Mike’s Journey To A Healthier Life
Mike is 34 years old and has been following the carnivore diet for a year. In that short amount of time, he no longer has obstructive sleep apnea, has resolved pre-diabetes and hypertension, and has increased energy levels that result in a more positive outlook on life.
The Benefits Of The Carnivore Diet
After undergoing emergency back surgery for a herniated disk in his lower back 16 months ago, Mike realized that he needed to lose weight, reduce stress, and regain his health.
Standing at 5’5” and 212 pounds, Mike previously ate whatever he wanted whenever he wanted. “My back surgeon actually attributed my body composition to just general weakness in my back and the weight that I was carrying on the front end of my body. So I went on a journey with the intention of changing my diet.”
Mike experimented with different ways of eating, including paleo and vegan diets, before he decided to try the carnivore diet. Exercise had never been something he was well-disciplined in, so the idea of being able to lose weight and improve his health based solely on a diet was a major factor in Mike’s decision to start his carnivore journey.
“It’s been one year, and I’m feeling incredibly better physically. I feel much more spry, and the back pain that I had from the surgery has mostly diminished.”
Mental And Physical Transformation On The Carnivore Diet
But energy and pain relief weren’t the only ways Mike’s health improved on the carnivore diet. “Mentally, I feel like I’m on some kind of crazy antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication; I did not realize quite how miserable and tired I had previously been.
Looking back now, I realize I felt bogged down and mentally slow like everything was a challenge.” He no longer has those feelings and has increased confidence in many areas of his life, including better stamina and sexual enjoyment. “I feel like I can conquer the world!”
Previously, Mike’s blood pressure had been dangerously high at 149 over 90. Now, his levels are in the normal range at 119 over 79. His triglycerides have gotten better for the first time in 10 years, and he is no longer pre-diabetic and is off all of his blood pressure medication.
Mike had been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and had to use a CPAP machine every night. “I had a sleep study done and discovered I wasn’t sleeping through the night properly, and my oxygen levels were low.”
Between that and the high-sugar diet he was eating, he would “crash from exhaustion” by the end of the day. “No longer needing to sleep with a CPAP machine was a huge relief; I didn’t even think that would be possible.”
Economic Advantages Of A Carnivore Diet
As an accountant, Mike notes that eating a carnivore diet has been more cost-effective for him and his family. “A lot of people ask me about the financial end and think it’s an expensive diet.
I’ve found that it is a neutral or slight net gain over what I previously had been spending.“ Mike estimates he spends $270-300 per month on his carnivore food, which is $100 less than his other family members spend per person.
“I’m just eating when I’m hungry, and having meat available is actually more economically beneficial than one might think.” Mike also saves money no longer being on medication and the monthly expense of a CPAP machine.
So, what’s Mike’s verdict after a year on the carnivore diet? “I’m certainly going to stick with it. I’m enjoying it, and I hope everyone else will, too!”
