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What I Learned from Going Carnivore for 6 Weeks to Heal My Gut
Earlier this year, I decided to do something I’d never done before: I committed to six weeks on a strict carnivore diet as a way to heal my gut. No sugar, no alcohol, no processed food. I ate only meat, seafood, eggs, and some dairy – though, in hindsight, probably too much of it. I didn’t even eat vegetables or fruit. Yep, zero fibre. Just animal-based nutrition for a full 42 days.
And let me tell you, it taught me more than I expected.
Why Carnivore?
After years of bloating, food sensitivities, and digestive issues that would pop up unpredictably (even a few bites of the ‘wrong’ foods made me feel full and uncomfortable), I was ready to try a totally different approach. I wanted to remove every possible irritant and give my gut a chance to rest and repair.
I was also curious: What would happen if I eliminated everything except the most nutrient-dense, easy-to-digest foods?
What I Ate:
Each day, I had three meals made up of some of the following:
- Grass-fed steak
- Eggs
- Chicken breast or thighs
- Mince (beef, pork or chicken)
- Occasional seafood (like salmon, barramundi, reef fish or prawns)
- Some dairy (milk, cheese, butter, cream, ricotta)
- Salt, pepper, and filtered water
I also had a glass of warm salty water first thing each morning and cooked with a generous amount of good-quality butter, tallow or ghee.
The Pros:
My skin completely cleared up. No breakouts, no hormonal chin acne, just a clear, glowing complexion.
My bloating disappeared. I had a flat tummy for the first time in years, even after meals.
My energy was stable. No afternoon slumps, no blood sugar crashes. I could go from breakfast to lunch then lunch until dinner without snacking or feeling fatigued.
My focus and memory improved. Brain fog lifted, and I could concentrate for longer. Even my ability to remember choreography at dance class improved (win)!
I felt lean, confident, and strong. My body felt less inflamed, my joints weren’t stiff, and I no longer woke up with puffy fingers or eyes.
I developed a surprising love for steak. I used to find it too heavy, but by week three, I craved a good-quality steak every day and especially loved the fatty cuts. It completely replaced salmon as my favourite protein source.
My sleep improved. As long as I didn’t eat too late, I slept deeply and woke feeling refreshed.
The Cons:
Too much dairy led to constipation. While I’ve read that you go to the bathroom less on carnivore (since there’s less waste and no fibre), I could feel my body wasn’t eliminating enough. I’d definitely cut back on dairy next time, keeping only a bit of butter and cheese once a week.
I didn’t lose weight. In fact, I put on a bit of weight in the beginning, likely from the dairy before tweaking things. Weight loss wasn’t my main goal, but I know many women are curious about this aspect.
I missed variety. I used to eat the rainbow, and by week four I was craving fruit, freshness, and the crunch of a raw vegetable. When I finally broke the diet with a crisp green apple, it was the best piece of fruit I’d ever eaten. I now have a new appreciation for naturally sweet wholefoods.
You have to cook constantly. Unlike a wholefood diet where you can grab a banana or leftovers from the fridge, on carnivore, everything needs to be cooked fresh, unless you’re eating raw meats (which I wasn’t).
I went off salmon. Sadly, I couldn’t even finish a fillet by the end of the six weeks. It became too rich, and made me feel heavy and a bit off.
What I’d Do Differently Next Time:
I’ll absolutely do a carnivore reset again, probably once a year, but with some adjustments:
- Minimal dairy. I’ve learned my limit and will keep it to butter and the occasional cheese treat.
- More fatty meats + more water. I’d include more fattier cuts and butter, which support motility and hormone production. Plus, fat helps reduce constipation – a huge bonus for women like me who tend toward sluggish digestion.
- Meal prep in advance. Cooking daily became exhausting. Next time I’ll bulk prep for a few days at a time.
- More variety in protein sources. I’d add oysters, prawns, organ meats, and get more creative to avoid boredom.
- Hydrate with electrolytes. I’d include something like LMNT or adding a pinch of salt to every glass of water I drink.
To sum it up:
Was carnivore hard? Yes. Was it worth it? Absolutely. It gave me insight into how certain foods impact my body and allowed me to reset and rebuild from the inside out.
I now eat a more balanced ancestral-based diet with a focus on animal proteins, quality fats, a few seasonal veggies and fruit. But I’m so grateful for the six weeks I gave my gut a break as it laid a strong foundation for healing.
If you’re curious about using food as medicine, especially for gut health, I encourage you to explore what’s possible when you remove irritants, listen to your body, and simplify your meals.
And remember, if you’re struggling with bloating, IBS, hormone chaos or digestive fatigue, my number one recommendation is to start with a foundational wholefood probiotic like For Her. It supports gut repair, helps reduce bloating and promotes balance, especially through the winter months. Get yours here.
In the meantime, head here to check out some recent articles I’ve written—especially my take on HRT and perimenopause, is it really what you think it is or is it simply nutritional deficiencies?
