When you guys are doing carnivore are you really eating butter and stuff?? Like if I were to eat 1lb ground beef and 1 ribeye a day is that enough? I’m 6’2 315lbs trying to drop weight while doing intermittent fasting

Understanding the Carnivore Approach for Beginners

I've helped thousands navigate diets after repeated failures, especially when hormonal changes and joint pain make everything feel impossible. The carnivore diet focuses exclusively on animal foods—primarily meat, eggs, and sometimes dairy—to eliminate inflammatory triggers common in standard diets. For someone 6'2" and 315lbs managing diabetes and blood pressure, this can simplify nutrition while supporting steady fat loss when paired with intermittent fasting.

Do You Really Need Butter and Other Add-Ons?

Butter isn't mandatory on carnivore, but many include it for satiety and fat intake. If you're eating fattier cuts like ribeye, you may not need extra butter—your 1lb ground beef (assuming 80/20) plus one ribeye (about 12-16oz) delivers roughly 150-200g of protein and 100-150g of fat daily. This meets basic needs for a large man but might feel low in total calories (around 1800-2200) during early adaptation. In my book, "Sustainable carnivore shifts," I emphasize listening to hunger cues rather than forcing additions. Grass-fed butter or tallow can boost calories if energy dips, but skip if it causes digestive issues. Focus on salt for electrolytes, crucial when dropping carbs.

Is 1lb Ground Beef Plus Ribeye Enough for Weight Loss?

For your size and goals, this intake provides a solid protein base (ideal at 1.6-2.2g per kg body weight for preserving muscle during fat loss), but monitor progress weekly. At 315lbs, aim for 0.5-1% body weight loss per week to avoid metabolic slowdown—common after past diet failures. If weight stalls after 4 weeks, increase to 1.5lb total beef or add fatty fish like salmon twice weekly. Intermittent fasting (16:8 window) pairs excellently here: eat your meals between noon and 8pm to improve insulin sensitivity, directly aiding blood pressure and diabetes management. Track with a simple journal—no complex plans needed. Joint pain? The anti-inflammatory effects often reduce discomfort within 2-3 weeks, making light walks feasible without gym intimidation.

Practical Tips to Make It Stick Long-Term

Start with two meals: a ground beef scramble midday and grilled ribeye in the evening. Season simply with sea salt. Hydrate with 100+ oz water daily plus bone broth if needed. Expect initial adaptation fatigue (3-7 days); combat it by easing into fasting. Many in our community reverse hormonal weight gain this way without insurance-covered programs. Weigh monthly, not daily, and adjust portions based on energy—not calorie counts. If embarrassed about obesity, remember this eliminates decision fatigue from conflicting advice. Combine with short daily walks to build momentum. Results vary, but consistency beats perfection—I've seen 50-100lb losses when folks commit to these basics from my methodology.