Expert Q&A

When you guys are doing carnivore are you really eating butter and stuff?? Like if I were to eat 1lb ground beef and 1 ribeye a day is that enough? I’m 6’2 315lbs trying to drop weight on a low-carb or ketogenic diet

Understanding the Carnivore Approach for Sustainable Fat Loss

I've guided thousands of men and women in their 40s and 50s who felt defeated by failed diets, hormonal shifts, and joint pain that made movement seem impossible. The carnivore diet eliminates all plant foods, focusing exclusively on animal products. This creates deep ketosis, reduces inflammation, and stabilizes blood sugar—critical when managing diabetes or blood pressure alongside obesity. For someone 6'2" and 315lbs, this can be transformative but must be tailored carefully to avoid the pitfalls of previous restrictive plans.

Do You Really Need Butter and Other Add-Ons?

Many newcomers ask if butter is mandatory. The answer is no—it's optional for flavor and extra calories from healthy fats. Pure carnivore purists often thrive on meat, salt, and water alone. However, including grass-fed butter or tallow can help meet energy needs without carbs, especially early on when your body adapts. For joint pain relief, the anti-inflammatory effects of animal fats often reduce discomfort within weeks, making light activity more feasible without expensive gym schedules. In my methodology outlined in "The CFP Reset," we emphasize listening to hunger signals rather than forcing added fats if you're not truly hungry.

Is 1lb Ground Beef Plus One Ribeye Enough Daily?

For your size and weight-loss goals, 1lb of ground beef (roughly 800-1000 calories depending on leanness) combined with one ribeye (about 800-1200 calories) provides 1600-2200 calories and 150-200g of protein. This may initiate fat loss through a moderate deficit, but many in your demographic find they need 2-2.5lbs total of varied ruminant meats daily to preserve muscle and avoid metabolic slowdown. Track your energy: if you're fatigued or losing strength, increase portions or add organ meats for micronutrients. A typical day might include eggs, fatty fish like salmon twice weekly, or bone broth. This keeps things simple—no complex meal plans required. Aim for 1.5-2g of protein per pound of ideal body weight initially, adjusting as you drop pounds. Most see 1-2lbs weekly loss without the rebound of past diets.

Practical Tips for Beginners with Hormonal and Insurance Challenges

Start with a 30-day strict phase to reset cravings, then assess. Hydrate aggressively (at least 100oz water daily) and supplement electrolytes to combat "keto flu." Since insurance rarely covers programs, our approach focuses on affordable grocery staples: ground beef, ribeyes, chicken thighs, and eggs. Walk 20-30 minutes daily to ease joint pain—movement becomes easier as inflammation drops. Monitor blood markers every 8-12 weeks, especially with existing diabetes or hypertension. The key is consistency over perfection; many clients reverse their need for multiple medications within months. Remember, this isn't another fad—it's a return to ancestral eating that aligns with your body's signals when done right.

💬 What the Community Says

The community shows strong interest in carnivore for stubborn weight loss after years of failed diets, particularly among 45-55 year olds dealing with joint pain and hormonal changes. Most practitioners report eating 1.5-3lbs of meat daily, with many adding butter, tallow or eggs for satiety and easier adherence. There's lively debate on exact amounts: some 6'+ men at 300lbs say two ribeyes plus ground beef works well for steady 1-2lb weekly losses, while others insist on including organs or more volume to prevent fatigue. Newcomers often worry about sustainability and nutrient gaps, sharing stories of reduced inflammation and better blood sugar control within weeks. A vocal minority debates strict meat-only versus allowing dairy, noting that those with insurance barriers appreciate the low-cost simplicity. Overall sentiment is cautiously optimistic, with users emphasizing patience during adaptation and the value of tracking personal energy levels over rigid rules.
Clark, R. (2026). When you guys are doing carnivore are you really eating butter and stuff?? Like . *CFP Weight Loss*. https://blog.cfpweightloss.com/ask/when-you-guys-are-doing-carnivore-are-you-really-eating-butter-and-stuff-like-if-i-were-to-eat-1lb-ground-beef-and-1-ribeye-a-day-is-that-enough-i-m-6-2-315lbs-trying-to-drop-weight-on-a-low-carb-or-k
Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN
About the Author

Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN, is the founder of CFP Weight Loss in Nashville and CFP Fit Now telehealth. Over 35 years in healthcare — Army Nurse Reserves, Level 1 trauma ER, hospitalist — he developed a 30-week protocol integrating real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 30–90 pounds. He and his wife Anne-Marie lost a combined 275 pounds using the same protocol.

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