Carnivore vs Plant-Based Diet Over 50

This is the first video from my closet-office “cloffice” documenting my Carnivore vs Plant-Based Diet Over 50 dilemma; the pros and cons of each, and why I’m choosing to stick with a mainly meat-based approach. I’m using this channel as a way to hold myself accountable and document my journey. Nothing fancy. Just chatting about my experience. If this kind of thing interests you, I’d love to have you join me.

Good morning, and welcome to my closet office that I lovingly call my cloffice.

I’ve been trying to figure out the best time for me to do these frequent little updates on my carnivore diet experience. I decided that first thing in the morning, while I’m having my coffee, might be ideal. So thank you for joining me for coffee.

Coffee is one thing I allow myself to have on the carnivore diet that isn’t strictly carnivore. Right now, I’m working on my second cup, drinking it black. I rarely use heavy cream because I have a slight lactose intolerance, but I indulge in butter coffee most mornings with my second cup.

Sidebar: my husband roasts his own green coffee beans and grinds freshly roasted beans every single morning for my first cup of caffeinated coffee. Afterward, I put on a pot of decaf. Often, I blend my decaf with a big chunk of butter and some pink Himalayan sea salt in my magic bullet. That’s my second cup, though I stick to black coffee if I have any more after that.

Now, back to today’s update. For context, I first tried the carnivore diet back in October 2019, which I discussed in my very first video on this channel. In that video, I shared my ongoing struggle with weight loss, optimal health, and all the challenges that come with it.

For total transparency, I’ll tell you I am 61 years young. I don’t like to say “old” because I don’t feel old. However, I will admit that this morning has been a little rocky since I didn’t sleep well last night. Usually, I wake up feeling pretty good and energized, but today I’m relying on my coffee a bit more than usual.

The Journey from Plant-Based to Carnivore

In 2021, I decided to try a Whole Foods, plant-based diet. For about a year and a half, I followed this approach diligently—low fat, no added oils, and completely free of animal products. My husband even joined me, and we both experienced positive results at first.

But after some time, I began noticing troubling symptoms, including muscle loss, thinning hair, brittle nails, and dry skin. Even my teeth became more translucent, which was alarming. My blood pressure stayed stubbornly high despite sticking to the plant-based plan.

In June 2022, after 15 months of plant-based eating, I decided to transition to a carnivore diet. The shift was inspired by worsening health concerns and the realization that I felt much better eating animal-based foods. This decision led me to reflect deeply on the carnivore vs plant-based diet over 50, particularly as someone navigating the challenges of aging and post-menopausal hormonal changes.

Why I Choose Carnivore

Since returning to the carnivore diet, many of my symptoms have improved dramatically. My nails are harder, my hair feels stronger, and my skin has regained some of its former elasticity and moisture. Interestingly, even my teeth seem to have remineralized after reintroducing animal products.

While I respect the benefits some people report on a plant-based diet, especially in the short term, my experience has taught me that it wasn’t sustainable for me. Over time, the lack of dietary fat and animal-based nutrients appeared to deplete my body rather than nourish it.

The carnivore diet, by contrast, has restored balance. Symptoms like bloating, gastrointestinal distress, and dry skin have significantly diminished. For me, this is a clear indication that my body thrives on a diet centered around meat, butter, and eggs.

Reflecting on Carnivore vs Plant-Based Diet Over 50

As someone who has experimented extensively with both approaches, I’ve learned that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Age, hormonal changes, and individual health concerns play a significant role in how our bodies respond to different diets.

For example, on the plant-based diet, I initially lost weight but quickly plateaued. Additionally, my energy levels fluctuated, and my body showed signs of nutritional deficiencies. Conversely, the carnivore diet has provided me with consistent energy, improved digestion, and noticeable improvements in my overall well-being.

I also want to emphasize the importance of listening to your body. Both the carnivore diet and the plant-based diet have their advocates and critics, but what works for one person might not work for another. Especially for those of us over 50, the key is to find a sustainable way of eating that supports long-term health and vitality.

Sharing My Journey

This blog and my video updates are my way of tracking progress and holding myself accountable. They also give me a platform to connect with others who might be navigating the same questions about the carnivore vs plant-based diet over 50.

Have you tried one or both approaches? What has your experience been? I’d love to hear about your journey and any changes you’ve noticed. Sharing stories can be incredibly powerful and may help others find their path to better health.

That’s it for today. Thank you for joining me, and I’ll see you next time with more updates. Until then, take good care!