A Standard American Diet with a Twist
William’s dietary journey begins with something familiar to many: the standard American diet. However, his version is slightly different. Raised with less sugar than his peers and influenced by the low-fat craze, William’s diet was not as bad as some. But by the time he reached 43, he had put on a few inches around his waist, and his love for apple fritters was undeniable. Though he never felt “hangry,” he admits to indulging in half a dozen donuts after a tiring day at work.
The Knee Pain Mystery
Despite not having any diagnosed health conditions, William did face some physical challenges. While deployed in Kuwait, he noticed that his knees hurt all the time. A fellow soldier told him that it was just a part of life, something he had to accept. Eventually, the pain became so unbearable that William gave up running altogether, a decision that weighed heavily on him as a competitive rower.
The Ketogenic Experiment
William’s wife, a marathoner, sparked their interest in the ketogenic diet. Initially hesitant about giving up beer, she eventually decided to give it a try, and William was more than happy to join her. They both embarked on the ketogenic diet in June 2018, with William having no trouble adapting and his wife overcoming a brief period of sickness. Within three months, her running was back to baseline, and her pre-race meal had transformed into a giant steak.
Embracing the Carnivore Lifestyle
In November 2018, the couple decided to take their dietary experiment a step further by adopting a strict carnivore diet, eating nothing but steak for four weeks. The timing was perfect, falling between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and they were excited to see the results. Three weeks into the experiment, William’s wife declared that she never wanted to stop, and they’ve been on the carnivore diet ever since.
Remarkable Health Improvements
The benefits of the carnivore diet were numerous and unexpected for William. He lost 30 pounds, regained more than half of it in lean mass, and reduced his waist size to what it was in college. His deadlifting improved, and his blood markers, including fasting insulin and CRP, were excellent. Most astonishingly, his knee pain disappeared, allowing him to run as much as he pleased without any discomfort. William reflects on these improvements with a sense of wonder, realizing that he doesn’t have to give up activities just because he’s 45 years old.
A Rowing Dream
William’s passion for rowing is a significant part of his life, and the carnivore diet has only fueled that passion further. He admires fellow rowers and dreams of rowing with them in beautiful locations like Long Beach. The strength and energy he’s gained from the carnivore diet make him believe that he and his rowing partners would be an unbeatable team.
Conclusion: A Life Transformed
William’s experience with the carnivore diet is a testament to the power of food and its impact on our health and well-being. From a standard American diet to a strict carnivore lifestyle, his journey has been marked by curiosity, experimentation, and remarkable results. The improvements in his physical health, the disappearance of his knee pain, and the newfound energy for his beloved rowing are all evidence of a life transformed. William’s story is an inspiring example of how dietary choices can lead to unexpected and positive changes, offering hope and encouragement to others seeking a healthier and more fulfilling life.
