This topic is about a person who has been following a mostly carnivore diet for 538 days. This individual, who has an ostomy due to colon cancer surgeries, shares their journey and experiences with this diet, highlighting its impact on their health and lifestyle. Here are some key points and insights from their story:
- They started the carnivore diet on June 1, 2023, and have seen their weight drop from 194 lbs to a steady 147–152 lbs.
- Their mobility has significantly improved, going from needing a cane or wheelchair to being fully active, engaging in activities like gardening and carrying a 25 lb baby.
- They have noticed improvements in various symptoms, including rashes, eczema, allergies, depression, arthritis, and the quality of their skin, nails, teeth, and hair. They also experience less brain fog and faster recovery times.
- Regarding their cancer status, their CEA levels rose three months ago but have since stabilized, with no new tumors detected.
- Their current diet is virtually zero-fiber, but they occasionally enjoy "lazy cabbage rolls" every two weeks, which satisfy their vegetable cravings without causing issues.
- They credit the carnivore diet with saving their life, feeling mentally and physically stronger, and express gratitude to the community.
Additional insights and advice include:
- They had to cancel plans for a side of beef but look forward to a large ribeye for their New Year's Day birthday in 2025.
- They encourage others to research the carnivore or keto diet through various YouTube channels.
- Their basic food routine includes a lot of ground beef, bacon, butter, fatty inexpensive beef cuts, and boiled eggs. They save bacon grease for cooking and use enameled cast-iron Dutch ovens, outdoor BBQ, and a large air-fryer for meal preparation.
- They recently indulged in holiday treats, gaining 12 lbs and experiencing gas, pain, and arthritis, but have returned to being 99% carnivore, using photos and journaling as reminders of the consequences.
- Their latest 3-year colonoscopy was clear, with the next one due in 5 years.
- They believe that a fiber-free diet makes ostomy management easier and would not revert even if a reversal were possible.
Advice and insights from the community:
1. Many emphasize the importance of optimism, faith, and goal-setting when dealing with serious illnesses.
2. For those with dentures worried about eating steak, consider buying a meat mincer/grinder to pre-mince meat and form burgers, or try shepherd’s-pie style dishes for easier chewing.
3. If fiber or large meat pieces pose a risk of blockages, finely chop or mince foods and chew thoroughly.
4. Falling off a strict keto/carnivore diet happens; simply reset without self-blame. Many share stories of holiday lapses and quick recovery.
5. Intermittent fasting can complement low-carb/keto eating to help control weight.
6. Retail and product mentions include ribeye steaks from Costco, Chick-fil-A Spicy Chicken Sandwich, See’s Candy chocolates, McDonald’s Big Mac & fries, Dutch-oven cooking, BBQ grills, and large air-fryers.
7. The community applauds the 538-day milestone and encourages aiming for "1,000 days and beyond.
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