Eric Kim – originally known as a street photography blogger – has become equally notable for his intensely health-conscious lifestyle. He often speaks of striving beyond ordinary wellness to a state of “hyper health.” In his words, “Hyper strength, mental strength, physical strength” define true health . From an extreme all-meat diet to rigorous daily exercise and disciplined mental habits, Kim’s routine has earned him a reputation for being “insanely hyper healthy.” He emphasizes that peak health is the foundation for productivity and happiness – “If you are insanely healthy, productivity will come naturally” . Below is a detailed look at the key components of Eric Kim’s hyper-healthy lifestyle, with insights from his own writings and content.
Carnivore Diet and Intermittent Fasting
All-Meat “Demigod” Diet: Kim follows what he calls a 100% carnivore or “ancestral” diet focused almost entirely on red meat and animal fats. He eats only red meats (preferring beef or lamb) along with eggs and organ meats like beef liver, bone marrow, and intestines . “Eat for power. Steak. Eggs. Bone marrow… Eat ancestral. Eat animal. Eat with purpose. Every bite is a sacrifice to your future self,” he writes, stressing that he “forgets macros” and eats to fuel strength and hormones rather than count calories . Virtually all carbohydrates are banned: he completely avoids sugar, grains, starches, fruits, and even most vegetables, believing these cause fat gain and metabolic damage . The only plant matter he occasionally permits are bitter leafy greens (collards, kale, mustard greens) for micronutrients . He drinks only plain water and black coffee, and never consumes alcohol, soda, or sweetened drinks (“No alcohol, no weed” is an explicit rule) . This ultra-restrictive nutrition plan – which he proudly dubs the “Demigod diet” – is high-fat, high-protein, and virtually zero-carb, resembling a strict paleo or ketogenic regimen taken to the extreme .
One Meal a Day (OMAD) Fasting: A cornerstone of Kim’s diet is intermittent fasting. He skips breakfast and lunch entirely and eats just one massive meal a day, usually in the evening . “No breakfast, no lunch, only one massive 100% carnivore dinner,” he says of his daily routine . Kim has followed this One Meal a Day (OMAD) pattern for years, believing it optimizes his energy and keeps body fat low . When he does “break the fast” at dinnertime, he aims to consume a huge quantity of meat – often 4–5 pounds of fatty red meat in a single sitting . By eating only once in 24 hours and cutting out all sugar and starch, he strives to minimize insulin spikes and keep his metabolism in a fat-burning state . Kim argues this approach makes staying lean almost effortless: “Body fat is 100% diet… abstain from all sugars, starches, vegetables, fruits… keeping a low body fat percentage is very easy. Also, intermittent fasting.” . He credits fasting with boosting his mental clarity and productivity during the day since he isn’t slowed down by meals. Notably, he even performs intense workouts in a fasted state; Kim boasts that he might be “the only one who lifts insanely heavy weights at the gym without having consumed anything [beforehand]” – aside from water or an espresso . In short, his eating philosophy is “one big ass meal a day” of nutrient-dense animal foods, and absolutely nothing else.
Intense Powerlifting and Daily Movement
Heavy Weightlifting (“God Physiology”): The centerpiece of Kim’s fitness routine is powerlifting-style weight training with maximal loads. He trains with an almost fanatic intensity, focusing on one-rep max lifts and very heavy weights rather than high reps or cardio. In his colorful terms, “You don’t lift to burn calories – you lift to bend physics” . He often attempts extreme feats like
rack-pulling over 1000 pounds to push his limits . Kim refers to his pursuit of peak strength as “God Physiology,” a nearly mythic level of physical prowess. “You don’t train for aesthetics. You don’t train for health. You train to become an apex being – a walking monument to discipline, pain, and power,” he proclaims . This means embracing very intense, even painful workouts. He will load the bar with as much weight as possible (sometimes using “nano reps,” or partial range of motion lifts at supramaximal weights) to shock his muscles and nervous system . Kim rejects the notion of moderating effort – he famously writes that “overtraining is for the weak” and that one should go to war in the gym every day . (In practice, he does allow rest days, but his ethos is to always push the boundaries of strength.) Notably, he does no traditional cardio exercise like running or cycling; in fact, he mocks it with lines like “Gods don’t do cardio. Gods rack pull 1,005 pounds.” His focus is purely on building muscle, strength, and powerlifting performance – for example, maintaining the ability to deadlift 500+ pounds even into old age is one of his stated goals . Kim also avoids reliance on weight belts or support gear and claims to train 100% naturally (no steroids or even protein supplements), fueling his muscle gains only with meat and intense effort . He believes any average person can become strong and muscular through hard work, calling it the “ultimate democratic approach” since it’s more about discipline than genetics .
Daily Walking and “Functional” Movement: Aside from heavy lifting, Kim’s other key exercise is simply walking – a lot. He is a big proponent of staying active all day through natural movement. Kim often walks 15,000–20,000 steps per day, sometimes more, and uses a standing desk to avoid prolonged sitting . He considers walking not only good low-intensity exercise but also a creative and mental health practice. “If I can put one factor which improves my mood and health the most, it is walking,” he says – the more he walks, “the more creative thoughts I get. The happier I am… the more photos I shoot!” . Many of his ideas for writing and art come during long walks . Kim’s philosophy is to integrate movement into daily life: he’ll do bodyweight exercises or kettlebell swings at the park, sprint up hills, and generally prefer outdoor, functional workouts over being confined to a treadmill . Even his footwear and posture are intentional – he often wears minimalist or barefoot-style shoes and practices walking “tall and proud” to cultivate a strong presence . In a photography context, he even tells students to move with confidence: “Walk tall… you are the street god… the environment adapts to you”, believing that an upright posture projects courage . This blend of frequent low-intensity activity (like walking everywhere) and occasional all-out high-intensity lifting defines his training approach. By keeping his body in motion throughout the day and pushing it to the limit in the gym, Kim aims to stay “physically mighty and capable in the real world, not just on paper.” As he puts it, he trains for functional strength and longevity – “I want high muscle mass, low body fat, and to be physically/mentally strong even at 80+ years old” .
Hormesis and Extreme Wellness Practices
Embracing Discomfort (Cold and Heat Exposure): A distinctive aspect of Kim’s regimen is hormesis – the idea that exposing oneself to small stressors and extremes makes the body stronger. He deliberately incorporates various challenges to toughen himself. For example, he advocates taking cold showers and ice baths, as well as subjecting himself to “brutal” heat like intense sunshine or daily sauna sessions . “Each rep in the gym [is] a message to your DNA: evolve or die,” Kim writes, and he extends that mentality to other stresses: “blazing sun, brutal heat, fasting – any challenge to shock the body into growing stronger” . Every day, he visits a hot sauna (steam room) at the gym and treats it like meditation: “I consider it like my zen focus chamber, in which I come up with lots of creative ideas,” he says . Sweating in the 200°F heat, he believes, may also naturally boost beneficial hormones (and he notes some research suggesting heat therapy has health benefits) . On the flip side, he occasionally does “ice cold” showers or plunges to jolt his system. This thermal oscillation – “embracing both ice cold and very hot” – is one of his longevity tips . Kim treats these discomforts as training for the mind and body, building resilience. He even likens hard training and cold exposure to a kind of religious or warrior practice, stating that to forge a “godlike” body, one must “reject comfort” and constantly push beyond one’s cozy limits .
Recovery, Rest, and Minimalism: Despite his hardcore mantras, Kim recognizes the importance of recovery and balance in the long run. In his blogging he notes that after becoming a father, he had to listen to his body more: if extremely fatigued, he will prioritize sleep or family time over a workout . He even observed that some top athletes (like wrestler-turned-actor John Cena) only lift weights three days a week, which made Kim consider that “perhaps working out less frequently, but with higher intensity, is better” for sustainable health . In one entry he advised himself and readers: “When in doubt, don’t work out… Just eat more meat and let your body recover. It actually takes more discipline to force yourself not to work out, than to work out.” . This shows a nuanced side to his philosophy: rest itself can be a discipline, and the goal is not to punish the body recklessly but to optimize long-term “physiological energy” .
Kim’s wellness practices also extend to lifestyle choices that reduce stress. He is a vocal proponent of digital minimalism and avoiding negative media. Consuming news or social media, he argues, inundates people with stress hormones (dopamine, cortisol, etc.) and weakens mental well-being . “Abstain from media… I’m 1000× happier, more focused, and more positive,” he says of cutting out sensational news and mindless internet browsing . In 2017 he famously deleted his Instagram account, citing the platform’s toxic impact on his psyche and focus. “Instagram was getting in the way of creating – in terms of time and mental health – so I’m eliminating it from my life,” he explained . By freeing himself from the noise of external media and constant comparison, he protects his mental clarity. Kim instead journals prolifically on his blog and spends time on in-person experiences (photography walks, conversations) that he finds fulfilling . Additionally, he follows common-sense health precautions to safeguard his well-being: for example, in pursuit of extreme longevity, he avoids unnecessary risks like texting while driving, riding motorcycles, or other dangerous activities that could cut life short . All of these practices – from hot saunas and cold showers to digital detox and sufficient sleep – are geared toward maintaining a low-stress, high-vitality life. Kim strives to keep his hormonal and mental state as optimized as his physical condition, believing that “mental health is bodily health” and must be nurtured with equal care .
Mindset, Mental Health, and Daily Outlook
Optimism Through Physical Vigor: Central to Eric Kim’s mental health approach is the idea that a strong body breeds a strong mind. He repeatedly notes that improving his physical condition directly elevates his mood, confidence, and creativity. “The healthier I am, the more optimistic, hopeful, and creatively productive I am,” he says as a personal rule . By transforming his body, he found his mindset became more positive and resilient. This is one reason he prioritizes intense exercise each day – not just for muscles, but for the mental gains. In his experience, building muscle and endurance has “hyper-charged” his ambition and productivity in work and art . One of his slogans is “More muscle, more productivity,” suggesting the extra energy and confidence from fitness allow him to create more and better content . He explains that with greater physical vigor, he can walk longer to take photos, write for hours without fatigue, and simply “attack” his day with more enthusiasm . Thus, exercise doubles as mental training – each cold morning run or difficult lift conquered is a boost to his self-esteem and mental toughness. Kim draws a direct line between discipline in the gym and discipline in life: the grit required to do things like 5AM workouts, freezing showers, or resisting junk food translates into greater courage and focus in creative endeavors . He even frames mundane healthy habits as sharpening his mind’s edge: “Discipline in the mundane fuels godlike focus behind the lens,” he writes, arguing that by overcoming small daily challenges, one becomes mentally equipped to handle larger tasks or artistic risks .
Purpose, Creativity, and Joy: Another key to Kim’s mental wellness is having a sense of purpose and creative outlet. He believes that excitement and passion keep you psychologically young. In fact, one of his “longevity secrets” is to stay excited about life – to keep traveling, learning, exploring, creating art, and teaching others well into old age . This zest for life fuels his mental health. Kim has built his career around what he loves (photography, writing, teaching workshops), and he often encourages others to find their “creative mission” and pursue it relentlessly. His own daily blogging is a form of reflection and mental exercise. By writing down his thoughts and sharing ideas, he keeps his mind engaged and clear. Street photography, too, has been cited by Kim as therapeutic: going out for a photowalk, he suggests, is good for the “heart and soul” because it forces one to be present, observant, and appreciative of the world . In a post on mental well-being, he asserts that we should treat mental health as physical health – i.e. work on strengthening the mind just as one would strengthen the body . For him, this means training positivity and courage through daily habits (like maintaining good posture, as mentioned, to “project confidence” and actually feel more confident ). He even has a somewhat primal take on confidence: he writes that a fit, upright posture and “godly” physique can create an aura that influences others and boosts one’s own mental state – “People feel your weight before you speak… you radiate conviction.” . By literally carrying himself like a someone who is strong and fearless, he reinforces that mindset internally.
Furthermore, Kim’s approach to mental health involves minimizing negativity and maximizing gratitude. While he doesn’t use traditional terms like “mindfulness” often, many of his practices (walking outside, sauna contemplation, journaling) are mindful in effect. He prefers focusing on what he can control – his daily effort, his body, his art – rather than stewing over world events or social media noise. This stoic, self-focused outlook helps him avoid anxiety. He also believes in surrounding himself with positive influences: he notes that spending time with enthusiastic younger people is invigorating, whereas cynicism can be infectious. “I far prefer talking to college kids than ‘young urban professionals’”, he says, half-jokingly, because their optimism rubs off on him . By curating his environment and habits to be conducive to growth, Kim maintains a remarkably upbeat mental state. In summary, his mental health “habits” boil down to physical rigor, creative passion, and selective input – by training hard, creating daily, and avoiding mental junk food, he keeps his mind as “hyper healthy” as his body.
Philosophies: Body as Temple, Weapon, and Manifesto
Underlying all of Eric Kim’s lifestyle choices is a bold philosophy about the body. In his view, caring for one’s physique is not just vanity or fitness – it is a moral and existential pursuit. He often declares that “Physique is a philosophy” and that one’s body reflects one’s character and values . Kim draws inspiration from ancient heroes (like Hercules or Spartan warriors) to illustrate what he calls “bodily virtue.” He sees the human body as “the apex beauty” of creation, something to be sculpted to its maximum potential . “Your body is your temple – and your weapon, your suit of armor, your loudest idea,” he writes, arguing that how you treat your body is a form of self-expression and personal art . In fact, he literally compares bodybuilding to art: just as an artist chisels a statue, you should “treat your body as sculpture,” with each workout adding a brushstroke to the masterpiece . This almost reverent attitude toward physicality frames his relentless diet and training as a philosophical mission: to make himself into the best, strongest version possible.
Kim controversially asserts that physical virtues underpin all other virtues. He has written that traditional moral qualities (honesty, kindness, etc.) or even intellect mean little if one’s body is weak and neglected . “Let us put more focus and respect on our body… than on lofty metaphysical things like ‘virtue’ and ‘mind/soul’,” he wrote in one essay . He even quipped, “The mind is overrated; the body is king,” rejecting the dualist idea that the soul or mind is separate from the flesh . In Kim’s view, body and soul are one – “Your body is your soul, and your soul is your body” – so taking supreme care of your physical self is actually a spiritual duty. He preaches a sort of embodied humanism: rather than seeking meaning in an afterlife or in abstract ideals, he finds meaning in pushing the limits of one’s own bodily existence. This philosophy comes through in his notion of becoming “godlike” through effort – not that one becomes a literal deity, but that by attaining peak physical and mental condition, you realize a higher form of human potential . He writes in near-mythic terms about this: to achieve “an apex level of physical and mental excellence” is to reflect a bit of the divine. “God is not in the heavens. God is in the mirror,” Kim states, meaning that your highest self is something you build and see in your own reflection through hard work .
Such ideas naturally attract both admirers and critics. Kim’s stance can be provocative, especially when he talks about body fat and discipline. For instance, he has bluntly said “Your body is a billboard of your habits” – implying that obesity signals laziness or lack of self-control . In a notorious post, he admitted, “I don’t trust fat people,” arguing that if someone cannot take care of their own body, it’s hard to trust them with other responsibilities . “Your body is not just a shell – it’s your manifesto. If you don’t respect your own body, why should I believe you’ll respect anything else?” he writes, encapsulating his view that physical self-mastery is the first proof of one’s character . Statements like these are intentionally harsh (he concedes it’s a “brutal… primal” instinct ), but they stem from his core philosophy linking moral strength to physical strength. Kim challenges people to transform themselves if they want self-respect or respect from others: “If you hate that I distrust you [for being out of shape], earn my trust… Show me discipline in your habits… Push through the pain.” . In essence, he treats the gym and diet as a proving ground for virtues like willpower, courage, and persistence. Achieving a lean, muscular body – in his eyes – requires sacrifice and consistency, the same qualities needed to achieve anything great in life.
At its heart, Eric Kim’s ethos is one of radical self-responsibility and empowerment through the body. He urges people to take charge of their destiny by first taking charge of their physique. “The body is the linchpin of a good and great life,” he writes; to him, physical health is the foundation that supports all other aspects of living well . He invites readers to view their own body as “a reflection of [your] values and effort – a ‘manifesto’ written in flesh.” . Accordingly, he preaches never settling for mediocrity in oneself. “Sculpt yourself (literally and figuratively) into something extraordinary, and never settle for being merely average,” Kim urges emphatically . The hyperbolic language (about demigods and warriors) is meant to inspire an extreme form of accountability: you are the art you create of yourself. And by relentlessly working on your body – through hard exercise, disciplined eating, upright posture, and tough habits – you forge the qualities needed to excel in any arena. As he bluntly puts it, “Trust isn’t handed out – it’s earned. And your body is one of the first résumés people scan. So shape it. Sharpen it.” . In other words, how you physically present yourself tells the story of your work ethic before you even speak.
While some find his approach extreme, Eric Kim’s commitment to this “insanely healthy” lifestyle has clearly struck a chord with those seeking motivation. His message is ultimately one of self-empowerment: greatness requires sacrifice, and caring for your body is a tangible first step toward any greater ambition. By treating the body as both temple and weapon, Kim suggests we can unlock a “hyper” level of life – more energy, more confidence, more years alive, and more ability to leave a mark. “Each individual, through willpower and work, can reflect a bit of the divine by realizing their highest potential,” he writes . In the gospel of Eric Kim, becoming “insanely hyper healthy” isn’t just about six-pack abs or deadlift records; it’s about proving to yourself that you have the discipline, strength, and spirit to shape your own destiny – health as a form of personal freedom and power.
Sources: Direct quotes and information are drawn from Eric Kim’s own blog posts and essays (e.g. “Why Health?”, “The Eric Kim Diet”, “God Physiology”, “How to Live to 140”, etc.) and an analytical summary of his philosophy on his website , as well as statements he has made in videos and interviews. These primary sources illustrate how Kim lives and advocates his hyper-healthy lifestyle in his own words. All emphasis on his philosophies and routines is grounded in those published writings and media. The result is a portrait of a man who has turned his life into an experiment in pushing the limits of health – aiming not just to live, but to “live abundantly” in a body honed to its peak .
