Dive into the world of ketogenic and carnivore diets with this essential episode, where hosts Stephen and Graham reveal proven strategies to conquer the toughest obstacles in your low-carb journey. Whether you're battling hidden carbs, food boredom, or social skepticism, this follow-up guide equips you with actionable tips for sustained ketosis, weight loss, and optimal health.

Uncover the secrets to maintaining ketosis on a keto or carnivore diet, even when "keto-friendly" products hide sneaky carbs that derail your fat-burning mode. We expose common marketing pitfalls and share no-tracking methods to stay in ketosis effortlessly. Say goodbye to meal monotony with creative carnivore and ketogenic recipes that keep your diet exciting while fueling your body with nutrient-dense foods.

Explore overlooked hurdles like keto-induced sleep issues, exercise performance dips, and temporary skin changes during adaptation. Drawing from Stephen's 8 years of keto expertise and Graham's transformative carnivore success—featuring dramatic weight loss and improved blood markers—this episode delivers real-world solutions for long-term adherence.

Learn how to handle keto skepticism and misinformation from friends, family, and critics, plus navigate social eating with confidence. We emphasize viewing ketogenic and carnivore lifestyles not as short-term diets, but as a lifelong shift for better health, energy, and vitality.

Perfect for beginners or seasoned keto and carnivore enthusiasts seeking to optimize their routine and smash health goals. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to unlock more episodes on ketogenic diets, carnivore eating plans, low-carb living, and transformative wellness!

Ready to transform your health with keto or carnivore eating but worried about the obstacles ahead? This candid conversation between Stephen and Graham unpacks the major roadblocks you'll likely encounter and equips you with practical solutions to overcome them.

The dreaded "keto flu" strikes most beginners as their bodies shift from burning glucose to fat. We break down exactly what's happening physiologically when those headaches and fatigue hit—your body's flushing out water and crucial electrolytes. Our simple fix? Strategic electrolyte replenishment through bone broth or quality supplements without sweeteners to ease this temporary transition.

Digestive adjustments are inevitable when switching to higher fat consumption. Your liver produces bile to break down saturated fats, but finding your personal equilibrium takes time. We share our embarrassingly honest bathroom stories and explain how to fine-tune your fat intake based on your body's signals.

Many fear nutrient deficiencies when eliminating food groups, but our blood work tells a different story. Stephen went from taking 38 supplements as a vegetarian to just two on his current diet. We discuss which specific supplements like D3, K2, and magnesium might be beneficial and why tracking your food intake initially can identify any nutritional gaps.

The perceived cost barrier of quality meat deserves scrutiny. When you eliminate processed foods, restaurant meals, and unnecessary supplements, most people find their food budget remains stable or decreases. We offer practical tips for sourcing affordable, high-quality protein through farmer relationships, bulk purchasing, and strategic shopping.

What about navigating restaurants, social gatherings, and family resistance? From what to order when dining out to handling well-meaning but misguided dietary advice, we provide tested strategies from our combined years of experience. Stephen even shares how he maintains harmony in a household where his wife follows a vegetarian lifestyle.

Leave us a review if you've faced similar challenges or have questions about starting your keto or carnivore journey. Your experience might help fellow listeners overcome their own roadblocks!

What happens when the world discovers you're eating keto or carnivore? Brace yourself for an onslaught of unsolicited health warnings, pseudoscientific claims, and strange looks across the dinner table. In this eye-opening episode, we dissect the predictable reactions you'll encounter and arm you with evidence-based responses.

From the infamous "heart attack" warnings to bizarre scurvy predictions, we expose how deeply entrenched nutritional misinformation has become in our culture. We trace these myths back to their origins—from religious influences to flawed studies by figures like Ancel Keys—revealing how questionable science transformed into "common knowledge" despite lack of evidence.

Both hosts share personal experiences with healthcare providers and family members who automatically assumed the worst about their dietary choices, only to be silenced by dramatic improvements in blood work, body composition, energy levels, and overall health. The conversation addresses practical concerns too, including the surprising economics of eating this way (spoiler: it's often cheaper than standard diets when you account for reduced frequency of eating and elimination of dining out).

The most fascinating exploration centers on our psychological relationship with food—how eating has transformed from nourishment into entertainment, social ritual, and even emotional medication. By shifting this fundamental relationship, keto and carnivore diets offer not just physical transformation but mental freedom from food obsession.

Whether you're already following these eating patterns or simply curious about why others choose them, this episode provides a refreshing counter-narrative to conventional wisdom. Ready to question nutritional dogma? Listen now and discover why thousands are embracing animal-based nutrition despite the skeptics.

Link to the documentary "Animal": https://tv.apple.com/ca/movie/animal/umc.cmc.6rxcx3o5sz7epd1ocgz17k6qe

The myths about meat have shaped our health choices for over a century. In this eye-opening episode, we take a deep dive into the powerful new documentary "Animal" that's challenging everything we've been told about our natural human diet.

The documentary features an all-star lineup of medical professionals who've discovered that the path to optimal health runs counter to conventional wisdom. We explore how figures like Dr. Robert Kiltz, Dr. Anthony Chaffee, and Dr. Sean Baker—all initially trained in standard nutritional paradigms—found themselves questioning everything when they saw how animal-based diets transformed their patients' lives. From resolving fertility issues to eliminating suicidal thoughts, the clinical outcomes from carnivore diets have been nothing short of remarkable.

What struck us most was the historical context that explains how we arrived at our current anti-meat bias. The documentary traces this back to Ellen G. White, whose religious views influenced a young John Harvey Kellogg (yes, that Kellogg), followed by Ancel Keys' deeply flawed Seven Countries Study that cherry-picked data to villainize saturated fat. These ideological foundations—not scientific evidence—have shaped nutritional guidelines for decades.

The anthropological evidence presented is particularly compelling: during the Ice Age when plants were scarce, humans developed larger brains and grew taller. Only after switching to agriculture did we see decreases in height, brain size, and overall health. As Dr. Lisa Weidman so perfectly states in the film: "What you're putting in your mouth is either leading to health or harm."

Having both experienced dramatic health improvements through keto and carnivore approaches—Stephen's diabetes in remission without medication and Graham's freedom from chronic issues—we can personally attest to the documentary's central message. If you're questioning your own health journey or simply curious about an alternative perspective, "Animal" might just be the most important documentary you watch this year. It could change your relationship with food forever.

The childhood obesity crisis has reached unprecedented levels, with one in three teenagers now showing signs of pre-diabetes. As parents, this should sound every alarm bell we have. What's causing this epidemic? The answer is on our plates and in our pantries.

When we compared American children's diets to countries like Japan, we discovered a shocking contrast: 67% of American kids' food intake comes from ultra-processed products, compared to just 27% in Japan. No wonder childhood obesity rates have tripled since the 1970s. As parents who've made our own share of mealtime mistakes, we're passionate about helping families break free from the convenience food trap.

The solution starts with small, manageable changes. Begin by shopping without children to avoid marketing manipulation, then involve them in meal preparation at home. Kids as young as two can participate – toddlers can stir ingredients, preschoolers can wash produce, and school-age children can follow simple recipes. When children help create meals, they're far more likely to eat them, no matter how healthy. This approach transforms nutrition from a battleground into a bonding experience.

What's truly revolutionary is understanding how food affects not just your child's weight but their brain development, mood, and ability to focus. The brain actually runs more efficiently on ketones (from healthy fats) than on glucose from processed carbs. This explains why changing your child's diet can transform their behavior, focus, and emotional stability. Combined with increased physical activity (only 26% of American children meet minimum exercise requirements), these dietary changes can reshape your child's health trajectory.

Ready to start? Don't overwhelm yourself. Choose just one meal per week to transform, involve your children in the process, and celebrate small victories. Your family's health revolution begins with a single meal, prepared together with love and whole foods. What will you cook together this week?

Discover the voices that revolutionized the ketogenic and carnivore movements in this deep dive into the influencers who shaped our personal health journeys. From world-renowned physicians to everyday heroes who overcame their own health struggles, these are the pioneers who challenged conventional wisdom and offered life-changing alternatives.

Influencer list with links:

1. Shawn Baker MD @ShawnBakerMD
2. Anthony Chaffee MD @anthonychaffeemd
3. Sally K Norton @sknorton
4. Dr. Eric Berg DC  @Drberg
5. KenDBerryMD  @KenDBerryMD
6. Dr. Bret Scher Metabolic Mind @metabolicmind
7. Nick Norwitz @nicknorwitzMDPhD
8. Dr. Georgia Ede - Change Your Diet Change Your Mind - https://a.co/d/fce8dbC
9. Laura Spath  @LauraSpath
10. Dr Tony Hampton @DrTonyHampton 
11. Dr. Hampton's Food Guide: https://www.dietdoctor.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Dr-hampton-Keto-Handout-with-colors.pdf
12. HomeSteadHow @Homesteadhow
13. Dr. Sten Ekberg  @drekber
14. Joanne Ozug - The Road to Carnivore Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-road-to-carnivore/id1565058210
15. Dr Fung - @DrJasonFung
16. Glucose Goddess - Jesse Inchauspe - @GlucoseRevolution
17. Dr Attia - @PeterAttiaMD
18. Dave Asprey - @DaveAspreyBPR

We explore Dr. Sean Baker's groundbreaking work as both a surgeon and elite athlete, explaining how his Rivero Clinic is creating a new paradigm for metabolic health care. Learn why Dr. Jason Fung's insights on intermittent fasting and diabetes reversal resonated so profoundly with Stephen's health journey. Discover the provocative perspective of Dr. Anthony Chafee, who dares to question whether plants truly deserve their universal health halo.

For practical implementation, we highlight Jessie Inchauspé (the Glucose Goddess) and her accessible strategies for managing blood sugar, along with Sally Norton's eye-opening research on oxalates and their potential impact on inflammatory conditions. The methodical explanations from Dr. Berg and straightforward common sense from Dr. Ken Berry demonstrate how different teaching styles can reach people wherever they are on their health journey.

Perhaps most fascinating is the common thread woven through all these influencers' stories—almost universally, they discovered these nutritional approaches through personal crisis or watching their patients continue to deteriorate under conventional care. Their authentic experiences and genuine desire to share knowledge stands in stark contrast to the profit-driven nutrition advice so prevalent today.

Whether you're new to ketogenic eating, a seasoned carnivore, or simply curious about metabolic health, this episode will introduce you to trusted voices who can guide different aspects of your journey. And remember—you're never alone in this process. There's a thriving community of people who have walked this path and are eager to help others experience the same transformation.

Challenging everything you thought you knew about healthy aging, Zoe's story will make you question whether what we call "aging" might actually be inflammation in disguise. After spending more than two decades as a vegetarian, Zoe's life took an unexpected turn when her daughter developed severe epilepsy, leading her to research historical treatments that predated modern pharmaceuticals. What she discovered changed both their lives.

In this eye-opening conversation, Zoe reveals how transitioning to a carnivore diet transformed her health in ways she never anticipated. The mental clarity she experienced after just three months was revolutionary—eliminating the afternoon brain fog, boosting her energy levels, and allowing her to continue running when friends her age had long since stopped due to pain and inflammation. "I'm not really fat, I'm just really inflamed," she explains, capturing how misunderstood the connection between diet and physical symptoms often is.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is Zoe's practical approach to implementing this lifestyle. From her "three-bite rule" for handling special occasions to strategies for fasting and autophagy, she offers accessible entry points for anyone curious about carnivore eating. Her emphasis on progress over perfection creates space for real-world application without the guilt that often accompanies dietary changes. "This is not about being perfect," she insists, "it's about making changes that create momentum."

Whether you're struggling with unexplained health issues, curious about alternatives to the standard Western diet, or simply interested in maintaining vitality throughout your life, Zoe's journey offers powerful insights into how our food choices might be affecting us in ways we've never considered. Ready to rethink what healthy aging really means? This conversation might just be the beginning of your own transformation.

The hidden link between chronic stress and metabolic dysfunction takes center stage as Veteran Stephen shares his remarkable journey from PTSD-induced type 2 diabetes to restored health without medication. This raw, science-backed conversation reveals how our bodies' natural stress response can become our greatest metabolic enemy when chronically activated.

Stephen's story begins with his military service, where training and operational theaters conditioned his body for constant high-alert status. As he details the neurological and hormonal cascade that followed, we witness how elevated cortisol levels flood the bloodstream with glucose, creating a vicious cycle of insulin resistance, belly fat accumulation, and eventually full-blown diabetes. The most striking aspect? Despite maintaining regular exercise and what appeared to be a healthy lifestyle, his internal stress response was silently sabotaging his metabolism from within.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is the practical, evidence-based approach to breaking this cycle. Beyond the expected advice of dietary changes, Stephen reveals how mindfulness practice, trauma-informed therapy, and lifestyle modifications dramatically reversed his condition. The transformation goes beyond numbers on a glucose monitor – though his now-normal A1C levels are impressive. The elimination of debilitating IBS, improved sleep quality, and renewed energy represent a complete reclamation of quality of life that medication alone could never achieve.

Whether you're battling unexplained weight gain, blood sugar issues, or simply looking to optimize your metabolic health, this episode provides a crucial piece of the puzzle that conventional medicine often overlooks. The stress-diabetes connection isn't just theory – it's a lived reality for millions, and understanding it could be your first step toward metabolic freedom. Listen, learn, and discover how addressing both mind and metabolism creates the foundation for genuine healing.

The quest for optimal health often leads us to rethink our relationship with food, particularly what and when we eat. In this practical exploration of keto and carnivore meal strategies, Graham and Stephen share their hard-won insights about crafting satisfying, nutrient-dense meals that sustain energy without triggering the blood sugar rollercoaster.

Breaking free from conventional eating patterns doesn't happen overnight. We dive into the transition period where strategic snacking can bridge the gap as your body adapts to metabolizing fat rather than sugar. From sardines with mustard to high-quality dark chocolate with natural peanut butter, we outline snack options that deliver satiation without inflammation. But the true revelation comes when you discover how proper fat and protein consumption can eliminate hunger signals altogether, allowing your body to focus on repair rather than constant digestion.

The continuous glucose monitor emerges as a powerful tool for personalized nutrition, providing immediate feedback on how specific foods affect your metabolism. Stephen shares his perspective as someone managing diabetes: "What I recommend is giving your body a chance to focus on digestion as opposed to just consumption and ingestion." This data-driven approach helps identify which foods serve your health and which trigger inflammation, even those marketed as "healthy."

For families navigating mixed dietary preferences, we offer practical strategies for creating meals that satisfy everyone without compromising nutritional integrity. From Italian-made pasta with natural ingredients to high-quality ground beef tacos, small upgrades in sourcing can transform family favorites into genuinely nourishing options. The conversation extends to eating while traveling, where sometimes fasting becomes preferable to consuming inflammatory airport food.

Ready to transform your relationship with food? Subscribe to Lessons from the Keto-Verse for more practical wisdom on fueling your body optimally while navigating real-world challenges. Your journey to metabolic health starts with understanding what truly nourishes your unique physiology.

Have you ever wondered what's really happening inside your body when you eat certain foods? Stephen's journey with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology reveals the profound insights these devices can provide—not just for those with diabetes, but for anyone seeking optimal health.

Stephen takes us through his transformative experience using a CGM for over a year while following ketogenic and carnivore diets. This small wearable device has completely changed his approach to managing type 2 diabetes, allowing him to lower his A1C from dangerously high levels to near-normal range without medication. The real-time glucose data provides immediate feedback on how different foods, stress levels, sleep quality, and exercise affect blood sugar—creating a personalized roadmap for health optimization.

Perhaps most eye-opening is Stephen's revelation about non-food factors that impact glucose levels. During one particularly stressful incident, he witnessed his glucose levels double within minutes—demonstrating how emotional stress can be as metabolically disruptive as poor food choices. Similarly, sleep disturbances often manifest as morning glucose spikes, while different exercise types produce unique glucose responses. The CGM makes these invisible processes visible and actionable.

For those following ketogenic or carnivore diets, a CGM validates dietary choices while identifying unexpected triggers. Stephen introduces the concept of "designer glucose"—using CGM data to create a completely personalized approach to food timing, exercise patterns, and stress management based on your unique physiological responses. While these devices were developed for diabetes management, they represent a powerful preventative tool that can help anyone avoid metabolic dysfunction before problems develop.

Ready to take control of your health with objective data rather than generic advice? Try using a CGM for even a short period to discover your body's unique responses and create a truly personalized approach to nutrition and lifestyle. Your body is constantly speaking to you—a CGM simply helps you listen more clearly.