My Big, Fat, Dietary Experiment part 3: The Results.

In part 2 of my big, fat, dietary experiment last week, I talked about why I chose to start the Carnivore way of eating and the process of making that choice.

In part 1, I shared the trigger for me to evaluate the choices I was making in how I ate and the moment I realised that I needed to make some drastic changes because clearly, what I was doing wasn’t working for me.

On the left is the photo taken at the Coaching awards night for 2018-2019 that made me realise that my weight had gone back to where I was before.

On the right is a selfie I took a few months ago. I have released more weight since then. So while seeing how much weight I had gained was a wake up call, it also made me want to reevaluate exactly what my health goals are and what was and wasn’t working for me.

Here are the results I have noticed from commencing the Carnivore diet on March 21st, 2019 until now:

• My gut symptoms have completely resolved. No more pain, bloating or discomfort. My gut finally feels peaceful.
• Thicker hair, better skin and stronger nails. All of my skin is softer and smoother. My complexion colour is much lighter and I can clearly see all of my freckles which I thought had disappeared. I have had to purchase foundation 3 shades lighter and my skin is much clearer. I had some initial hair loss but it quickly began growing back. My hair has changed colour and my leg hair began growing back. (I have not dyed my hair for over 10 years).
• My joy came back! Emotionally I feel so much better, Like a light switch went on in my brain. I feel more, I sing when I walk around the house, I feel generally happier and more emotionally alive than I have in a long time. Its hard to describe but I clearly notice the difference on a daily basis.
• I am now at my lowest ever adult weight and still seeing the numbers on the scale go lower. At this point, I estimate that I have released approximately 25kg (55 lbs) and I have almost replaced every item of clothing I own.
• My motivation has come back. I actually feel like doing things and have been gradually cleaning out and decluttering my home room by room, all things I have wanted to do for years but couldn’t do.
• My perfume/scent tolerance has increased. For example, I can now wear some natural perfumes that I bought 9 months ago that were too overpowering to use. I can now wear them daily and enjoy them.
• I have more energy and have been able to start building some muscle by doing some gentle weight training, combined with my daily walks.
• My focus and concentration is so much better. I am completing tasks and projects now and feel able to more easily get things done.
• My stress tolerance has radically improved. Before going Carnivore, it took very little to set off an adrenal stress response. Recently I had a very angry woman verbally abuse me in a car park, right up in my face and I was absolutely fine. In the past, that would have sent me straight into a flare.
• For my thyroid function, I have seen some reduction in one of my antibodies but as the other stops at “over 1300” I cant see if it is trending down.
• I do feel like I have reached a new level of health and healing and at this stage, I have found no reason to stop this lifestyle. I find it easy, convenient and time saving. I have zero cravings and feel at peace with food. No more obsessions, no more sugar/carb addictions, I eat when I feel hungry and stop when I have had enough.

All in all, Carnivore has been a great and positive experience for me.

I have had some instances of “Oxalate Dumping” which for me has been mostly skin based. Rashes, cysts and some joint pain.

This seems to happen in stages as it can take a long time for the body to break down the oxalate crystals which are stored in muscles, organs and other parts of the body.

Reintroductions.

Things that have failed:

• Peaches
• Nectarines.
• Strawberries
• Fresh, low oxalate herbs.

All of these caused gut pain and issues, especially the nectarines.

Successes:

• Small amounts of powdered garlic.
• Small amounts of powdered sage.
• Occasional half an Avocado that I mash with canned tuna.
• Lemon Juice.

So there you have it, my big, fat dietary adventure.

Only you can decide if its for you. One thing is certain though:

There is no such thing as an essential carbohydrate.

Understanding that fact took a lot of my fear away.

All throughout my chronic illness experience I have felt constantly like a maverick; trying to find out what is true for me in the midst of so called “conventional treatment.”

That can feel like a scary thing but also, an exciting thing too. Being chronically ill has taught me to trust myself and my gut and be willing to experiment without worrying about what other people think or if they approve.

Carnivore is perfect for my stage of life as I only have to cook for myself. It’s really quick, easy and convenient and I have given away a lot of my kitchen appliances. If I could sum it up in one word, it would be “freeing”.

I hope you have enjoyed my big, fat, dietary experiment and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

warm wishes

Kerry.