Clean Keto & Carnivore: Getting Back to Nature-Based Eating
By Wendy Francis, Board-Certified Cognitive Health Coach
In a world full of food products engineered for convenience and shelf life, it’s easy to forget what real food looks like. Clean keto and carnivore-style eating bring us back to basics—using simple, whole ingredients from nature that support energy, longevity, and overall well-being. Whether you're focused on reducing inflammation, stabilizing blood sugar, or improving brain health, nature-based eating can offer a powerful reset.
What Is Nature-Based Eating?
Nature-based eating is about consuming foods that are as close to their original form as possible. These are foods you can recognize—without ingredient labels, added sugars, or synthetic oils. They include:
- Animal proteins: grass-fed beef, pasture-raised eggs, wild-caught fish, organic poultry
- Healthy fats: olive oil, grass-fed butter, avocado oil
- Low-glycemic fruits: blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, lemons
- Low-carb vegetables: leafy greens, zucchini, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumbers
Why Keto or Carnivore Aligns With This Lifestyle
Both clean keto and carnivore prioritize real, whole foods with minimal processing. They remove the blood sugar spikes and energy crashes caused by refined carbohydrates and sugars. Here's how they work:
- Clean Keto: Focuses on using fats and proteins from natural sources, alongside small amounts of low-sugar vegetables and fruits.
- Carnivore: A more elimination-based approach using only animal products, ideal for those with autoimmune issues, gut dysfunction, or extreme inflammation.
How We Got Off Track
For decades, the food industry pushed the idea that low-fat, processed foods were healthy. This led to a surge in chronic illness, insulin resistance, and obesity. We now know that natural dietary fats are not the enemy—and that cholesterol plays a crucial role in hormone production, brain health, and cellular repair.
Top Benefits of Eating From Nature
- Stable energy: No more crashing after meals
- Improved focus and mental clarity: Especially with the brain-boosting power of ketones
- Metabolic healing: Better insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control
- Hormonal support: Balanced energy, mood, and appetite
- Reduced inflammation: Especially when removing seed oils and refined carbs
Where to Start
Begin by choosing whole foods with one ingredient. A meal of grilled salmon, sautéed spinach in olive oil, and a handful of blueberries is a perfect example of nutrient-dense, nature-based eating. Start replacing packaged items with recognizable, simple foods and cook at home more often. Progress, not perfection, is what counts.
Food has the power to nourish, restore, and energize. Let’s choose it wisely.
Author: Wendy Francis, Board-Certified Cognitive Health Coach
White Birch Wellness | Coaching for Change
Disclaimer: This blog post is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making major dietary changes or starting a new health protocol.
Sources:
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (www.hsph.harvard.edu)
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
"The Case for Keto" by Gary Taubes
The Nutrition Coalition (www.nutritioncoalition.us)