Hi I am 1 week into carnivore I’m am really struggling on it. I’m very depressed always thirsty feel miserable. Not sure what to do thinking on giving up.

Just like new, the first steps can be the hardest.

A few things to keep in mind. Hydration is paramount. Carbs require a lot of water. If you have stopped the carbs your body is using them up as that has been the fuel source prior to carnivore. In turn, there may be the need for more water.

One thing to offset that other than water intake is increasing your fat content. Fat burns better than carbs, requires less water and is an over-all better energy source.

Next would be the individuality of most every thing health related. Going cold-turkey carnivore may not work for you. You may need to ease into the diet and wean yourself off the carbs and sugars.

I never like using these words as they carry a lot of negativity, but they are adequate and accurate. You are having withdrawals and de-toxing. Coming off a dumpster diet can be hard. It comes with cravings, and perceived hunger that is your brain telling your body to get back to the status-quo.

Good luck. This is a good place to drop by and share your experiences. Although we are all individuals odds are what ever you are experiencing more than likely there is someone here who has worked thru the same things. You can lean on that.

Good luck. Higher fats, moderate protein, salt/electrolytes and hydration. Keep pushing.

Scott

Spot on Scott.

Welcome to Carnivore Talk Newbie. The thing I like to tell people when they are first considering becoming carnivores is to learn what it’s all about. Fully understand it before you fully commit to it. To be forewarned is to be forearmed. Get Dr. Bakers book The Carnivore Diet. It will really help you get started and understand the ins and outs.

I like what @Scott F. Said.

14 hours ago, Carnivorenewbie said:

Hi I am 1 week into carnivore I’m am really struggling on it. I’m very depressed always thirsty feel miserable. Not sure what to do thinking on giving up.

I had 3 or 4 rough weeks when first starting out, but I jumped in cold turkey style. My wife went in slowly and had no issues at all. That was 4 years ago and it is so worth it in the end. Keep going, you can do it!

I went what I thought was cold turkey. My food selections were 'cold turkey' but I was using water flavoring packets as I was not a big water drinker prior to carnivore.

In time I stopped using the water packets. I think I weaned myself into carnivore via the sugar in the packets.

I didn't have a lot of issues with withdrawals/cravings.

Muy issues were around the lack of salt/electrolytes. Once I got the salt/electrolytes in check, then adjusted the fat content up, it was a rather easy transition.

Goodluck Carnovorenewbie. Hopefully today is better than yesterday. Take small steps and celebrate those smaller steps. The little accomplishments add up to big accomplishments. Best of luck. hang in there.

Scott

On 5/8/2025 at 8:21 AM, Carnivorenewbie said:

Hi I am 1 week into carnivore I’m am really struggling on it. I’m very depressed always thirsty feel miserable. Not sure what to do thinking on giving up.

For starters, @Carnivorenewbie - welcome aboard!

If you jumped straight from the standard American/Western diet to a strict carnivore diet headfirst, then yeah, the struggle will be real at first. Your body is craving glucose (sugar/carbs) for energy, because that is what it has been accustomed to. The acidity level, gut microbiome, and maybe even bile production will need to adjust to the new types of foods coming down the hatch. Some personality types can handle this sudden drastic change. The symptoms are nicknamed "the keto flu" which can last a few weeks.

Of course, the keto flu can be avoided if you transition your diet gradually. First eliminate sugars, then grains, then seed oils, then fruits, then gradually lower even the low carb keto friendly vegetables, over the course of several weeks as you at the same time gradually increase your fatty meat portions.

But if you've gone headfirst already and it's been a week, you should probably keep it up. Salt to taste. Take an electrolyte drink supplement. Feel free to eat 3 meals a day and snack (on carnivore friendly foods) in the beginning. As you become fat adapted, your appetite will wane and you notice that you always have energy available - not like Superman or anything, but in the absense of carbs coupled with becoming fat adapted, there are no more crashes to that of complete exhaustion.

You CAN do this!