From Weight Watchers to Food Freedom
Courtney’s journey with dieting began early – attending her first Weight Watchers meeting at age 13. Over the next 25 years, she cycled through numerous diet programs including Special K cereal plans, SlimFast, and the cabbage soup diet. While she found some success with paleo and keto approaches, maintaining weight loss remained challenging.
Breaking Free from the “All Foods Fit” Mindset
After losing 50 pounds through low-carb eating following the birth of her second child, Courtney got caught up in the popular “anti-diet culture” messaging. The idea that all foods could fit and that moderation was key led her to reintroduce foods like croissants. Within four months, she had regained 40 pounds and found herself struggling both physically and mentally.
The Transition to Carnivore
After exploring an animal-based diet for 5 weeks, Courtney noticed she still experienced sugar cravings, particularly for fruit. This led her to transition to a strict carnivore approach. The discovery that she was an “abstainer” rather than a “moderator” when it came to certain foods was transformative. For her, completely eliminating triggering foods proved more successful than attempting moderation.
Mental Health Improvements
While Courtney has maintained a 55-pound weight loss for two years, the benefits extend beyond the scale. Previously on medication for anxiety and depression, she noticed improvements in her mental health within the first month of carnivore eating. She attributes this to reducing inflammation through diet.
A Chef’s Approach to Carnivore Cooking
Drawing from her background as a yacht chef, Courtney brings creativity to carnivore cooking while keeping daily meals simple. Her approach typically involves basic protein-focused meals like steaks, burger patties, and salmon, with more elaborate recipes reserved for weekly special occasions. This balance helps maintain sustainability while satisfying her love of cooking.
Feeding a Family on Animal Foods
Courtney’s household follows an animal-based approach, with her children eating meat, fruit, and dairy. She prepares kid-friendly versions of familiar foods, including pizza and lasagna made with carnivore-friendly ingredients. This allows her to say “yes” to foods her children enjoy while maintaining alignment with their family’s dietary principles.
Finding the Right Fat-to-Protein Balance
Through experimentation, Courtney has refined her approach over time. She initially consumed equal amounts of fat and protein (around 130 grams each) during her first year, which resulted in a 45-pound weight loss. She later adjusted to higher protein levels, leading to additional weight loss, and is currently exploring a higher-fat approach.
Sustainable Success Through Simplicity
Two and a half years into her carnivore journey, Courtney maintains her weight loss through a straightforward approach. She emphasizes that while she enjoys creating recipes and occasional treats, her daily meals remain simple. This strategy helps her avoid the overconsumption that often occurred with her previous way of eating.
A New Relationship with Food
The transition to carnivore has transformed Courtney’s relationship with food. Rather than struggling with moderation or trying to fit problematic foods into her diet, she has found freedom in abstaining from foods that previously triggered overconsumption. She views this as a sustainable approach that supports both her physical and mental well-being.
Sharing the Message Through Cooking
As the author of “Carnivore in the Kitchen,” Courtney aims to make the carnivore lifestyle more accessible to others. While she acknowledges that elaborate recipes aren’t necessary for success, she believes having options can help people transition and maintain this way of eating. Her work supports the growing carnivore community and provides resources for those interested in exploring this dietary approach.
