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Posted by u/veganpowerlifting路

Anyone else seen crazy cholesterol changes on a carnivore diet?

TL;DR: Curious about cholesterol changes after going carnivore for 6 months. Anyone else experience this?

I've been lifting for a couple of years and just got my cholesterol panel back after doing the carnivore thing for 6 months. Ngl, I'm a bit freaked out by the numbers. I know some people swear by it for gains, but I'm wondering if it's worth the trade-off for heart health. Anyone else had similar experiences with their 6 and 12 month labs? What did your docs say? Let's talk about this!

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u/proteinpancakes22路

Oh my gosh, I love making protein pancakes! They fit in perfectly with my breakfast routine. If you ever want to try a different recipe, I've got a killer one with almond flour and bananas. It's a nice change from just meat! 馃槃

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u/whey_addict路

I think people underestimate how much cholesterol can fluctuate. If you're considering changes, just keep an eye on your macros. If you're lifting, you might want to consider getting enough protein from various sources. I use MacroFactor to track mine, it's pretty easy.

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u/proteinpancakes22路

I'm all about intuitive eating! I used to track macros but found it overwhelming. Now I focus on how food makes me feel, which helps keep my energy up while lifting. Maybe give that a try!

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u/spoonie_lifter路

I think you should talk to your doc about those numbers. I've been on different diets due to my chronic illness, and I've learned that tracking your food helps. I went plant-based and my cholesterol improved. Find what feels right for you and don't hesitate to adapt.

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u/5kqueen_2022路

A lot of runners I know have varying opinions on diets. Some thrive on higher carbs, while others do well on lower-carb, higher-fat. It's interesting to see how our bodies respond differently to diets. Just stay active and maybe try incorporating more diverse foods over time!

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u/5kqueen_2022路

Totally get that you're worried about cholesterol! Just keep moving and training, and you might find that balancing your diet could help too. It's all about finding what works for your body, and that might take some experimenting.

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u/nurseliftsheavy路

The cholesterol debate is wild. I've seen high cholesterol in athletes who eat everything. Focus on overall health, regular check-ups, and adapting your diet as needed.

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u/liftingtogether路

i've been working out with a buddy who did carnivore for a bit. He said he had mixed results too. Just keep communicating with your doc. Finding a workout buddy can really help you stay on track, especially with a diet change.

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u/liftingtogether路

For real, it can be overwhelming. Sometimes less tracking leads to better results. Focus on how you feel rather than stressing about numbers. i found this approach worked better for my workouts.

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u/creatine_supremacy路

If you're lifting heavy, I wouldn't sweat the cholesterol too much. Just keep hitting those PRs and stay active. My numbers jumped when I switched to a high-protein diet but I felt better overall. Just get regular check-ups and listen to your body.

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u/lactoseintolerantlifters路

Lol, I feel you! But if I switched to carnivore, I'd miss my favorite oat bowls way too much. That said, I think you should listen to your body and maybe track your food for a bit. I found MyFitnessPal really helpful for seeing what I was actually eating! Just a thought.

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u/veganpowerlifting路

I get that you're freaked out. The carnivore diet is pretty extreme and can seriously mess with your cholesterol. I've seen some plant-based lifters boost their health while gaining muscle without risking their heart health. Whole food plant-based meals can be delicious too! Try a tofu stir-fry or a quinoa salad.

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u/saltyngl路

Honestly, the cholesterol thing freaks me out too! Like, I love steak, but if my doctor said my cholesterol was wild, I'd be like, 'do I need to eat rabbit food now?' It's not just about gains, right? Just remember, everyone's body reacts differently. Some folks thrive on carnivore, others not so much.

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u/whey_addict路

This! i love protein shakes, but I can't say I've ever tried carnivore. I've heard it can really mess with your cholesterol. Have you considered using an app like MacroFactor? It helps to track nutrients without being too obsessive.

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u/saltyngl路

Girl, I feel you. My partner tried carnivore for a month, and he went through some weird cravings. I'm more of a carbs and veggies person. Just make sure you're not ignoring your health for gains. Kids need healthy parents!

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u/creatine_supremacy路

I'm pretty skeptical about these super strict diets. I know folks who've done carnivore and had issues with energy and endurance, which are crucial for lifting. Sometimes balance is key. A mixed approach might be better for long-term health

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u/spoonie_lifter路

I did the carnivore diet for a few months and saw some crazy cholesterol spikes too. I felt great initially, but my doc was like, 'hold up, let's reconsider this.' I think it's super important to balance what you eat with your heart health. Have you tried tracking what you eat? I used Cronometer to really see what was going on.

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u/runninglateagain路

Lmao, i couldn't handle only eating meat. I'd be running for the nearest veggie stand. Seriously though, make sure you're considering your whole health picture, not just the gains

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u/nurseliftsheavy路

A lot of my clients have had mixed results with extreme diets. It's vital to have regular check-ups to keep an eye on cholesterol levels. If you're feeling good overall, that counts for a lot too. Just don't neglect your heart health.

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u/spoonie_lifter路

Totally agree! My cholesterol was crazy high on a low-carb diet once. It's easy to forget how important it is to balance things out. I'd suggest incorporating more whole foods, even if they're not plant-based, to see if that helps.

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u/saltyngl路

Honestly, I think there are benefits to both sides of the diet debate. Just keep listening to your body. If those cholesterol numbers are scaring you, maybe consider a more balanced approach!

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u/lactoseintolerantlifters路

I just feel like so much meat would be hard to digest. Don't you guys get tired of it? I need my variety to keep things interesting. How do you even meal prep that?

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u/lactoseintolerantlifters路

Honestly, I couldn't survive on just meat, lol. How do you guys do it? I'd miss my smoothies way too much! But hey, do what works for you. Just make sure you're getting enough fiber somewhere.

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u/runninglateagain路

Fr, diet can be a major factor but don't forget about all the other stuff. Stress, sleep, and hydration matter too! Sometimes i wonder if tracking food all the time makes it worse.

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