From Wheelchair to Walking: Carl’s Carnivore Breakthrough
At 48 years old, Carl is experiencing a physical and mental transformation that he never thought possible. After suffering a devastating back injury at age 21 that left him with a fusion from T12 to L4 with Harrington rods, and a diagnosis of FSH muscular dystrophy, Carl’s health had been on a steady decline for years. Just months ago, he was largely confined to a wheelchair with minimal hope for improvement. That all changed when he discovered the carnivore diet.
“I went into this honestly just to lose weight,” Carl explains. “I had no idea about the effect it would have on my relationship with food and my overall health.”
A History of Health Struggles
Carl’s journey hasn’t been easy. Following his accident in 1997, he was paralyzed below the waist for almost a year before regaining some mobility. Despite this recovery, he continued to face numerous health challenges. His muscular dystrophy caused progressive weakness in his face, shoulders, and core muscles. The spinal cord injury severely damaged his bladder and bowels, leading to incontinence issues that required Botox injections to manage.
For 20 years, Carl battled chronic pain, weight issues, and depression. He tried numerous diets with limited success. “I tried low-carb approaches, but they only worked for about six months before I would stop and gain all the weight back, often double what I had lost,” he shares.
By 2018, his condition had deteriorated significantly. He could no longer walk and had become dependent on a wheelchair. His daily routine consisted of “bed to couch, to bathroom, to food, to couch” with little variation or joy.
The Carnivore Decision
After countless failed diets, including an unsustainable 800-900 calorie plan recommended by a nutritionist, Carl discovered the carnivore approach. Initially skeptical and cautious, he researched extensively before making the commitment.
“I didn’t go into carnivore willy-nilly. It really scared me,” Carl admits. “But the science made sense, and I couldn’t ignore the facts even when doctors and conventional wisdom said otherwise.”
Now approaching four months on the carnivore diet, Carl eats approximately 1.5 to 2 pounds of grass-fed beef daily, along with eggs and butter. He typically eats within a five-hour window, ending between 5-6 pm.
Remarkable Physical Improvements
The physical changes began almost immediately. Within weeks, Carl noticed significant improvements in multiple areas of his health:
“I started off just getting up from the couch. I could always transfer to my chair, but I just noticed that I was popping up from the couch really quick, and things that were tough were getting easier.”
His mobility has improved dramatically. From being largely confined to a wheelchair, he can now walk short distances with minimal support. His breathing capacity has expanded in ways he hasn’t experienced since before his injury. “I haven’t remembered my lungs ever taking in that much air in my adult life,” he shares.
Perhaps most surprisingly, his bladder and bowel function have normalized to a degree he hasn’t experienced since before his injury. The Botox injections he once relied on are no longer necessary.
Mental Clarity and Freedom from Food Addiction
While the physical improvements are remarkable, Carl considers the mental benefits the most transformative aspect of his carnivore journey.
“The decrease in anxiety and depression, the better outlook on life—that’s been the biggest change,” he says. “My wife is surprised when I suggest going out. That just wasn’t me before.”
His relationship with food has completely changed. After decades of nighttime snacking and food cravings, Carl now feels in control. “I haven’t cheated on carnivore in four months. I haven’t felt the need. I’ve had cravings, but they haven’t been bad like before.”
A New Horizon
Carl’s transformation continues to unfold. He’s regaining abilities he thought were lost forever and discovering new possibilities each day. His skin glows with better color, the bags under his eyes are disappearing, and his energy levels continue to rise.
“I feel like things are getting so much better that I’m going to be walking with distance,” Carl shares, though he’s careful to take things one day at a time. For Carl, the carnivore diet isn’t just about what he eats—it’s about reclaiming his life and rewriting what he thought was possible for his future.
