Welcome to my carnivore zero carb 90 Day Experiment! I’m doing this to share my experience in order to learn as well as help you make a good decision for you. I’m interested in this approach due to it’s potential overall health benefits with fat loss being a nice “side effect.”
Week 1
So What is the Zero Carb or Carnivore Diet?
(courtesy of Dr. Shawn Baker @shawnbaker1967)
In short, it’s eliminating non-essential foods and only eating the known essential food since human history began – meat. Most of your questions will be answered as you scroll down. First, most people do this diet to fix a problem (not just weight loss). Problems that are chronic and not healing: arthritis, skin problems, neurological problems, chronic pain syndromes, auto-immune disorders, hormone and metabolic problems, as well as type 2 diabetes are being successfully resolved everyday! This is not hype. Is it for you? Test it to find out. Here is how I’m doing it:
90 Days:
1st 4 weeks: meats, eggs, real butter, coffee, occasional unsweet tea, sparkling water, water, occasional hard cheese
2nd 4 weeks: eliminate eggs and cheese
3rd 4 weeks: eliminate all except meats (grass-fed) and water only
The preferred meats are the fatty ones. Fat heals – more important, saturated fat heals. Hamburger, ribeyes, other steaks, chicken, bacon, pork, chicken, turkey, bison, venison, lamb and some fish (wild caught). Bone broth is also allowed.
Before I go further, if you would be interested in being a part of an Exclusive Keto, Carnivore, and Fasting Club where you would have access to novice level to advanced keto and fasting training, including LIVE, Q&A and training and support; Enter your name, email, an hit “Yes! Please Reserve My Spot.” We are in development right now! We will only be taking a select number for FREE. I love helping people succeed, and you will have access to me and other top keto, carnivore, and fasting pros.
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What to do After 90 Days on the Carnivore Zero Carb Diet:
Start reintroducing foods you want to put back in your diet to test your reaction or sensitivity to it. For example, eggs first. Then coffee. If you want to reintroduce a vegetable, go for it. Also check how you feel if you use supermarket meet vs grass-fed. Some veteran carnivores get just as good results with supermarket meat and some prefer grass-fed.
I’ll be doing weekly videos on my carnivore zero carb experience and results. This is a 90 day experiment. For Day to Day reports follow me on snapchat username wadebaskin. 
The word “carnivore” is interchangeable with “zero carb” for most people, but it’s not the same. You can do zero carb with certain vegetables, diet drinks, and other foods and non-foods. Basically, when you go carnivore zero carb with your way of eating (woe), you are basically eating meat. Carnivore means your nutrition will come from animal-based sources. When doing so, many people experience variable results like this…
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MY INITIAL RESULTS (WATCH VIDEO):
Why Zero Carb AKA Carnivore?
The greatest common denominator in most chronic human disorders is the consumption of carbohydrates.
I’ve decided to simply eliminate what we already know as the problem in today’s modern ailments that plague so much of the population. It goes beyond obesity. I see the ravages of carbohydrate consumption daily in my practice where my patients present with auto-immune diseases, premature aging, skin disorders, metabolic disorders, digestive problems, inflammatory issues; and they’re all on so many medications to “manage” these problems. It’s as if pharmaceuticals are now the primary source of nutrition. This is simply not a sustainable healthy practice.
I looked to where people with these problems were not only getting results, but they were experiencing full remissions – they were cured! I found them. #ketotransformations. First I found ketogenic dieters using combinations of low carb/high fat dieting and intermittent fasting (IF) and getting rid of type 2 diabetes, PCOS, hypothyroid, certain cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, MS, and the list goes on. I engaged with these people to find that they had to find their answers on their own. Their medical providers were not “in the know” about dietary approaches that could help them. In fact, most were against ketogenic or LCHF dieting.
For those who were keto dieters and still had some remaining health issues or weight plateaus, I found they were having success when they shifted to a full zero carb approach and were basically eating meat only. How could this be?! Well, it was true. I found this huge subculture of some of the healthiest people including serious athletes, medical providers, and other very smart people (smarter than me!) thriving with the carnivore zero carb diet approach.
Great interview with noted professor who used carnivore to eliminate his depression and his daughter used to go into full remission on a serious autoimmune disorder. A must watch!
The hardcore keto community is suspect of eating too much meat as this high protein approach might kick them out of ketosis via gluconeogenesis. However, the science here is not supportive of this and results are highly individual. Most carnivores stay in ketosis. Gluconeogenesis happens more on demand vs supply. In other words, just because you eat what you consider “too much protein” does not mean that the extra will convert to glucose and increase your blood sugar thus kick you out of ketosis. It’s just not happening enough to call this a law.
I will be tracking my ketone levels so stay tuned (I ran out of strips!..coming soon!)
And BEFORE Anybody Asks About Cholesterol Concerns…
(This is a massive study often used to prove that saturated fat and cholesterol cause cardiovascular disease when in fact the data show otherwise).
First of all, what you think you know about cholesterol is wrong (I’m 99.9% sure)…Unless you are educated on the actual studies starting in 1936 showing no correlation of high cholesterol with atherosclerosis or heart disease. Learn about cholesterol and fat here first, then ask me any questions you need…Watch the first 30 minutes to consider yourself qualified ;-). You will be “in the know.” This is factual reporting. This is not ideology or conspiracy mess. I have no time for that – only results based on facts we can use. Watching just the first 25 minutes of this will help you! Be sure to save it to watch the entire video:
FACT: There is no correlation or evidence that links high cholesterol to cardiovascular disease.
FACT: There were NO HEART ATTACKS recorded in early 1900’s when eggs, lard, animal fat, and butter (all saturated fats) were consistently consumed. The first heart attack was recorded in 1921 after the change made to use more vegetable oils vs animal fats.
FACT: “High Cholesterol” is not a bad thing. Small density LDL is the bad cholesterol and some clinics do not test for this. They do an LDL measurment (both large and small). Large “fluffy” LDL is actually very good! So the distinction must be made between the types of LDL. It’s called a particle test. In fact your HDL to triglyceride ratio is a good measure for heart health:
Triglyceride (TG) to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio values >2.75 in men and >1.65 in women were found in the Metabolic Syndrome in Active Subjects (MESYAS) study -18,778 active workers enrolled in 3 insurance companies in Spain- to be highly predictive of the metabolic syndrome (MS) diagnosis. TG/HDL ratio was also found to have a high predictive value of a first coronary event regardless of body mass index (BMI). (From European Society of Cardiology)
ENOUGH INFO and RATIONALE for NOW! ON With the EXPERIMENT!…
WEEK 2 Carnivore ZC Experiment Results: (Uh oh…)
Adaptation or something else?…Watch the Video to see what happened..
1. I did NO EXERCISE this last 1.5 weeks. I felt very good as if I wanted to exercise.
2. I cheated a few times: just 3 days – once with heavy whipping cream, once with a keto meringue dessert, and a few “bad drinks.”
Be sure to follow me on snapchat at wadebaskin and instagram at drwade_physio for my day to day reports and pics of my foods and mistakes!
What About Fiber on the Carnivore Diet?
This is not a mistake: the “Zero fibre diet” category below literally had zero (0) symptoms.
Here is the actual study for reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3435786/. Complete elimination of fruit, vegetables, cereals, and rice lead to these results.
In other words. The need for fiber is actually a myth. Early human history tells us this and updated studies without special interests or political influence do as well. In fact, our guts are not designed to handle fiber, and that’s why it gets eliminated fairly quickly. Moreover, there is a recommended limit to fiber intake for obvious reasons. Thousands of carnivore veterans at the time of this writing have only reported GI improvement after the adaptation period (1-3 weeks).
WEEK 4 (End) Carnivore Zero Carb Results:
See my instagram feed above and be sure to follow.
Abs Update! On the way to cook the Ribeyes!
Week 7 Carnivore Zero Carb Results:
I am 50 years old BTW
WEEK 8! Carnivore Zero Carb Results
WEEK 9! Carnivore Zero Carb Results
Not mentioned in the video:
My waist size is smaller and I now where between a 29-30 pant. All my 31’s are way too loose. I was 30-31 while on keto. I’m definitely “leaner” as my daughter states. Here is my latest waist shot.
Comment and Ask Questions BELOW!
I love watching Dr. Shawn Baker’s Instagram feed as he gets so many stories like this one. Be sure to follow him @shawnbaker1967
WEEK 12! Carnivore Zero Carb Results
Has week 3 been posted yet? Can’t find it.
We’re back up Rob! I was out of town and catching up in my practice. Update video is posted! Thank you for your interest!
Hi Dr Wade,
Enjoying following your experiment! My wife and I first learned of and tried low carb back in the mid- nineties thanks to a physician my wife worked for at the time. She was also our GP. She told us of how low carb was all the rage in her New York medical school in the early seventies and how all the future MDs we’re losing fat with this approach.
We have both tried it numerous times over the years and it always works great. Until we fall off the wagon, roll down the hill and get ran over by the donut truck.
I would love to try what you are doing, but here is my dilemma; I am a 55 year old self employed brick and stone mason who works in the hot North Florida sun. I also weigh 290 pounds at 5-11, and lift weights 3-4 times a week in my garage, if my joints aren’t hurting too bad that week. When I go low carb, I can experience up to nearly 2 weeks of the Keto flu where sometimes on the job it actually feels difficult to walk, much less perform my strenuous job in the sun. It can really get rough out there. And I’m really a tough guy, not a whiner at all. So I push through it somehow. But production goes down, and, it really worries me to feel that bad. Something must be off to feel that bad. Eventually, after I adapt, I feel great, and on a lot less food. Although my muscles deflate and stay that way and I cannot get any kind of pump in the gym.
I worry about nutrient loss such as potassium when cutting out carbs; it is nothing to lose 5-8 pounds in sweat a day with the heat and humidity. Our old GP gave me a prescription for potassium years ago when I first tried the low carb diet. My current ARNP seems to think OTC multi vitamins would suffice.
What do you think, and what would you do in my situation? If you don’t mind my asking your professional opinion.
Great comments and valid concern. I can say that world record holder, athlete, and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Shawn Baker has thrived and set new world records while on a strict carnivore diet. He works out multiple times a day without a problem. Be sure to follow him on instagram @shanwnbaker1967. Most fitness folks, including me have a huge surge in strength when doing carnivore. The keto folks that cramp find that their cramping dissipates on ZC (zero carb). I actually eat a little before workouts, then after. Get great pumps. The most common benefit I hear is the resolution of joint pain, so I would think this might interest you. Although this is “low carb,” it’s really a meat only diet (NO CARB or ZERO CARB), so that extra natural protein you are getting is loved by your system. It’s an ancestral way of eating our genetics love. No nutritional deficiencies are happening with the ZC diet, and the veterans of 10 years and more using this approach continue to thrive and excel in their health and fitness endeavors. It’s hard to wrap your head around I know – our previous knowledge of nutrition is really based on shaky ground (i.e. too much protein can damage your kidneys… FALSE!), and carbs are preferred source for energy (FALSE!). For my keto flu people who lose this battle, I’ve been able to succeed with exogenous ketone supplementation with either Keto OS max formulas or Perfect Keto. No flu!There are other ways, but this is just simple and it works every time. Of course, I can’t give you direct advice here, and you should always use your physician as your final authority, whether they know this approach or not – they know you. I hope my comments make sense. Feel free to ask for more info or clarification. Best – Dr. Wade
Thanks Dr Wade, I will research those products.
What do you think about potassium/ electrolytes supplementation given the extreme fluid loss due to heat, humidity and almost athletic like exertion combined with the fluid loss effects of low carb? That’s what my former GP was concerned about.
I really would prefer to not croak out on the job site lol.
Thanks again!
Other extreme athletes doing a zc or carnivore approach are using mostly water only. Pre hydration seems to work well, meaning drink plenty of water prior to engaging in the heat and activity. The fluid you lose during a zero carb approach is retained fluid – bloat. It’s not a loss of needed body water. But there are cases where people do experience cramps when going low to no carb. This tends to be temporary, and magnesium is the go-to supplement at first. I’ve not used or seen anyone use a potassium based supplement. Most people who do carnivore do not underfeed, so there is generally not an electrolyte problem that would be exacerbated by the conditions of which you speak. Hope this helps.
Thanks for your time Dr Wade!
Thanks for your time Dr Wade!
You are very welcome!
hi. how many oz of meat should a sendetary 215lb 5’4” woman eat on zero carb? i’m currently 4 weeks in doing omad with 8oz meat and kale shakes and other vegetables. i have digestive issues and wanting to try carnivore. i believe my digestive issues are from SAD not necessarily the kale itself. So with ACV, probiotics and probiotics over time, i can fix leaky gut and finally absorb my nutrients. And i think i would still for a while want. to take supplements to fix my vitamin and mineral deficiencies before going carnivore. I would be willing to give up the shakes in lieu of wheatgrass juice and vit c zinc D3K/2. I heard that a carnivore diet, creates high phosphorous levels. Your thoughts?
The rule is eat to satiety. It’s really hard to overeat on the carnivore diet. Meat does not cause digestive issues although it may take some adaptation if your gut is not used to handling mostly protein and fat. All other foods are culprits however, and that’s the beauty of this dietary approach. It’s the perfect elimination diet. Meat only, then reintroduce your kale and whatever else you still want and see how your body responds. Meat eaters have a super good microbiome. Meat truly does heal. Good luck in your quest, but I recommend keeping it simply and not trying to overthink it and get overly scientific 😉
Hi Dr. Wade, I just found your channel today and have watched your progress as you moved from Keto to Carnivore. I am amazed to say the least! I have been on Keto and IF for 6 weeks. I feel amazing! I have lost 17 lbs so far and I’m very strict about no snaking and less than 30 grams of carbs per day. I test my ketones and I’m always well into Ketosis. I feel I could lose another 15 lbs. I’m 6′ 1″ and currently 195. I have no health issues. In regards to Keto, I have always felt 7-10 cups of veggies was excessive given the fact that people on Carnivore do so well without any veggies. It’s a big contradiction to me. My question is if I move to carnivore, what are the chances of going through an adaptation phase as I did in the first few weeks of Keto?
Congratulations on your results! Ketogenic dieters generally have lesser adaptation symptoms versus those coming from other ways of eating. Keep in touch!
Dr. Wade I have enjoyed watching your journey. I have had two attempts at KETO in the past with amazing results but always had trouble keeping it going. I have decided to go 3 months on the carnivore diet because everything about it just makes sense. Currently on day 4. My bowel movements have been small and irregular and having small pain in my gallbladder. I know it is just my body getting used to high protein and fat again. I have been eating between 3 and 4.5 lbs of meat a day usually in two sittings between 12-6pm. Still losing losing weight and peeing 30-40 times a day. It feels good to let the body flush out all of the stored water again. I’m not trying to fast but the fuel lasts much longer. I am still doing bulletproof coffee in the morning at least until I am ready to ditch the MCT oil too. I plan to be loose for the first month eating some eggs and cheese but want to be fully meat and water by day 31. My main concern is exactly what Rob was talking about above. Even with Insta-keytones or even some pre-workout I have always noticed I lose my explosiveness at the gym. I’m hoping carnivore works better than keto. I feel like I have amazing sustainable energy throughout my entire workout and even have energy when I’m done. My mental focus and sustainability are amazing. I just lack the monster inside of me. The aggressive beast like animal that makes me push the extra rep. I have lost my explosive sugar fueled energy for long sustainable energy. I still enjoy my workouts, just don’t look forward to them as much. Do you think this will continue to be an issue once I am strictly meat and water?
What’s your build, how tall are you, and how much do you weigh? There is a way to use carnivorous dieting to power a workout. Once you answer my initial questions, I may be able to help. If you go loose carnivore and play with fruit every now and then, you can use 1/2 to 1 cup of fruit pre-workout to allow for a fructose hit that works great for explosiveness and going for that extra rep. I’m fat adapted, and after about 4 months carnivore, I used extra meat the day/night before a heavy training session to push gluconeogenesis (like a slow carb load), and that worked VERY well. I need no carbs or fruits now and I can hit it hard. I have experimented and carbs make no difference now.
Hi Dr Wade,
I’ve had some serious health issues and been looking into many solutions. Come Jan 3rd I decided to start 8-16 IF. I found it surprisingly easy and quickly progressed to an OMAD eating plan. I followed Dr Grundys ideas and kept lectins out of my diet with a small amount of protein. No carbs and increased my fats through extra virgin olive oil and avocados. I’ve had no adverse affects and think my following the Wim Hof breathing and cold therapy has really helped this. I had some respiratory problems and have been doing 4 sets of breathing, culminating in holding my breath after each set. After completing this I have a 1 minute cold shower, followed by a 2 minute hot and then finishing with a 10 minute cold. I’m feeling great, but thought I could still take it to the next level., even though I’ve already lost 37lbs. That’s when I’ve come across the carnivore diet in the last week. The last 3 days I’ve adopted the carnivore way of eating but still in OMAD. So for example I’ve been sitting down to 500grams of minced beef, 2 eggs, 5 rashers of bacon and a knob of butter. After eating this I’m stuffed, but I find I’m not hungry until the same time the next day.
I’m drinking green tea, water and having a soup spoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass every morning. I’m also being quite liberal with my Himalayan salt intake.
Can I ask you if this is sufficient or should I be trying to eat more, even though I’m not feeling hungry?
Looking at your site has really got excited to think what I can achieve, but I just want to make sure I’m not potentially doing myself harm by not eating enough.
I’d appreciate any advice/guidance you can offer.
Mark
Hi Mark. Thank you for sharing your results! Can you catch me up on how things are going?
Looks like you had it dialed in pretty good. I’ve very interested!
Hi Dr Wade. Just wondering if you are maintaining your weight since finishing your carnivore diet. Hope all is well!
Rob