Embracing a New Lifestyle: Bitcoin Standard and Carnivore Diet

Since the end of December 2024, I have embarked on a personal transformative journey by adopting two significant lifestyle changes: living on a Bitcoin Standard and switching to a carnivore diet. These changes were inspired by the books The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous and Fiat Food by Matthew Lysiak and Saifedean Ammous. While it may seem like a typical New Year’s resolution, this transition holds a much deeper meaning for me.

For the past 50 days, I have been conducting a personal experiment to assess how these lifestyle changes impact my daily life. This article provides an update on my progress so far, and I plan to share further insights in the future.

Living on a Bitcoin Standard

Since 2017, I have been interested in Bitcoin, but only in recent years have I fully embraced the idea of living on a Bitcoin Standard. At the end of December 2024, I decided to transition my finances to Bitcoin (BTC), meaning that after paying my monthly bills in fiat currency at the beginning of each month, I converted the remaining funds into Bitcoin. In reality, this approach could be described as a “Bitcoin Standard Light.”

By shifting to Bitcoin, I have minimized my reliance on traditional money and banking systems. However, since Austria has limited options for directly spending Bitcoin, I rely on a Bitcoin-backed credit card that provides cashback rewards in Satoshis. This strategy aligns with the principles outlined in The Bitcoin Standard, which explains how Bitcoin, as a decentralized and scarce digital asset, serves as a more reliable store of value than fiat currencies.

One of the primary advantages of living on a Bitcoin Standard is the concept of financial sovereignty. Using Bitcoin allows me to retain full control over my assets without being dependent on banks or financial intermediaries. Additionally, Bitcoin acts as a hedge against inflation, preserving purchasing power in a world where fiat currencies continue to lose value. Within the Eurozone, for instance, purchasing power has decreased by approximately 40% over the last two decades. Unlike traditional money, Bitcoin’s fixed supply prevents its devaluation by government intervention.

Beyond financial protection, adopting Bitcoin also provides the opportunity for long-term appreciation. Many companies are already investing in Bitcoin or integrating it into their treasury reserves, further validating its value proposition. Furthermore, being part of the Bitcoin ecosystem means contributing to a decentralized financial system that operates outside the influence of central banks and governments, which fosters increased financial inclusion and innovation.

Despite these advantages, there are challenges associated with living on a Bitcoin Standard. Bitcoin’s volatility can lead to significant short-term price fluctuations, which pose financial risks. However, historical trends indicate that holding Bitcoin for more than two years has consistently resulted in positive returns. Additionally, regulatory uncertainty remains a concern, as governments worldwide continue to develop policies that could impact Bitcoin usage. That being said, there are positive developments, such as the United States moving toward a more Bitcoin-friendly regulatory environment and even considering a Sovereign Wealth Fund. The limited acceptance of Bitcoin in the EU for everyday transactions also presents an obstacle, though solutions like Bitcoin-backed credit cards with BTC cash-back offer practical alternatives.

As of 2025, Bitcoin adoption continues to grow significantly. Approximately 106 million people globally now own at least a fraction of Bitcoin, and in November 2024, the global cryptocurrency market value exceeded US$3 trillion. In the United States alone, about 28% of adults, which accounts for roughly 65 million people, own cryptocurrencies, with Bitcoin remaining the most sought-after digital asset.

Transition to a Carnivore Diet

Inspired by the book Fiat Food, I decided to switch to a carnivore diet in December 2024. This dietary shift involves consuming only animal-based products while eliminating carbohydrates entirely. The book provides a compelling argument about how fiat money has influenced the food industry, leading to the mass production of processed and industrialized foods that negatively impact human health. By adopting a carnivore diet, I aim to break free from this system and optimize my nutrition.

One of the most immediate benefits I have experienced from this diet is the simplicity it brings to my daily life. Meal planning and grocery shopping require less effort since my food choices are limited to high-quality animal products. Additionally, the health benefits have been noticeable. In just 50 days, I have lost over eight kilograms and experienced a significant boost in both mental clarity and physical energy levels. To ensure that I maintain proper nutrition, I regularly monitor my blood and urine markers.

While the carnivore diet has provided many advantages, there are potential downsides that must be considered. Critics argue that eliminating plant-based foods may result in nutrient deficiencies. However, this can be mitigated by consuming nutrient-dense organ meats, such as liver, and supplementing with electrolytes when necessary. Another challenge is the limited variety of food choices, which can make social dining situations more complicated. Nevertheless, I have found ways to adapt, such as ordering only meat-based options at fast-food restaurants like McDonald's. The long-term health impacts of a carnivore diet remain uncertain, which is why I continue to conduct regular health checks to track my body's response to this new way of eating. By transitioning my body’s energy source from carbohydrates to saturated fats, I am testing how my metabolism adapts over time.

The popularity of the carnivore diet has been growing, particularly in the United States. Social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok have played a significant role in this trend, with the hashtag #CarnivoreDiet gaining traction as users share their personal experiences and results. Over 1,5 billion people have view social media posts about carnivore diet in 2024 (yahoo!Life) While many praise the diet for its simplicity and potential health benefits, ongoing discussions continue about its nutritional adequacy and long-term sustainability.

Cross-References Between Bitcoin Standard and Carnivore Lifestyle

There are striking similarities between living on a Bitcoin Standard and following a carnivore diet. Both lifestyle choices require a critical mindset that questions mainstream narratives, whether it be about monetary policy or nutrition. Individuals who embrace these changes must be willing to challenge conventional wisdom, make independent decisions, and take full responsibility for their own well-being.

Both approaches promote simplicity, as they reduce unnecessary complexity in daily life. Bitcoin eliminates the need to navigate inflationary fiat systems, while the carnivore diet simplifies food choices by focusing solely on animal-based nutrition. Additionally, both philosophies align with the principle of "Don’t Trust, Verify." Bitcoiners do not blindly trust banks or central authorities or any third parties, just as carnivore dieters reject mainstream dietary guidelines in favor of firsthand experimentation and scientific inquiry.

References

1. Ammous, S. (2018). The Bitcoin Standard: The Decentralized Alternative to Central Banking. Wiley. Retrieved from https://saifedean.com/the-bitcoin-standard/
2. Why Inflation Destroyed Our Health and How Bitcoin Fixes It : Lysiak, Matthew, Ammous, Saifedean: Amazon.de: Bücher
3. Statista. (2025). Global number of cryptocurrency owners. Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1202468/global-number-of-crypto-owners/
4. Reuters. (2024). Bitcoin market cap reaches US$3 trillion. Retrieved from Bitcoin more than doubles in 2024 on spot ETF approval, Trump euphoria | Reuters

Helmut Schindlwick is an experienced enterprise architect, enthusiastic consultant, and author who believes in ongoing change. Helmut is devoted to professional excellence and innovation and believes in lifelong learning. This article is for general information purposes only. It is not intended as legal, financial or investment advice and should not be construed or relied on as such. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any organisation's official policy or position.