It’s your #carnigirl here, pit-stopping in Mississippi, somewhere between BHM and NOLA. Out here fueling up on collagen peptides and cold brew, honing those carnivore-in-the-wild skills. I relish the challenge of living on a perpetual diet - the tighter the restrictions and stricter the rules, the better. Give me fewer choices and smaller boundaries. Less room to roam. Less chances of getting myself in trouble. I thrive.


With a list of food choices that fit on one hand, a carnivore diet (eating only meat products) is as tight and strict as it gets. It’s safe. And just like any diet, it’s easiest at home. In the wild, things can get dicey. Adherence and success require preparation, planning, intention, and a bit of grace. I have a stack of diet-life hacks to help me stay on track in the trickiest situations:


On the Road…

The literal worst is to find myself hangry in the middle of nowhere, with no exit in sight. A close second-worst is to find myself hangry in the middle of the Korner Quik Mart without a clue. I’ve learned to keep a few carnivore-friendly snacks with me at all times, including a  travel-sized container of my favorite collagen-based protein— just add water. Luckily every filling station provides a selection of various jerkies and nuts. My husband includes dairy in his carnivore diet and grabs a string cheese and an individual serving-sized milk. I always check labels and avoid added sugars and artificial sweeteners. Disasters averted.


Vacationing…

A night or more in a hotel is no big deal when I play the hand I’m dealt. Upon arrival, I find the nearest grocery store and stock up on easy protein-rich snacks - lunch meat, packaged tuna or salmon, cheese, and boiled eggs. Throw in some nuts and pre-cooked protein options like rotisserie chicken or steamed shrimp and #winning. I  take full advantage of a complimentary breakfast by building a plate with the available animal protein options. My husband will throw in a carton of milk and unsweetened yogurt. Lunch, dinner, and the snacks in between are from my road trip stash and preliminary grocery store run.


Eating Out…

The most vital key to beating the restaurant game is preparation. I have to be pretty picky and have become a pro at finding restaurants that will best serve my carnivore needs. I make sure to scope out the menu for carni-friendly options ahead of time, specifically looking for steamed and grilled meats as “add-ons” or sides. I’ve discovered the most effective approach is to inform the server of my specific dietary restrictions before ordering. Usually something along the lines of “So, I only eat meat. If you could help me order in the simplest and most cost-effective way, I would be so grateful.” They almost always happily oblige.


Socializing…

TBH, I enjoy a few drinks, a night on the town, an event, or even a low-key hang with friends now and then. Nothing like FOMO, it’s just that, approaching 40 years old, I'm determined to live my better best life than ever. I follow a few guidelines and give myself all the grace: have a high protein meal before leaving home; take a protein-rich snack for when those cravings hit; drink smart. Alcohol is usually not the enemy, sugar is. I stick to tequila or vodka mixed with soda water, an occasional extra brut champagne, and lots of water in between. I remind myself to relax and live - a night (or even several) will not derail my daily consistency and hard work. It’s also super important to not be a jerk. If a host offers a snack or beverage, I say thank you and take a bite or a sip.


Ultimately, I’ve found there is no scenario or situation that can derail my carnivore diet if I follow some basic ground rules and loosen my grip from time to time. With preparation on the front end, I am able to win the diet game wherever I find myself. And I am always living that better than best life.

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