For the past 445 days, I’ve followed a (mostly) strict carnivore diet—eating only meat, fish, and salt. No vegetables, almost no fruit, and nothing to drink but water, coffee, and the occasional liquor.
I initially started this extreme elimination diet to manage my autoimmune disease, but I’ve stayed on it for so much more. The results have been undeniable, not just in terms of symptom relief but in the deeper understanding I’ve gained about nutrition, health, and what truly makes us thrive.
In this post, I’ll break down the biggest lessons, benefits, and discoveries from my 445-day carnivore journey.
Contents
My Carnivore Diet Health Outcomes
Autoimmune Relief & Greater Awareness of Triggers
The carnivore diet has been a game-changer for my autoimmune disease. By eliminating all potential food triggers, it’s become easier than ever to identify what actually worsens my symptoms.
Biggest Trigger? Circadian Disruptions.
Messing with my sleep schedule is by far the worst trigger for my autoimmune symptoms. Going to bed hours past my usual time or getting poor sleep leads to awful flare-ups—even more than any questionable food would. This discovery has made circadian rhythm optimization a key part of my health routine.
Physical & Mental Benefits
The benefits go beyond just disease management. Physically and mentally, I’ve never felt better.
- Increased muscle mass & strength
- Reduced waist size & body fat
- Consistent energy—no crashes, no brain fog
- Improved mood & mental clarity
Thriving Overall Health
Beyond autoimmunity, my overall health has only improved, despite what mainstream health authorities might claim about eliminating plant foods.
- No scurvy, heart issues, or deficiencies
- Regular digestion and bowel movements—no fiber needed.
- Better metabolic function—more stable energy and improved body composition.
The Bigger Picture: What Carnivore Has Taught Me
A Gateway to Deeper Health Knowledge
The carnivore diet led me to brilliant doctors and researchers like:
- Dr. Paul Mason
- Dr. Georgia Ede
- Dr. Ben Bikman
These experts challenge the mainstream narrative and provide scientific, thorough insights into nutrition and metabolic health. Their work has transformed my understanding of how diet impacts longevity.
A Passion for Ancestral Nutrition
Through carnivore, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for ancestral nutrition—how humans evolved to eat and why modern diets are failing us. This isn’t just about autoimmunity anymore; it’s about helping people thrive.
A Strong Respect for Keto & Metabolic Flexibility
While I’m primarily carnivore, I’ve also gained a huge respect for the ketogenic diet. I see keto as an incredible tool for:
- Metabolic health
- Longevity
- Cognitive function
Keto and carnivore work together, and I’ve found flexibility between the two depending on my goals.
The Future: Why I’m Sticking With Carnivore
I plan on staying carnivore for the foreseeable future—and honestly, I couldn’t be happier about it.
🥩 I love the way I eat. It’s not restrictive, it’s freeing.
🥩 It’s not boring—it’s amazing.
🥩 There’s a reason people hardly ever go back.
If you’re struggling with autoimmune issues, metabolic dysfunction, or just want to optimize your health, I encourage you to give it a try. The benefits might just surprise you—just like they did for me.
Final Thoughts
445 days in, I can confidently say this: the carnivore diet has changed my life. It has empowered me, helped me heal, and taught me more about human health than I ever thought possible.
If you have a mental health condition, an autoimmune disease, metabolic dysfunction, or you’re simply looking for a quick way to drastically improve your health—I strongly recommend giving the carnivore diet a try. Even just 30 days can be enough to experience profound changes. You might discover that this is exactly what your body has been needing all along
Best,
Austin
The Art of Optimal Living
Watch The YouTube Video
Learn effective strategies for optimizing your health every single week.