@FIT_Goat immediately after I wrote my post I thought of you, and I do appreciate what I have learned and continue to learn from your influence here. I think you would be a star member of the FB group, their motto is you can "eat it if it has a face and a mommy" which is a bit dark, but very true. There are people on there who only eat meat and water, which is very interesting to me.

kirkor wrote: »

deoxy4 wrote: »

There are some that feel a no carb diet for an extended period has some risks.

http://perfecthealthdiet.com/2010/11/dangers-of-zero-carb-diets-i-can-there-be-a-carbohydrate-deficiency/

I don't think there's any risk of carb deficiency, but the micronutrient thing is a concern --- gotta incorporate offal if you're going the ZC route.

@kirkor it's interesting that you mention the micronutrients, this FB group is adamant against it. There are over 4K members, but the group admins number under 10 and they make up the majority of the people who comment and try to guide "newbies" and others. They are very entrenched in their lifestyle believes and many do not advocate supplements in any form. They adamant that every body can thrive off of meat alone. I can't help but be skeptical of that, but being a fairly healthy person, think it's worth giving it the go and seeing how it affects me.

Queenmunchy wrote: »

I don't really like meat too much, so I can't stay zero carb (unless I want no variety!), but there is a zero carb blog I read a while back
http://myzerocarblife.jamesdhogan.com/wp/start/

@Queenmunchy this blogger is one of the founding members of the group I mentioned on FB. She and a few other long time ZC'ers are very...unapologetic in their approach to the WOE. I say this as they will tell anyone who joins their group to cut everything but meat and water from their diet for 30 days or they are cheating themselves and the process. They will allow small amounts of dairy and eggs pretty much all you want, after the first 30 days.

@KnitOrMiss, thank you for the summary. I followed that link and wasn't impressed.

It's very interesting to me that there is very little (that I've found so far) research which really studies both LCHF/Keto and Zero Carb lifestyles. I've read as much as I have found and will continue to look and learn, but it seems the scientific community really does not want to get involved in this major, major health issue.

And that is one of the things that I find really interesting about the ZC group, they really advocate the healing component of the WOE. They stand solidly behind the believe that humans are not meant to be herbivores or even omnivores, that we truly thrive through a carnivorous diet alone. They cite some research done comparing vegetarians to 'meat eaters' but in all those studies, the meat eaters also ate fruits, veggies and even processed carbs. Their members swear that the ZC woe helps with IBS and other digestive issues, endometriosis, fertility, inflammation and other joint issues, depression, etc, etc...and of course, the big one, Diabetes. I read some of their stories (as I have in our groups here on MFP) and am humbled and grateful that I have not battled what so many other's have had to battle due to genetics and diet.

As I said, I'm giving the ZC woe a go, but still coming home to MFP for the community and, at least for now, to continue to track my food. I just can't give that up yet!! in this first week, I have noticed a significant change in my appetite and rarely eat at goal. I know that's not optimal, but neither is it intentional. I've cooked large cuts of meat, and can't always finish it. I am also not yet ready to cut down to just "meat and water", and given that I am relatively healthy and only slightly overweight, I don't feel it necessary. But I have noticed that I do not crave anything and when I do have coffee with cream or certain cheese (Swiss yesterday), it actually tastes sweet to me.

Ok, wow, that's a book (especially for me), thanks for 'listening' and being willing to share and help!