20 May Breaking Vegan: A Physician’s Health Journey from Vegan to Carnivore with Aimie Apigaian
Are you or have you ever thought about being vegan? For years people have asked me “what if I’m vegan” and I always say “I totally respect your decision and love that you do it for the reasons you do it, but for ME, I don’t think it’s the best way and my plans do not support being vegan.”
So I brought Dr. Aimie on to dig deeper on being vegan. Not only is she a super knowledgeable physician, author, and speaker, but for over three decades, Dr. Aimie Apigian wore her veganism like a badge of honor. While her peers struggled with diets and food choices, she had it all figured out—or so she thought. She was eating the “healthiest” way possible, backed by scientific studies and a lifetime of conviction.
Then midlife hit like a freight train. The brain fog she’d normalized, the digestive issues she’d ignored, and the emotional challenges she’d pushed through suddenly became impossible to dismiss. What happened next would shatter everything she believed about nutrition and force her into a dietary transformation that shocked even herself.
From Vegetarianism to Veganism
Growing up in a religiously vegetarian household and transitioning to veganism at age 11, Dr. Apigian believed she was following the healthiest possible diet – based on what she had known and learned and come to believe was “true”. This wasn’t just a food choice—it was her identity. As a physician who attended medical school at Loma Linda University, a vegetarian campus, she had both personal conviction and scientific backing for her plant-based lifestyle.
BUT midlife brought unexpected challenges that forced her to question everything she thought she previously knew about her vegan diet and lifestyle.
Science Behind Why Some Thrive on Plants While Others Need Animals
While there are a lot of studies that show that eating meat compared to not eating meat increases one’s disease burden and mortality. The way the studies are done show it clearly: those on plant-based diets have lower cholesterol which is associated with a decreased instance of heart disease and vascular disease.
So Dr. Aimie started digging through the research and found that the way they were doing their studies was more like comparing those who ate fast food to those who only ate plants.
I mean, it’s not rocket science to know that eating organic plants is better for you than McDonald’s. Right?! But what about healthy, organic, pure, grass-fed, high quality, clean animal proteins?
The research on plant-based versus animal-based diets often compares processed meat consumption with whole plant foods, rather than examining high-quality animal products versus plants. Dr. Apigian points out several important considerations:
Quality Matters More Than Category
Many studies showing negative health outcomes from meat consumption involve processed, low-quality animal products rather than grass-fed, humanely raised options. The way meat is prepared—particularly cooking at high temperatures—can create harmful compounds.
Individual Biology Varies Dramatically
While some people genuinely thrive on plant-based diets, others may have genetic variations (like methylation imbalances) that create different nutritional needs. Midlife women, in particular, may find their protein requirements increase as hormonal changes affect muscle mass and metabolism.
The Protein Absorption Factor
Even when plant foods provide adequate protein on paper, digestive issues common in midlife can prevent proper absorption. Animal proteins offer complete amino acid profiles in more readily absorbed forms.
The Breaking Point: When Exercise Couldn’t Mask the Problems
Dr. Aimie’s transformation began during a particularly stressful period. As a surgery resident who had also adopted a child from foster care, she was managing intense emotional and physical demands. Then a collarbone injury prevented her from exercising—something she’d unknowingly used for decades to manage her emotions and survival.
Without her usual physical outlet, stored and suppressed emotions and symptoms she’d normalized for years suddenly became unavoidable. The brain fog, digestive issues, and overall malaise she’d attributed to “normal life” could no longer be ignored.
The Science Behind Her Decision to go Carnivore: Methylation Imbalance
This led Dr. Aimie’s to her discovery of a methylation imbalance—a genetic variation affecting how her body processed certain nutrients. She found that her own biology was creating a susceptibility for overwhelm and burnout. This finding explained many of her physical and emotional challenges and pointed to a surprising solution: she needed more protein, specifically animal protein.
We all have unique biological needs for how much protein we need, but for midlife women, protein requirements become increasingly critical. Research shows that adequate protein intake, particularly in our 40s and 50s, can significantly impact how well we age. However, not all protein sources are created equal in terms of bioavailability and absorption – and not everyone is able to digest the protein they eat. (More on the importance of protein digestive enzymes here).
From Vegan to Fish to Full Carnivore
Dr. Aimie’s first experiment with animal protein happened during a vacation in Colombia, where she secretly tried fish. The results were immediate and undeniable:
- Brain fog lifted within two hours
- Energy levels increased dramatically
- Chronic pain decreased
- Depression and anxiety improved
These benefits were so pronounced that she couldn’t ignore them, despite the emotional challenge of abandoning her lifelong identity as a vegan.
Eventually, Dr. Aimie progressed to eating red meat and, for the past year, has followed a complete carnivore diet—consuming only animal products while supplementing with antioxidants to replace those typically obtained from plants.
The Emotional Journey: Moving Beyond Vegan Dietary Identity
Perhaps the most challenging aspect of Dr. Apigian’s transformation wasn’t physical but psychological in letting go of a decades-long identity required what she calls “parts work”—acknowledging that one part of her cared deeply about animals while another part needed to prioritize her health. She emphasizes the importance of approaching your body as a partner rather than something to control or override. This mindset shift allows for dietary flexibility based on changing needs rather than rigid adherence to a particular eating philosophy.
Carnivore Cooking Methods Matter: Maximizing Nutrition While Minimizing Risk
For those incorporating more animal products, preparation methods significantly impact health outcomes. Dr. Apigian recommends:
- Using lower cooking temperatures for longer periods
- Avoiding charring or burning meat
- Steaming, boiling, or braising instead of grilling or frying
- Choosing leaner cuts when possible to reduce exposure to damaged fats
Guidance for Women Considering Extreme Dietary Changes Like Carnivore
Dr. Apigian’s story highlights a crucial point often missing from nutrition debates: there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to optimal eating. What works for one person may not work for another, and what works for you at 30 may not serve you at 50.
Midlife brings unique nutritional challenges, from changing hormone levels to declining muscle mass to increased inflammation. Rather than adhering rigidly to any dietary philosophy, the focus should be on finding what genuinely supports your individual health and vitality.
Dr. Aimie’s journey from vegan to carnivore offers valuable lessons for women questioning their nutritional choices:
- Become Your Own Health Detective
Rather than following rigid dietary ideologies, learn to tune into your body’s signals. Track how different foods make you feel over time, not just immediately after eating.
- Start Small and Experiment
If you’re considering adding animal products to a plant-based diet, start gradually. You might begin with high-quality fish or eggs before considering other animal proteins.
- Focus on Quality Over Quantity
Whether choosing plant or animal foods, prioritize quality sources. For animal products, this means grass-fed, humanely raised options without antibiotics or hormones.
- Consider Professional Guidance
Working with a healthcare provider who understands functional nutrition can help identify potential genetic factors or nutrient deficiencies affecting your optimal diet.
Dr. Apigian’s story continues to evolve. While she currently thrives on a carnivore diet, she remains open to adjusting her approach based on new evidence or changing needs. This flexibility, rather than rigid adherence to any particular dietary philosophy, may be the key to long-term health and vitality. Her transformation serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes the path to optimal health requires challenging our deepest beliefs about what we “should” eat and instead focusing on what actually serves our individual bodies and lives.
The contents of the Midlife Conversations podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider. Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links mentioned on this podcast.
