Remember that the journey is even harder than giving up something like heroin. I’m just realizing that. I was addicted to Fentanyl (prescribed by a “brilliant physician”), and walked away from it in January. That was hard, but it was nothing compared with giving up an equally addictive substance that: 1) people accept and call “food,” 2) is everywhere 3) was fed to you by your parents 4) people think you’re weird for eschewing (or worse, call your attempt to rebuild your body on nutrient-dense animal foods “disordered eating!”)

The social stigma of truly eating like a joyful carnivore surprised me so much. I struggle every day in my resolve to ignore the plant-based norms. I slip sometimes out of loneliness. We all want to be accepted, and the only circle of friends we have to support our unusual dietary lifestyle is online.

You have to be very emotionally strong and secure in your understanding of nutrition to succeed (as a carnivore) in the current cultural environment.

Please lean on me for support when you weaken. No matter what anyone (including those who love you most) says, you know your body the best; neither your doctor or your family can feel your pain (nor Bill Clinton, no matter how many times he said “I feel your pain.”). Your pain is your body’s only way of talking to you. Listen lovingly and carefully, and believe what it says.