, I did it and it sucks for long term health.

The only thing i realized from all these diets, is that everybody reacts differently and what works for one won't for another you just need to give it a gon for few months and see how it works for you.

Mike! I got to say, you’re my favorite vegan RU-vidr😊

Thank you for presenting this information ❤

An animal based diet benefits anyone that is a human being. In other words, everyone.

Yay! I’m so happy you’ve found carnivore. Finally!!!

Great to see you finally figured it out brother!!! Anything other than animal products simply destroy the body. There's nothing more to say 🙏

Pure carnivore is the ultimate elimination and nutrient rich diet, but many of us low carb carnivores add in fermented foods (chocolate, cheese, sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt, ACV, ...) and vegs and fruit to supply polyphenols, fiber to fuel the microbiome. This can be a trick that depends on gut health. See Gundry's books: Unlocking the Keto Code, Gut Check.

i went through a stage where i was juicing, sprouting, baking from scratch, i got arthritis, lost my gall bladder due to gallstones i have 2 pages of ailments that went away in 6 months going carnivore! .. i gave away all the juicers I had and I am now carnivore! made me healthier and happier and i have time to watch carnivore videos:)

Thank you for changing your tone so much since I last watched your videos some time ago, it was in the thick of a lot of covid restrictions. I really enjoyed your contents but kept being put off by the judgmental and harsh criticisms towards others.

96 weeks 🥩 At 74, I am allowed to have an informed opinion. (Assume that you know better if you wish. 😅) Eat butter with meat. Kitchen time is time wasted.

First thing I noticed when I went on carnivore diet - I stopped waking up in the morning and immediately farting enough to drive Pembroke B power plant for a week! After that energy levels went right up and bathroom trips reduced to between one and two times a day. Now after several months on carnivore, I know pretty quick if I have a inadvertently eaten too many carbs (usually in the form of a few teaspoons of protein yogurt), because the morning and bathroom routines start to regress.

I eliminated all processed foods. Vegans relay a lot on processed foods. Once I went to an old school farmer diet all my blood work improved. Once I began walking 10,000 steps a day it got even better. Once I began taking mineral supplements it got even better. Now I don't have joint pain and sleep through the night.

I am on carnivore diet and it is the best diet I ever tried. I counted how many benefits I got from this and it was total of 18! 18 benefits from just changing diet! 😊 The most important thing is that I just feel so comfortable and healthy.

Keep producing this great content!

Thank you for your videos. I enjoy them very much. The plant based diets are not as good as carnivore. Many vegans and plant based advocates pull studies and statistics out of the air. There is plenty of recent studies showing the validation for carnivore and Keto lifestyles. Besides i feel that many carnivore testimonies include happy people wearas a lot of vegan and plant based reviewers can be very judgemental and not show any respect for carnivore and keto people. They just get very arrogant and judgemental. I still try to watch there videos to try to understand their viewpoints. I just have much more in common with contented carnivores and also have seen a number of reviews of vegans who tried carnivore and now choose this. Msny comments are as a vegan i always was hungry and now on an animal fat and protein diet feel much better. What is amazing is that with fats and protein it triggers the satiety homone and then you don't have to eat until you get hungry again.

Thank you! You look amazing ❤

Thx Mike for sharing your personal journey, I wasn't aware of that. I wonder if you tried vegan or vegatarian without the grains back then ? If so I would love to hear more !

I agree with you. I swing between total carbs of under 5g-55g. I was mostly vegetarian for 40 years and plant based for 3. All I got was sicker. IBS out of control, had my gallbladder removed, I was excreting kidney stones left and right, and I was 140 pounds overweight. Going lower carb with no grains, high fat, and meat heavy has really helped over 30 years of IBS, high blood pressure, acne, down 50 pounds, healing my thyroid disease, CAC of 0, and a lifetime of anemia, as well as improving my heart murmur. People can argue if they want, but I'm only tweeking my diet and adding exercise at this point. Eat how you want, but allow me the same grace.

I’ve noticed that i really need to cut out all processed food in order to see benefits but then benefits are tremendous

Solid information. Thank you

Eating additional fat - especially butter - can be incredibly healing to those with hormonal issues. It's a game changer for women in particular. It's also important in the early days of keto/carnivore to eat sufficient fat, in order to avoid constipation, and that can mean very different amounts to different people. Perhaps you should have a chat with Dr Elizabeth Bright? She's very interesting to listen to.😊