Does anyone allow one or two days a month where they don't eat carnivore, or even keto, and if so do you still feel the benefit from doing carnivore the rest of the time? I am a food addict and currently find it too difficult not allowing a pizza like once a month. Hopefully this will change with time, but for now my brain likes this crutch. Is it still beneficial doing the diet the rest of the time?
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I believe, like others, that cheating is just going to keep cravings alive. I know that (earlier in) when I would "taste" something that wasn't meat .. I would get cravings for things I don't need to eat. It will take you a little time to kick the cravings, but when you do you can be around all that and not even notice.
I would so love to be at a point where I don't notice sugary foods, that is literally a dream for me!
Hey!
I think there's several things that could be said about this topic. It's helpful to consider your goals, and whether "cheat" days will inhibit you from reaching them? Regardless, I would encourage you to not consider these instances as "cheat days" because that has an unnecessary negative connotation, when it doesn't have to be a negative thing.
Here's some other thoughts:
- Are you unable to resist the urge to eat the pizza, and if so, are these instances more like a binge than a planned meal? (Asking because of the "food addict" portion of your message). Carnivore can be very powerful for breaking addictions, it may just take more time of consistently resisting the urge. However...
- If you can control these instances, and you eat "off" carnivore simply because at times, you just enjoy having other food, and you do not see any negative health consequences from these infrequent instances... you should not feel bad about "living" if this is your version of "living" (enjoying simple pleasures).
There are people who would benefit from strict carnivore without ever straying from this way of life for health reasons. And if that's you, then I'd avoid the pizza. If you lose control when eating the pizza, I'd also avoid it given you need to break the addictive relationship you have with this food. Try for at least 2 months (I am certain you'd break the urge more in time), and then, if you can change your mindset on it all, and *enjoy* eating carnivore 99% of the time, and then plan to eat non-carnivore foods some other percent (with no uncontrollable binges, simply due to preference), go for it! You absolutely will benefit from sticking to carnivore the remainder of the time, no questions asked.
I'll be curious to read other's take on this topic.
I started with Keto and am now experimenting with Carnivore.
To experience the full benefits of either Keto or Carnivore, I would not recommend "cheating". Instead, I would suggest you find a Keto recipe you like for pizza (there are a plethora of good ones out there) . That way you stay Keto and perhaps can move towards Carnivore when you're ready OR eat Carnivore a few days a week, as well.
Traditional pizza has grains in it and grains cause inflammation. Inflammation is at the root of most disease. It takes upwards from 6-12+ months to heal inflammation caused by grains. Add to that the vegetable oils, etc. in a traditional pizza and you've got a lot of other ingredients that are sub-optimal. So, it all adds up to a bad choice. If you choose to have traditional pizza every month, you are starting the cycle all over again by reintroducing these ingredients.
So, there are better alternatives & better choices you can make...but the choice is yours. With that said, I think every step in the right direction is a step in the right direction. Hope that helps.
You're on it with these suggestions! I agree, I do not think pizza is the best option for someone if they DO choose to eat away from keto/carnivore. You can always make your own, healthier alternative. And... you can even make a carnivore 'pizza' :) Of course, it's meat based, but we find that getting creative in the kitchen and making fun recipes can help w/ "cravings"... they go away in time!
Ah thanks guys.
Yeah if I'm honest, the pizza is just because I love it, but I am trying to heal my crohn's and inflammation. I have managed to bring my inflammation levels to almost normal, which is good, but then I always feel like eating bad food wouldn't be so bad. Ridiculous thinking I know! I am going on holiday next week, so I know I'll end up not sticking to carnivore completely, but when I get back I will try my best to see if I can break my love of all things bad by sticking to carnivore for longer. I do enjoy carnivore a lot, think it will just take more time for me to break my carb/sugar cravings.
Thanks for all your advice :)
Absolutely! Do the best you can and realize there's a super supportive community that will keep you on track available. Don't be too hard on yourself - that will not help with the healing process - but also don't short change yourself, thinking you can't stick to things or rely on certain foods... You CAN do it, and if you give it enough time, you WILL break free from those food addictions :) Enjoy your traveling!