After decades of battling anorexia, Ohio native Valerie Smith found renewed health and strength through the carnivore diet. At 5’9″ and a dangerously low 70 pounds, she faced severe malnutrition, repeated hospitalizations, and treatments that failed to restore her well-being. Nothing worked – until she turned to a fully animal-based diet.
In 2017, after struggling on a plant-based diet that left her weak and depleted, Smith began reintroducing animal foods. Starting with small amounts of meat, she gradually increased her intake. Within three months, she noticed a profound difference: mental clarity, reduced anxiety, and newfound strength.
Over time, her anorexia symptoms faded, she gained 50 pounds of muscle, and her overall health dramatically improved. Today, she thrives on a strict carnivore diet, consuming red meat, eggs, and occasional poultry and fish.
Why the Carnivore Diet Works
The carnivore diet provides highly bioavailable nutrition that many people find lacking in plant-based or mixed diets. Unlike plant foods, which contain antinutrients and digestive irritants, animal-based foods supply:
- Complete, Easily Absorbed Nutrients: High-quality protein, essential amino acids, and critical micronutrients like B12, iron, and zinc.
- Potential Mental Health Benefits: Many report improved mood, reduced anxiety, and sharper focus, possibly due to stabilizing blood sugar and eliminating inflammatory foods.
- Digestive Relief: Some experience reduced bloating and IBS symptoms after eliminating fiber and plant-based antinutrients.
- Sustained Energy & Satiety: A diet rich in protein and healthy fats can help control hunger and reduce cravings for processed foods.
Best Animal-Based Foods for Health
For optimal results, prioritize the following:
- Grass-Fed & Pasture-Raised Meat – Higher in omega-3s and free from antibiotics and hormones.
- Wild-Caught Fish – A great source of anti-inflammatory omega-3s.
- Fatty Cuts & Organ Meats – Packed with essential vitamins like A, D, and iron.
- Pastured Eggs – A perfect balance of protein and healthy fats.
Considering the Carnivore Approach
While Smith’s experience highlights the potential benefits of the carnivore diet, it may not be the right fit for everyone. Research on long-term effects is still developing, and individuals should consider their unique nutritional needs. Consulting a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes is always a good idea.
That said, for those struggling with chronic health issues, digestive problems, or food-related anxiety, a simplified, animal-based diet may offer profound benefits. Many find that by focusing on nutrient-dense, animal-sourced foods, they feel stronger, more energized, and mentally clearer than ever before.
