When I first heard about the ketovore diet, I assumed it was just another internet fad part keto, part carnivore, and all hype. But after years of struggling with energy crashes, weight fluctuations, and digestive discomfort, I decided to give it a real try.

What I discovered was a sustainable, satisfying, and deeply nourishing way of eating that combined the best of both worlds the structure of keto with the nutrient density of carnivore. After 10 months, my blood work improved, my focus sharpened, and for the first time, I felt in control of my health.

Here’s what I learned what to eat, how fasting fits in, and how to handle the ongoing debate about cholesterol, saturated fat, and heart health.

What Exactly Is the Ketovore Diet?

The ketovore diet is a hybrid between keto (low-carb, high-fat) and carnivore (animal-based) eating. Think of it as a spectrum: some days lean heavily carnivore with meat and eggs, while others include small amounts of low-carb vegetables or dairy.

The goal? Keep carbohydrates extremely low (usually under 30 grams a day), train your body to burn fat for fuel (ketosis), and minimize inflammation by avoiding processed foods and seed oils.

Here’s what your plate should look like:

Core Foods

• Fatty cuts of meat: Ribeye, brisket, lamb chops, short ribs

• Eggs: Pasture-raised for nutrient density

• Seafood: Salmon, sardines, shrimp loaded with omega-3s

• Organ meats: Liver, heart, and kidney for B vitamins and minerals

• Animal fats: Tallow, butter, ghee for cooking

• Bone broth: For collagen and gut health support

More information: carnivor cook book. Visit here!

Optional Keto-Friendly Additions

• Leafy greens (spinach, kale, arugula)

• Avocados and olives

• Low-carb dairy like hard cheese or cream

• Small portions of berries for antioxidants

Essentially, you eat real, whole food nothing processed, nothing artificial.

Why Fasting Naturally Fits the Ketovore Lifestyle

One of the biggest surprises was how naturally fasting fits into this way of eating.

Because fat and protein are incredibly satiating, you stop thinking about food all day. Hunger stabilizes, energy remains steady, and your body transitions smoothly into fat-burning mode.

Here’s how fasting commonly looks on ketovore:

• Intermittent fasting (16:8): Eat all meals in an 8-hour window, fast for 16 hours.

• OMAD (One Meal a Day): Ideal for those who feel great with one nutrient-packed meal.

• Extended fasts (24–36 hours): Occasionally done for autophagy and cellular repair.

I found that fasting became effortless once I adapted. Gone were the mid-morning crashes or cravings instead, I had stable energy and improved mental clarity.

Fasting also complements the metabolic goals of the diet, helping with insulin sensitivity, fat loss, and inflammation control.

Cholesterol and the Ketovore Diet: Clearing the Confusion

Let’s address the elephant in the room cholesterol.

When you start eating more meat, eggs, and animal fats, you’ll likely see your cholesterol numbers shift. For some, LDL cholesterol rises, while others notice improvements in HDL (“good” cholesterol) and triglycerides.

So, is this dangerous? The answer depends on context.

What the Science Says

• Dietary cholesterol (the kind in eggs and meat) doesn’t automatically raise blood cholesterol in most people.

• The pattern of cholesterol matters more than the total number. Large, buoyant LDL particles are less harmful than small, dense ones.

• Many ketovore followers report improved triglyceride-to-HDL ratios a key marker of metabolic health.

If you’re following this diet, regular blood work is essential. Work with a healthcare provider who understands metabolic health, not one who panics at the first sign of elevated LDL.

Remember: cholesterol isn’t inherently bad. It’s a building block for hormones, vitamin D, and cell membranes critical for longevity and function.

The Role of Saturated Fat: Friend or Foe?

For decades, saturated fat was portrayed as the villain behind heart disease. But the evidence today paints a more nuanced picture.

Modern research shows that saturated fats from whole, unprocessed sources such as grass-fed beef, butter, and coconut oil are not the problem. It’s processed foods, seed oils, and refined sugars that drive inflammation and arterial damage.

When eaten within a nutrient-dense, low-carb diet, saturated fats can actually:

• Support healthy testosterone levels

• Promote cell membrane integrity

• Enhance mental focus and satiety

That said, balance matters. Pair saturated fats with omega-3-rich foods like salmon and sardines for a heart-healthy ratio.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

The ketovore diet can be life-changing but only when done properly. Here are a few mistakes I made (and how I fixed them):

1. Ignoring electrolytes: Low-carb eating can flush sodium and minerals. Add salt, magnesium, and potassium to avoid fatigue or headaches.

2. Skipping organ meats: They’re the true superfoods of this diet packed with vitamins like A, D, E, and K2.

3. Relying on processed meats: Bacon and deli slices are okay occasionally, but stick to whole cuts of grass-fed meat whenever possible.

4. Under-eating fat: If you feel tired or cold, you’re probably not eating enough fat. Remember, it’s your fuel source here.

Once I addressed these, the diet became effortless consistent energy, better workouts, and calmer digestion.

Is the Ketovore Diet Safe for Everyone?

For most healthy adults, yes the ketovore diet is safe when monitored properly. But there are exceptions.

If you have kidney disease, gallbladder issues, or lipid metabolism disorders, you should consult a healthcare professional before starting.

Even for those without medical issues, periodic check-ins with a doctor or dietitian are wise. Blood work for cholesterol, liver enzymes, and nutrient levels can help fine-tune your plan.

Why This Diet Works

The ketovore diet works because it strips away modern dietary noise. By eliminating refined carbs, sugars, and seed oils, you allow your metabolism to heal.

The result?

• Stable blood sugar

• Improved insulin sensitivity

• Reduced inflammation

• Better appetite control

• Natural weight regulation

In short, it helps your body remember how to function optimally the way it was designed to.

My Takeaway

After nearly a year on the ketovore diet, I’ve learned this: simplicity is powerful. When you eat real food meat, eggs, healthy fats, and maybe a few greens your body rewards you with energy, clarity, and balance.

Yes, the science of cholesterol and saturated fats can sound intimidating, but when you zoom out, the bigger picture is clear: whole, unprocessed animal foods aren’t the enemy they’re part of the solution.

The ketovore diet isn’t about restriction; it’s about returning to nutritional basics. For me, it’s been a journey of healing and self-discovery proof that food can truly transform how we feel and live.

If you’re curious, start slowly, listen to your body, and partner with a knowledgeable healthcare provider. The path to better health might just begin with a steak and a few eggs.