Introduction to the Ketogenic Diet
Debbie, 68, was introduced to the ketogenic diet two years ago when her sister asked her for help finding low-carb recipes. “As I began collecting keto recipes, my interest in the low-carb approach caught my interest, and I decided to give it a try.”
Her husband of 31 years was more reluctant, however. He initially struggled to give up cookies, chips, and other high-carb snacks, so Debbie knew she’d need extra willpower if she wanted to see results.
“I began losing weight, but then I stalled and needed answers,” Debbie explains. She turned to Dr. Ken Berry’s YouTube channel and read his best-selling book “Lies My Doctor Told Me.”
“I watched Dr. Berry’s video on what causes a stall and immediately gave up heavy whipping cream, artificial sweeteners, and limited my diet to the bare necessities.”
The Benefits of the Carnivore Diet for Weight Loss
Debbie’s weight loss resumed, and she found that carnivore foods worked best for her. On a typical day, she consumes a half-pound of ground chuck or Johnsonville bratwurst, a local favorite for this Wisconsin native.
She also loves chicken wings (cartilage and all!), farm-fresh eggs, and liverwurst. Debbie is down to 134 pounds, surpassing her goal weight of 150 and ultimately losing 109 pounds since beginning her low-carb journey.
Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle with the Ketogenic Diet
She has gradually altered her diet to eliminate all dairy. She finds a 50/50 fat-to-protein ratio works best for her and has helped her maintain a healthy weight without feeling hungry between meals. For Debbie, a “cheat day” or high-carb indulgence is not an option.
“I’ve never cheated or had the desire to. I committed to a lifestyle change and will continue to do everything in my power to achieve it. Once I decide to do something, I do it. No excuses!”
The Importance of a Lifestyle Change
Debbie’s husband, a former professional football player, had a stroke at 82. At Debbie’s urging, he agreed to follow a ketogenic diet and has lost 83 pounds.
“He used to complain about knee and hip pain but no longer mentions it. He argued with me about my diet before he had a stroke. Now he doesn’t miss having cookies, candy, or chips. Wives, don’t give up on your husbands. They will come around!”
The Positive Impact of the Ketogenic Diet on Health
Debbie’s doctors (including her dentist!) are impressed with her results. After sharing Bowden and Sinatra’s book “The Great Cholesterol Myth” with her primary care doctor, he took her off statins. Her blood pressure is now within normal range. Debbie’s long list of medications, enough to “fill two shoe boxes,” has been drastically reduced, and her mental clarity and moods have never been better.
After suffering from polycystic kidney disease for many years, Debbie’s kidney function has improved from 32% to 44%, and she suspects that number to increase.
The Power of Sharing the Ketogenic Diet with Others
Debbie says her life has completely changed for the better since committing to a carnivore diet. “I just can’t keep quiet! I know the truth, and I want to share this with others so they can experience the joy of cutting carbohydrates from their life.”
4 thoughts on “Debbie improved kidney function, mental health on carnivore diet”
Way to go Debbie! I agree with you completely about a lack of sympathy for people who make excuses. I don’t understand the mindset of people who are unwilling to make the sacrifices necessary for a lifetime of improved mental and physical health. Love your attitude…you’re a badass.
Robert, I continue with my journey. On June 9, 2021 we were struck on the highway and my right femur was broken. It has been a constant battle of recovery ever since. I found out just how corrupt our medical system is. However, I will never stop attempting to regain my health. I am seeing a functional doctor and gradually making some progress at discovering what is causing my health issues. I continue to eat a carnivore diet. Every time I am forced to choose what to eat outside that protocol (such as when you are in the hospital) I suffer the consequences. Hope you are well and prosper in this new year.
Great personal story, Debbie! Thank you! I have lost about 60 lbs. on keto over 3 years, but 80% over the last year and am now a few days into carnivore. Isn’t is awesome how — once you start really achieving success (losing weight, feeling better) it just becomes easier every day!
Garrett I hope your journey is still in progress. The discontinuation of carbohydrates in my diet has changed my life forever. Good luck to you and prayers for your success.