Vicki, an exercise physiologist, believes her health conditions stem from insulin resistance and resultant systemic inflammation. She’s spent the last 25 years searching for optimal nutrition. She began her carnivore journey a year ago.
Growing up, her family ate a carb-heavy diet—lots of pasta, boxed cereal, and fruit. As a kid, she was very active in sports and was constantly hungry.
Vicki has a family history of autoimmune diseases. She believes her genetics, combined with a heavy carb and sugar diet, set her up for serious health issues in her early 20s.
Vicki suffered from menstrual dysfunction, gut disturbances, and mental health issues (she was in counseling for years). Her cycle started late, and her periods were very irregular. She often missed school and sports because of her cycle. Vicki was later diagnosed with PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome; she battled acne and facial hair and had several miscarriages. She notes that insulin resistance and PCOS are linked.
In her 20s, Vicki eliminated gluten and ate fewer processed foods.
Vicki competed for six years as a top cyclist. Quinoa, sweet potatoes, and white rice were her go-to carbs. Her autoimmunity was somewhat controlled by the paleo-style diet, but she continued to experience health problems.
Vicki retired from cycling in 2019, had a child, and then experienced a “string of miscarriages.” She was eventually “blessed with a second child.”
Vicki liked competing and returned to cycling. During her first race back, she broke her collarbone and decided to rehab it herself.
Looking for ways to improve her rehab, Vicki discovered the Low Carb Down Under community. She learned how she could improve her body composition with a low-carb, high-fat diet. The transition to keto was slow because her energy and output during training were so low. Vicki says, “An 80-year-old grandpa could have beaten me on the flats.” It took her six months to regain her energy output.
Vicki attributes her complete recovery from the collarbone fracture to the healthy fats and protein she ate on keto. She did keto for three years.
A year ago, Vicki eliminated plants from her diet. She still had health issues and knew that plant toxins, like oxalates, were affecting her.
After starting carnivore, she got a rash on her face for 4 months. She had to omit aged meats and parmesan cheese from her diet for a while. And she watched her oxalate intake. Today, she continues to “oxalate dump,” especially around her cycle. Oxalate dumping affects her gut at times. She knows it may take years for oxalate crystals to leave the body.
Despite this, she feels 10 years younger today than she did in her 30s. Vicki wanted optimal performance as a cyclist and says the carnivore diet helped her achieve it.
In addition to better fitness, Vicki is calmer and less reactive to stress. She says she is metabolically healthy and has better-balanced hormones.
Vicki enjoys eggs, meat, and dairy—whey protein powder, yogurt, and heavy cream. She prioritizes protein because she trains 15 hours a week. Vicki intermittently fasts by reducing her eating window.
Vicki wants to share her experience and knowledge from the past 25 years to help others on their carnivore journey.
