Understanding the Spectrum of Ancestral, Therapeutic Nutrition

One of the biggest questions I hear from clients, parents, and families navigating metabolic and neurological health is:
"How many carbs should I be eating?"

The truth is, there’s no single magic number. But there is a spectrum — and once you understand it, you can find a personalized approach that supports your body, your brain, your family, and your goals.

As a Certified Nutritionist, Primal Health Coach, and Applied Ketogenic Diet Specialist — and as a mom of three amazing children with autism (two with ADHD) — I’ve seen firsthand how changing the way we eat can transform behavior, improve focus, reduce outbursts, support emotional regulation, and promote natural, sustainable weight loss.

This guide breaks down the four key approaches you’ll find on this site — all of which support metabolic healing, brain optimization, and long-term wellness.

🥩 CARNIVORE: Zero Carb (or Close to It)

The carnivore diet is a highly therapeutic, animal-based way of eating that removes all plant foods, focusing entirely on nutrient-dense animal proteins and fats: meat, eggs, fish, butter, and sometimes dairy.

🔸 Carb range: 0–10g total carbs per day
🔸 Focus: pure elimination, simplicity, and deep healing

Why it works:

✔ Autism & ADHD: Removes food dyes, additives, sugar, and inflammatory plant compounds; supports brain-calming neurotransmitters through amino acids and fat
✔ Brain Function: High in DHA, B12, zinc, and saturated fat — nutrients essential for memory, mood, and cognitive performance
✔ Weight Loss: Ultra-low insulin response, naturally reduces appetite and cravings
✔ Gut Healing: Removes irritating fiber and lectins for those with severe digestive issues

“Carnivore changed everything for us when we needed a reset. Outbursts decreased, focus improved, and digestion became more stable. It’s not forever for everyone — but it’s a powerful tool in the toolbox.”

🥑 KETO: Very Low-Carb (Under 30g Net)

The ketogenic diet prioritizes fat for fuel by reducing carbs to a point where the body enters a state of ketosis, burning ketones for energy instead of glucose.

🔸 Carb range: Under 20–30g net carbs/day
🔸 Focus: metabolic healing, neurological support, and blood sugar balance

Why it works:

✔ Autism & ADHD: Stable blood sugar, ketone production, and reduced inflammation all support calmer behavior and improved attention
✔ Brain Function: Ketones are a clean, efficient brain fuel — often improving mood, memory, and mental clarity
✔ Weight Loss: Promotes fat-burning, reduces hunger hormones, and reverses insulin resistance
✔ Neuroprotection: Used therapeutically for epilepsy, Parkinson’s, and even early Alzheimer’s

“We’ve used keto for years to support brain health and reduce meltdowns. The results have been incredible — not just for the kids, but for me too.”

🥬 LOW-CARB: Moderate Carb (50–100g Net)

Low-carb eating introduces more flexibility — allowing more vegetables, fruit, and traditional starches (in moderation), while still minimizing blood sugar spikes and inflammation.

🔸 Carb range: 50–100g net carbs/day
🔸 Focus: balance, flexibility, and long-term sustainability

Why it works:

✔ Autism & ADHD: Still supports blood sugar balance and reduces junk-food cravings without being overly restrictive
✔ Brain Function: Keeps insulin stable and allows mental energy to remain consistent throughout the day
✔ Weight Loss: Naturally lowers insulin while keeping satiety high
✔ Digestive Health: Encourages diverse fiber sources without overloading the gut

“This is a great sweet spot for many families. You get food freedom, better focus, fewer meltdowns — and you’re still lowering inflammation every day.”

🏕️ PRIMAL: Ancestral Flexibility with Whole Foods (75–150g Net)

The Primal approach is rooted in ancestral nutrition — focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods that our bodies are biologically adapted to. It emphasizes natural movement, sunlight, sleep, and stress reduction, along with a flexible, real-food diet that limits modern processed ingredients.

🔸 Carb range: 75–150g net carbs/day
🔸 Focus: ancestral patterns, food quality, and metabolic flexibility

Why it works:

✔ Autism & ADHD: Emphasizes real foods, reduces additives and ultra-processed ingredients that can trigger symptoms
✔ Brain Function: Prioritizes omega-3s, fat-soluble vitamins, and stable energy from whole food fats and carbs
✔ Weight Loss: Supports insulin sensitivity without strict restriction
✔ Digestive Health: Encourages diverse fiber sources without overloading the gut
✔ Family-Friendly: Encourages home-cooked meals, seasonal eating, and balance over perfection

“Primal is often where long-term health truly thrives — it’s sustainable, flexible, and deeply nourishing. Great for active families who want real food without the extremes.”

What All of These Diets Have in Common:

Whether you're starting with Carnivore or leaning into a more flexible Low Carb Primal Lifestyle, these ancestral, lower-carb ways of eating all help to:

✅ Reduce inflammation
✅ Balance blood sugar and insulin
✅ Nourish the brain with healthy fats and amino acids
✅ Support neurotransmitter health
✅ Improve gut function
✅ Eliminate ultra-processed triggers and artificial ingredients

And when it comes to autism, ADHD, and mental focus — stabilizing the gut-brain connection and blood sugar is key.

✨ You don’t have to choose just one forever. Many of us cycle through these ways of eating depending on our seasons, stress levels, and goals.

On this website, you’ll find recipes, guides, tips, and tools for all four approaches — whether you’re going zero-carb for healing or leaning into low carbs.. This is food for real life. For real people. For real healing.