The Untold Journey of Leaving Carnivore: My Story With Dr. Sarah

Meeting Dr. Sarah — The Beginning of an Unexpected Transformation

I first met Dr. Sarah Zaldivar about four or so years ago while producing my keto series. Back then, I was transitioning deeper into the carnivore space, and Dr. Sarah immediately stood out. She wasn’t just knowledgeable—she was passionate, charismatic on camera, a natural teacher, and incredibly easy to work with.

One moment that has stuck with me all these years was visiting her home for a shoot. Her husband—towering around 6’4”—was also in incredible shape. And then there was Dr. Sarah herself: disciplined on a level that honestly felt almost extreme. She ate nearly the exact same carnivore meals every day. No variation. No exceptions.

On set, she was as kind as she was intense. She listened. She shared. She helped me see something about myself that I had never wanted to admit publicly:
I had a food addiction.

And despite how personal and vulnerable that was, she made it easy to talk about. Her insight was powerful. She helped more than she probably realized.

The Moment Everything Shifted

Fast forward to recently.
A social media post of hers caught my eye—and it stopped me in my tracks. It looked like she had changed something… something big.

She wasn’t fully carnivore anymore.

So I reached out.
And when we spoke, I was blown away.

I’ve always supported the carnivore lifestyle wholeheartedly. I’ve seen lives change. I’ve watched labs improve—everything from inflammation to autoimmune issues. I’ve lived the benefits myself. Three strict carnivore months helped me rebuild discipline, lose weight, and reduce inflammation dramatically.

But I’ve always returned to a more flexible, meat-based, keto-centered lifestyle afterward—something with room for fruit or a normal meal here and there, always in moderation.

Dr. Sarah, however, had been one of the strict ones.
Until she wasn’t.

The Paul Saladino Parallel — Another Carnivore Pioneer Who Shifted

Her change reminded me of Paul Saladino, once the face of hardline carnivore. He too moved away from strict carnivore after experiencing:

• Muscle cramps
• Heart palpitations
• Sleep disturbances
• Lowered testosterone

He concluded that long-term ketosis may not be ideal for everyone, and added fruit and honey back into his diet—what he now calls an animal-based diet.
He believes the carbohydrates helped with mineral retention and overall health.

Even after writing The Carnivore Code, he eventually admitted:
“It’s humbling. You put your thoughts into cement. And then you change your thoughts.”

What Carnivore Really Is—and What It Isn’t

A carnivore diet is simple: meat, fish, eggs, and sometimes dairy. Saladino followed one of the most extreme versions—organs and grass-fed ground beef exclusively.

He claimed the diet cured autoimmune issues like asthma and eczema.
But today? He eats 300 grams of carbs daily, almost entirely from fruit.
Still no vegetables.

And yet the carnivore community remains fiercely loyal—62,000 members strong on Reddit alone—believing it supports hormone balance, longevity, and even prevents gray hair.

Dr. Sarah’s Evolution — And the Pushback That Followed

Dr. Sarah told me she had become leaner, fitter, and more energetic after adding back strategically chosen carbs.
She’s still meat-based. Still disciplined. She’s not about to eat pizza and fries.

But she found something that works better for her body.

And as I always say:
We are what we eat. What we put into our mouths determines our health future—good or bad.

Even as I write this, my own food addiction is a daily fight. But I’ve learned from experts like Dr. Sarah what I need to do to stay healthy.

Recipe: Low Carb Jamaican Curry Chicken

Who Dr. Sarah Zaldivar Really Is

Dr. Sarah holds a doctorate in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition from the University of Miami.
She taught for over a decade at the University of Miami and Miami Dade College before focusing full-time on research, content creation, and coaching.

For years, she taught health and fitness while quietly battling:

• Binge eating
• Acne
• Fatigue
• Weight issues
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Sugar addiction

She found freedom through raising her baseline dopamine and following a metabolism-boosting protocol.

Today, she coaches thousands—helping them transform their bodies, addictions, and mindset.

One thing I’ve always admired about Dr. Sarah is her free spirit—a kind of natural glow that’s impossible to miss. She’s not just a scientist or a coach; she’s an artist too. She sings, she creates her own music, and she expresses herself in ways that feel bold and alive. Every so often she’ll post a photo where she’s dressed beautifully, looking every bit the confident, stunning young woman she is. But make no mistake—she’s all business when it comes to her work.

What makes her unique is the way she blends all of this together: passion, femininity, discipline, sexiness, creativity, and a deep devotion to helping others. She manages to be married, grounded, and completely committed to her mission, while still embracing the full expression of who she is. It’s rare to see someone navigate those worlds with that kind of balance, but somehow she does it effortlessly.

Recipe: Low Carb Spicy Saucy Caribbean Mahi Mahi

Dr. Sarah’s Personal Carbohydrate Reintroduction — In Her Own Experience

After several years of strict carnivore, she described it as “life-changing” at first. Stable blood sugar, high energy, boosted dopamine. But over time, especially as her training demands increased, the cracks started showing:

• Nervous system fatigue (“wired but tired”)
• Slower recovery
• A dip in appetite
• Decreased motivation

She realized zero-carb was limiting her performance—and possibly draining dopamine over time.

So she reintroduced carbs strategically:
fruit, rice, potatoes, even some beans. Slowly. Mindfully.

The results?

• Better recovery
• Improved mood resilience
• Higher motivation
• Stronger training performance
• More hormonal balance

She didn’t “quit carnivore”—she evolved it.

What I Believe Going Forward

I plan to follow up with Dr. Sarah over the next few months—both about her personal results and the outcomes she’s seeing with clients.

Carnivore, keto, animal-based, or something else entirely…
The right diet is the one your body responds to.

Eat real food.
Eat less.
Fast when you can.
Sleep deeply.
Manage stress.

Your life literally depends on it.

Q&A About the Carnivore Lifestyle

Is carnivore safe long-term?

Some people thrive long-term, while others—like Paul Saladino and Dr. Sarah—found drawbacks after extended periods. It depends on genetics, activity levels, and metabolic health.

Can you add carbs and still be “carnivore”?

Strictly speaking, no.
But many now prefer the term animal-based, which is still meat-focused but allows for strategic carbohydrates.

Why do some people feel great at first but worse later?

Zero-carb can initially stabilize blood sugar and dopamine, but long-term ketosis may stress the nervous system, hormones, or mineral balance in some individuals.

Are vegetables necessary?

Not necessarily. Many carnivore practitioners avoid them entirely. Others tolerate certain carbs better than plants. Personal experimentation is key.

Is the carnivore community supportive of people who make changes?

Sometimes yes—but often, no. Many strict carnivores criticize anyone who deviates. Dr. Sarah has experienced that pushback firsthand.

For more information on Dr Sarah visit: https://www.drsarahzaldivar.com/shop/ 

About the Author

Charles Mattocks is an award-winning filmmaker, actor, author, and global health advocate. The nephew of reggae legend Bob Marley, Charles has devoted his life to raising awareness about chronic illness, health equity, and personal empowerment. His groundbreaking television projects — including Reversed and Eight Days — have aired on major networks and inspired audiences worldwide. Through his work in film, writing, and health media, Charles continues to champion wellness and the importance of evidence-based care across communities.