diving Deep: A 10-Day Carnivore Diet Experiment

The rich scent of a beef rib cap steak fills the air, having transformed overnight in the oven. This isn’t a weekend indulgence, but rather, breakfast. This marks the beginning of an exploration into the world of “eating carnivore”—a daily regimen of meat, devoid of vegetables, accompaniments, or any other additions.

Why embark on such a restrictive, ten-day, meat-only diet? The reasons are compelling. The carnivore diet has gained traction as a potential treatment for various conditions, ranging from autoimmune diseases to neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD. This journey began after receiving an ADHD diagnosis.

Following the proclamation of the diagnosis, numerous individuals suggested abandoning medication in favor of adopting a carnivore diet. Skepticism was met with a story that shifted the outlook.

Daniel Vincent, a 21-year-old student and YouTuber, shared his experience of how ADHD symptoms led him to believe that “killing myself was the only answer.” However, after embracing a meat-focused diet, he managed to discontinue ADHD medication, shed six-and-a-half stone, and alleviate depression, chronic pain, and acne.

Before and after: VincentS transformation is striking, showcasing a remarkable improvement in health and well-being.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting brain function, including executive function, impulse control, and emotional regulation.

Navigating life changes, including being newly single and searching for a home, amplifies the desire to perform optimally. This is the backdrop against which this carnivore diet experiment unfolds.

DAY ONE: MEAT FEAST BEGINS

The first day starts with the aforementioned rib cap steak. The diet consists of ribeye steak, offering a 73/26 fat to protein ratio, alongside three eggs cooked in butter and seasoned with salt. The goal is to consume around 2,000 calories, primarily from fat.

Initial reactions are positive. There’s a sense of calm and focus,a welcome change from the usual mental clutter. Tho, the lack of variety is already noticeable. The absence of simple pleasures, like a morning cup of tea, is felt.

Dr. Zoe Readman, a nutritionist, raises concerns about the diet’s sustainability and potential health risks.She emphasizes the importance of fiber for gut health and the potential for nutrient deficiencies on such a restrictive diet.

Expert Opinion: Dr.Readman cautions against long-term adherence to the carnivore diet without careful monitoring and supplementation.

DAY THREE: THE CHALLENGES EMERGE

The initial enthusiasm wanes as the monotony of the diet sets in. cravings for fruits and vegetables intensify. The preparation and consumption of meat become a chore.

That evening, a distressing call arrives.A close friend has colon cancer. The rise in colorectal cancer rates among younger adults is linked to sedentary lifestyles, alcohol consumption, and high-fat, low-fiber diets.

This news prompts reflection on the current dietary choices. Another steak awaits.

Dr. Amati warns: “If you have a pre-disposition to colorectal cancer, just six months of a carnivore diet could be enough to trigger a considerably increased risk.” She adds, “A high red-meat, zero-fibre diet flies in the face of huge epidemiological data from tens of thousands of people.”

In contrast, Dr. Ede argues that there’s no evidence linking meat to colon cancer or saturated fat to heart disease. She maintains that humans can obtain all necessary nutrients from animal sources.

The conflicting viewpoints create confusion. The smell of dripping lingers.

Despite the uncertainty, mood remains stable. There’s a sense of well-being, but at what cost? Each meal averages around £20, a significant expense.

DAY FIVE: FEELING NICELY GROUNDED

The “unctuous Marmite-y flavor” of crisp-cooked beef fat remains appealing, even after days of constant consumption. The meat is devoured with gusto.

Approaching challenging tasks, such as house hunting, with “a clear-eyed, luminous and, dare I say, unemotional practicality” is a surprising benefit. This clarity is refreshing.

Medication for ADHD, dexamfetamine, is adjusted. A lower dose proves more effective, creating a sense of normalcy. “I feel like the old me – a younger, more carefree me.”

Toast is missed.

Dr. Ede suggests that plants don’t need to be entirely excluded. “Many carnivores choose to include small amounts of herbs, teas, pepper, coffee, and wine,” she says. “Where you draw the line depends on whether these additions make the diet more enduring without impeding your mental health goals.”

Measuring ketone levels becomes part of the routine. A Keto-Mojo gadget helps monitor glucose and ketone levels. When ketones reach around 1.5, a sense of groundedness emerges. Is it cause or coincidence?

The constant state of anxiety that has persisted for months begins to subside. “Last night,I just lay by the fire staring at the flames and fell asleep.”

DAY SEVEN: I CRAVE A SALAD

A conversation with Ally Houston, a PhD student at the University of Oxford, reveals his coaching service for individuals transitioning to carnivore or keto diets for conditions like attention issues, brain fog, menopause, and anxiety.

Houston shares an image of his lunch: smoked haddock fried in beef dripping, poached eggs, keto-amiable mayo, sherry vinegar, salt, and pepper.

The focus shifts to the dripping. The house smells of beef fat. A salad is desired.

Houston is conducting a study on “ketogenic eating, ADHD and its associated depressive symptoms” at Oxford, funded by the Baszucki Brain Research Fund. This fund was established by a computer games multi-millionaire and his wife, whose son experienced relief from bipolar disorder through a carnivore diet under the guidance of metabolic psychiatrist Chris Palmer.

Expressing concerns about the long-term sustainability of an all-beef diet, the response is: “Choose foods you love.”

The decision is made to incorporate tinned sardines with eggs. “Make sure you fry them in dripping,” is the advice.

The constant presence of dripping evokes a sense of the 1950s,but without the bread.

DAY NINE: CHOCOLATE CAKE IS IRRESISTIBLE

Despite the aversion to tallow, a surge of hope and energy arises. At dinner, a diabetic is shown the ketone gadget, joking about reaching a level of nine. The response is a disapproving eye roll.

A glass of red wine is consumed. Bread beckons. A starter and main course are ordered,but modified to be meat-only. Then, a small piece of bread is consumed with butter. Cauliflower is eaten, along with another glass of wine and a sliver of chocolate cake…

DAY TEN: SCRATCHY MOODS ARE BACK

Ketone levels drop to 0.4, indicating a departure from ketosis.”I hate diets.”

Despite reservations and confusion, life feels “a whole lot sunnier as a carnivore.”

While studies on the effectiveness of keto diets for mental health and ADHD are in their early stages, and potential long-term health costs remain unknown, one thing is clear: “when I end my carnivore diet and go back to normal-ish sensible eating (I am still a bit scared of bread), my scratchy mood comes back.”

The experiment concludes with lamb, anchovies, and a handful of olives for breakfast, resulting in an improved mood…