How the Carnivore Diet Helped Me Lose 80 Pounds and Improve My Health

Published on November 12, 2023, 12:37 am

I achieved an impressive weight loss of 65 pounds in just four months. In a little over a year, I lost a total of 80 pounds without having to count calories or restrict myself from eating as much as I wanted. And how did I accomplish this? Through the meat-based carnivore diet.

My life took a drastic turn in the spring of 2022 when I found myself sitting on my couch, feeling exhausted, depressed, and burdened by excruciating joint and back pain. The pain was so debilitating that it would sometimes prevent me from being able to walk properly for weeks. On top of that, I was dealing with atrial fibrillation (A-Fib), which affected my heart’s normal rhythm. Despite the challenges, I knew that losing weight and improving my health were crucial if I wanted to witness my children growing up and be able to provide for my family.

Desperate for a solution, I came across some friends who were finding success with the keto diet and decided to give it a try. The key principle behind the keto diet is limiting carbohydrate intake to roughly 20 grams per day while increasing fat consumption. Although I didn’t experience significant weight loss or noticeable changes, I continued researching low-carb diets, watching YouTube videos from doctors and individuals sharing their own experiences.

During my research journey, I stumbled upon information about the carnivore diet—the ultimate elimination diet where you eliminate all carbs from your eating plan. Intrigued by its potential benefits, in July 2022, I fully immersed myself in the carnivore lifestyle.

On the carnivore diet, my food choices are centered around beef as the primary source of nutrition. Eggs and bacon are also part of my regular meals, while chicken wings or thighs and pork occasionally make appearances on my plate. To cook my food, I opt for either bacon fat or butter as healthier alternatives to seed oils. It’s important to note that I do not consume vegetables, fruits, or any other sources of carbohydrates.

A typical day of eating for me includes having a steak around noon, followed by beef burger patties (without the bun) and either eggs or bacon. On average, I consume approximately two pounds of meat per day.

By early November, I had already shed 65 pounds. Moreover, beyond just the weight loss, I observed a surge in my energy levels and an absence of arthritis and joint pain. To my delight, I hadn’t experienced a single A-Fib episode in months compared to the several episodes per week prior to starting the carnivore diet.

As the months went on and I reached a healthier weight range, my weight loss progress naturally slowed down. However, the positive effects on my health continued. For over 20 years, I relied on blood pressure medication; now, while still undergoing treatment, I’ve been able to reduce the dosage to its lowest prescription strength while maintaining stable blood pressure levels. Furthermore, my A-Fib episodes have entirely ceased for over 14 months now. My doctor is pleased with my progress as well—my triglyceride levels have dropped from a dangerously high 273 milligrams per deciliter to a healthy 107 level. Additionally, my HDL cholesterol has improved significantly. My liver and kidney function also exhibit excellent results based on recent blood work.

To achieve success in transforming my health through this unconventional approach, setting short-term goals and finding an accountability partner were crucial elements for me. These goals were challenging but measurable and attainable—ensuring that each milestone brought about a sense of accomplishment along the journey.

Having an accountability partner proved immensely helpful too—I connected with a friend on Facebook who was also aiming to lose weight. We kept each other in check by posting daily logs of our food intake and water consumption while providing consistent support through regular check-ins. This partnership played a vital role in keeping me motivated and helping me overcome various challenges.

Embracing the carnivore diet has undeniably saved my life. No longer do I suffer from back pain, arthritis, or joint discomfort. A-Fib episodes are a thing of the past, and my blood pressure remains stable. Besides these remarkable physical improvements, I’ve witnessed an increase in energy levels and a more positive mood. The benefits just keep piling up, making the choice to follow this lifestyle one of the best decisions of my life.

Adhering to a carnivore diet has not brought any negative consequences for me personally. Occasionally, when there’s a special occasion and I feel like indulging in something like a small piece of cake that deviates from my normal eating plan, I allow myself that treat. However, it’s essential to ensure that such instances don’t snowball into unhealthy habits—I quickly resume following my regular carnivore eating plan afterward.

The impact of this dietary shift on my overall well-being has been nothing short of life-changing. I wholeheartedly intend to continue with the carnivore diet for the rest of my life, though its specifics may evolve over time