Eric uses a meat-based carnivore diet with minimal herbs and spices to recover from PTSD and drop the last of his extra body weight. He’s on a mission to spread knowledge and empower others to make positive dietary changes in their own lives!
Eric is determined to assert self-responsibility and live as a positive example for his wife, children, and community.
I hope you as inspired as I am after reading Eric’s story!
Please introduce yourself briefly with your name, general location, age, height, and current weight.
I am Eric Reynolds from Boynton Beach, Florida
Age 50
6’ tall & weigh 182lbs
How long have you followed a carnivore diet?
Strict Carnivore 45 days and Keto/Carnivore 2 months (Keto for 20 months)
How did you hear about carnivory and the zero fiber approach?
From a friend of mine that had been on it. Then I read Dr Paul Saladino”s Book the Carnivore Code. That was the Game Changer.
What was your first impression about eating animal foods exclusively?
Had it been a few years ago I would have laughed at this idea. Since I was a heavy meat eater on Keto this change was easy for me.
What made you want to try this WOE for yourself? Where were you coming from at the time?
I was a stressed-out police officer for almost 20 years. I worked out a lot and still was overweight. I had a traumatic incident in 2012 from an officer-involved shooting which led to PTSD and weight gain.
I had to change and it was through my own education that did it. I took the power back with my health from BIG MEDICINE. Slowly my PTSD symptoms started to fade away a little.
Was the beginning hard?
No. I actually lost the last 20 pounds or so I couldn’t lose on Keto. The simplicity of eating this way was shocking. My meals and shopping became so easy. Meat, Salt, Water, and maybe some raw cheeses.
Was there any unexpected flare-ups or side effects?
Yes, I had loose stool the 1st few months but it got better with time. I understood there was a shift in my microbiome.
Trying to incorporate organ meats into my diet now, which is difficult. My taste was ruined by sugar, so now its a bit rough. I try to add liver and heart to some ground meat which was good, but the kidneys were a different story.
Did any symptoms get worse before they got better?
I guess the sudden dumping of oxalates had me never trusting a fart but I really don’t pass gas anymore so its not an issue.
Where did your motivation to keep going come from?
Once I found out about the deception in the science of nutrition concerning Big Food, Big Pharma and Big Government, I was pissed and determined to beat them!
I have two rock star children and the most amazing wife for my soul mate. I owe it to them and myself to be around and to empower them.
How long until you saw results?
On Carnivore, I have lost about 20lbs in about 2 months and on Keto, I lost 45lbs in 20 months. 65lbs total, Waist size from 40 to 34 (so far). I will take it.
What is your marker of “healing”?
I would say my mind, my body and my soul right now are more connected than ever.
Were your family and friends supportive of your choices?
My wife was supportive. Results speak for themselves and no one could question it. Got some of the rhetoric of red meat cholesterol blah blah blah.
What other diets have you followed, how long were you on them, and what were the results?
I was on the Atkins diet once in 1995 and saw good success. American diet was a disaster of course.
What did you use to eat before turning to animal-based nutrition?
Ketogenic Diet and the Standard American diet: carbs sugar & other garbage with meat.
What do you eat now?
Eggs, bacon, pork, beef, lamb, seafood, chicken thighs and hard cheeses.
Are you strict meat only?
Mostly, I do have a cup of coffee with my beef broth and enjoy vodka without a mixer.
Do you eat poultry, pork, or seafood?
I love chicken wings, all pork and some seafood like shrimp, salmon and lobster.
Do you eat eggs or dairy (raw or pasteurized)?
Lots of eggs and some raw cheeses.
Do you ever use culinary herbs (basil, oregano, thyme, etc) or spices (cinnamon, ginger, hot peppers)?
Not really, If I cook for the family I will add a bit of garlic and onion salt.
Do you ever add a plant-based condiment like mustard or salad dressing, etc?
Maybe a mustard for hot dogs or a burger.
Do you track macros or calories?
Nope, not since I was on keto. It did help me to understand food ingredients when I was tracking.
Do you supplement with anything?
I use Ancestral Grassfed Organ Supplements, still working on the organs in my diet.
What is your current view on vegetables and plant foods?
Not needed unless you are starving. I have so much respect for plants like I never had before.
Do you ever think of reintroducing plant material to your diet?
Not really. I do miss pizza crusts but I worry about how that would make me feel now.
Would you perhaps do so in the future? (Could be anything from herbs to white rice to mushrooms to berries, etc) If you have reintroduced something, what was it and what happened?
Maybe berries and avocados. I really like salt on top of the avocados.
Do you ever miss a specific food, meal, or texture?
I never miss old favorites like pizza and subs because I understand how bad they are for me. I don’t ever think I could enjoy it.
What does a typical day of eating look like for you?
I eat when I get hungry which isn’t that often depending on my weight training. I love my coffee/broth in the morning with raw creamer. Bacon and eggs, rib eye, sugar free beef jerky, pork rinds and ground meat (lamb or beef).
Do you practice fasting or OMAD?
I did 18 hour fast for the last two years and had great success with it. Eating carnivore I don’t fast on purpose because I am full.
Would you recommend a carnivore diet to someone else and why?
Yes. Carnivore is the best elimination diet. You won’t die without plants and processed food, so give it a shot and then reintroduce certain foods.
What would you say to someone 2 weeks into a carnivore diet who is having a hard time?
Get keto coaching, in the past, it seems most people need to ease into this WOE if they are coming from a processed food way of life. I would try to go full carnivore over a two to three month period rather than diving straight into it.
If someone wants to learn more about your health journey or contact you, where is the best place for them to go?
Keto Fiveo Facebook group or contact me at ketofiveo@gmail.com
Read more Carnivore Diet results.
Are you ready to try animal-based nutrition for yourself?