The Truth Behind Veganism: Insights from 10 Weeks of Treatment!

I talked with Frank Bohne about a life that went from strict veganism and anorexia to healing, strength, and an unusual love for butchering lambs. His story is raw, honest, and full of surprising lessons about health, recovery, and knowing where your food comes from.


From a Vegan Purpose to a Dangerous Low

Frank went vegan at 18 because he wanted purpose. He pushed that idea so hard it hurt his health. By age 20, he had severe anorexia. He was down to about 121 pounds at 6'1". He even spent 10 weeks at Johns Hopkins for treatment.


Johns Hopkins used force feeding and careful medical checks. Frank left weighing about 160 pounds. That stay saved his life, but it did not fix his relationship with food.


Chronic Lyme, Antibiotics, and a Ruined Gut

After Hopkins, Frank later faced chronic Lyme disease and heavy IV antibiotics. His gut was damaged, and gaining healthy weight felt impossible. He tried many diets (keto, paleo, AIP) until he found carnivore.


In 2018, Frank went largely carnivore. In two months of strict carnivore, he gained about 30 pounds. He reports major improvements in energy and lab markers. At one point, his total testosterone jumped from low double digits to high numbers after changing his diet.


Raw Meat, Nose to Tail, and Lamb Obsession

Frank now eats mostly raw meat and focuses on sheep. He doesn't raise his own flock. He finds small farms in Vermont, buys animals, and then butchers them himself. He keeps whole carcasses in freezers, at farms, and yes, sometimes in his car.


He eats the full animal: backstrap, shanks, marrow, organs, and fat. He doesn't season much. He chooses what his body craves in the moment. That approach helps him stay well and feel in control of his health.


Why Lamb?
  • Lambs are easier to handle than cows and more practical for solo butchering.
  • Grass-fed lamb tastes different and, to Frank, more real than store meat.
  • He believes lamb fits a keto carnivore approach well because of the fat profile.

Practical Lessons From Frank
  1. Weight and labs matter. Low body weight can wreck hormones. Rebuilding helped Frank recover physically.
  2. Find food that helps you function. For Frank, carnivore restored energy and appetite control.
  3. Learn where your food comes from. Butchering and processing your own animals builds respect for the whole process.
  4. Recovery is not linear. Frank still experiments, eats fermented foods sometimes, and adapts as his life changes.

Where Frank is Now

He lives in Vermont, continues to work with local farms, butchers sheep, and focuses on fitness. He will also start massage therapy school soon. His goal is to keep building skill and stability while sharing butchering knowledge with others who want to learn.


FAQ

Q: How fast did Frank gain weight on carnivore?

A: He gained about 30 pounds in 60 days when he first tried strict carnivore. That change helped him feel more stable and energetic.


Q: Is raw meat safe to eat?

A: Frank prepares meat carefully and sources from farms he trusts. Raw meat carries risk, so anyone trying it should learn safe handling, storage, and sourcing first.


Q: Does Frank raise his own sheep?

A: No. He buys lambs from local farms and often butchers them himself. He prefers buying from small grass-fed farms he can trust.


Q: Does this look like an eating disorder?

A: Frank had an eating disorder in his past. Now he says he is functional and healthy. His approach works for him, but it is not a prescription for everyone.


Q: How can I learn to butcher humanely?

A: Start with a local farmer, take a class, or learn from someone experienced. Watching and helping on a real farm is the best teacher.


Final Thoughts

I enjoyed Frank's honesty. His road was rocky, but he found a path that rebuilt his health and skills. If you want practical help getting lean and strong, the free masterclass will give you a clear plan to move forward.


If you're serious about making real progress with fat loss and muscle, I run a Free Bodybuilding Masterclass that lays out my 7-Phase system. It breaks down how to keep muscle, get shredded, and stay healthy without wasting time or money.



Stay Savage,

Robert Sikes

Register For My FREE Masterclass: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/registration-2

Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/

Subscribe to the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cjJssghqD01bdWBxRYEg?si=1XYKmPXmR4eKw2O9gGCEuQ






Written By

Robert Sikes

Subscribe


You might also like...

The Work Podcast Episode 52 - No Short Cuts
This episode was a bit more off-the-cuff, but honestly, that's where some of the most real conversations happen. We started out talking about c...
Read More →
The Work Podcast Episode 51 - Let’s Talk Labs
This episode was a solid reminder that progress comes from understanding your body, not fearing it. We walked through blood work, hormones, and...
Read More →