From Vegetarian to Carnivore: Speaking Up, Eating Meat, and Living Without Regret
For four years, I was a vegetarian. Later, I became an omnivore again, partly because of a relationship that eventually led to my second marriage. Psychologically, I still felt uneasy about eating meat, so I tried to go vegan each year during Lent. Every year, I failed to make it to the end of the 40-day period.
I love animals. I have vegan and vegetarian friends. I know some may have distanced themselves after I came out as a carnivore — and that’s okay. As Lewis Howes says, when you change your vision, mission, or daily habits, you may “kill off” the person others once knew. People don’t always like that.
My transformation — both inner and outer — has led me to show up differently in the world. Some will accept it, some won’t. But the ones who stay are the ones who matter.
From Vegetarian to Carnivore: A Gradual Shift
I began my carnivore journey gradually, starting with a ketogenic-style approach heavy on meat but still including some vegetables, dairy, and even my peculiar chocolate mousse made of sour cream and protein powder. Over time, I cut more and more plant foods. After Thanksgiving 2024, I removed vegetables completely. By January 1, 2025, I was solidly carnivore.
That gradual change helped me avoid “carnivore flu” — the unpleasant adjustment period some experience when they switch overnight. It also gave my microbiome time to adapt, reducing cravings for carbs and sugar.
Along the way, I made another important discovery: I’m sensitive to dairy. Removing cheese and sour cream stopped the coughing fits I’d been experiencing since a bout with COVID.
Why Carnivore?
My reasons were health-focused:
I also learned from experts like Dr. Ben Bikman and Dr. Paul Mason about the role of insulin in fat storage and how ketosis can help reduce inflammation and improve energy efficiency.
For those starting out, I recommend higher fat intake (about 80% of calories from fat during the first 90 days) and enough salt to prevent dehydration.
Letting Go of the Fear of Losing People
For years, I prioritized being liked and building my support network — even at the cost of my own truth. I feared that speaking openly about my diet would alienate some friends. But transformation changes more than just your food choices; it changes your perspective.
Today, I no longer fear losing people whose values no longer align with mine. True friends will remain true. And I now see speaking my truth as a form of service — for myself and for those who might need to hear it.
Key Takeaways
Listen to Episode 15 here.
