Does Calorie Restriction Even Work? What About the Carnivore Diet AND Fruit?

Today we are excited to have Paul Saladino join us for a masterclass on food and diets. Dr. Saladino dives into the evolution of keto and carnivore diets, cutting through trends to focus on lasting health impacts. Dr. Saladino, widely recognized as CarnivoreMD, shares how his own diet shifted to include fruit and honey alongside animal-based nutrition, and why metabolic flexibility—not rigid rules—leads to better outcomes. Together, he and Dave challenge assumptions about long-term ketosis, examine its potential downsides, and explore how to optimize diets for energy, gut health, and longevity.

They also tackle controversial topics like the risks of seed oils, the overhyped reputation of “health foods” like quinoa, and the critical roles insulin and nutrient density play in overall wellness. With insights on balancing mTOR, managing omega fats, and incorporating organ meats, this episode offers a nuanced perspective for anyone interested in biohacking, nutrition science, or simply eating smarter.

What you’ll learn:

• Why metabolic flexibility matters more than strict diet rules

• The science behind long-term ketosis and insulin’s broader role in health

• How common “health foods” could be doing more harm than good

• The importance of nutrient-dense animal-based foods for gut and immune health

• How to achieve optimal balance between fat types, mTOR, and longevity markers

Resources:

2025 Biohacking Conference – https://biohackingconference.com/2025

Shop Paul Saladino’s Products – https://heartandsoil.co

Follow Paul Saladino on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/paulsaladinomd/

Paul Saladino’s Book: The Carnivore Code – https://www.amazon.com/Carnivore-Code-Unlocking-Returning-Ancestral/dp/035846997X

Lineage Provisions – 100% Grass-Fed Beef Tallow – https://lineageprovisions.com/products/100-grass-fed-beef-tallow

Danger Coffee – https://dangercoffee.com

Danger Coffee Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/dangercoffeeofficial/

Dave Asprey’s Website – https://daveasprey.com

Dave Asprey’s Book: Smarter Not Harder – https://daveasprey.com/books

Dave Asprey’s Linktree – https://linktr.ee/daveasprey

Upgrade Collective: Join The Human Upgrade Podcast Live – https://www.ourupgradecollective.com

Own an Upgrade Labs – https://ownanupgradelabs.com

Upgrade Labs – https://upgradelabs.com

40 Years of Zen – Neurofeedback Training for Advanced Cognitive Enhancement – https://40yearsofzen.com

Sponsors:

- Timeline | Head to https://www.timeline.com/dave to get 10% off your first order.

- LMNT | Free LMNT Sample Pack with any drink mix purchase by going to https://drinklmnt.com/dave.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Intro

• 00:40 Paul Saladino’s Evolution in Diet

• 01:21 Challenges of a Strict Carnivore Diet

• 03:36 Reintroducing Carbohydrates

• 05:32 Debunking Common Diet Myths

• 13:49 The Problem with Calorie Restriction

• 18:30 The Importance of Food Quality

• 24:08 The Veganism Debate

• 34:15 The Benefits of Organ Meats

• 37:27 Foot Surgery and Bone Density

• 39:23 Mineral Deficiency and Plant-Based Diets

• 40:00 The Truth About Seed Oils

• 41:10 Historical Studies on Seed Oils

• 47:26 Mechanisms and Effects of Seed Oils

• 52:33 Nicotine and Neuroprotection

• 54:12 Oleic Acid and Longevity

• 01:01:44 The Benefits of Animal Fats

• 01:02:32 Odd Chain Fatty Acids and Health

• 01:11:07 Cheese and Dairy Considerations

• 01:13:11 The Impact of Cheese on Health

• 01:14:03 Protein Intake and Longevity

• 01:14:54 Understanding mTOR and Its Effects

• 01:17:35 Ideal Body Fat and Metabolic Health

• 01:24:38 The Role of Omega Fatty Acids

• 01:32:46 ApoB, Insulin Sensitivity, and Longevity

• 01:43:09 Final Thoughts and Product Recommendations

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The Human Upgrade: Biohacking for Longevity & Performance