My Journey with the LCHF Diet

Over the last 16 months, I’ve radically transformed my relationship with food, my body, and my health—thanks to something that initially sounded completely outlandish: the carnivore diet. I want to share this journey not as a prescription, but as a personal testimony to how powerful food choices can be.

From Inflammation to Exploration

My foray into low-carb, high-fat (LCHF) eating didn’t stem from a desire to lose weight or improve mental health. I was driven by chronic inflammation that just wouldn’t resolve. I tried elimination diets—cutting dairy, nightshades, and other usual suspects—but saw no real improvement. A colleague’s suggestion led me to try the carnivore diet. At first, it sounded wild—no plants, just animal-based foods—but I was desperate enough to try. And it changed everything.

Unexpected Mental Freedom

One of the most surprising and immediate benefits was psychological. Within two weeks, my obsessive thoughts about food disappeared. As someone who spent years trapped in an addictive cycle of sugar cravings and food planning, the freedom was astonishing. For the first time in my adult life, I could sit next to a box of donuts without them whispering my name. My relationship with food fundamentally shifted—because I removed what was fueling the addiction: carbohydrates.

Physical Benefits I Never Expected

Beyond mental clarity, the physical results have been remarkable:

• Weight Loss + Muscle Gain: I lost 13 pounds, but more importantly, I gained muscle and strength. My BMI dropped from 23.2 to 21.5—not just thinner, but healthier.

• Stable Energy: Gone are the days of energy crashes and sugar highs. Being in ketosis means steady, reliable energy throughout the day.

• Mood & Anxiety: Even though I didn’t think I had lingering mental health issues, my mood improved and anxiety diminished almost immediately.

• Skin, Allergies, and Autoimmune Relief: My skin quality has visibly improved, and minor cases of eczema and psoriasis disappeared. Allergy symptoms have lessened, and I’ve cut my meds in half.

• IBS Relief: Lifelong IBS symptoms vanished. On the rare occasions I eat greens, symptoms return—confirming carnivore as the solution.

• Thyroid Health: I’ve reduced my thyroid meds twice since starting. Healing is slow but real.

• Fewer Illnesses: I haven’t had a cold or flu since starting carnivore—even during a brutal winter virus season.

Food as Healing

Carnivore has changed how I think about food. It’s not just about restriction—it’s about nourishment. I now see carbohydrates, especially refined ones, as a trigger for addiction and inflammation in my body. I’m not anti-carb for everyone, but for me, this has been nothing short of transformational.

A Note on Cheating

Yes, I’ve had a piece of chocolate cake. No regrets—it was part of a joyful moment. But it brought cravings back with a vengeance. That brief indulgence reminded me why I stay the course: freedom is worth more than flavor.

Thinking of Trying It?

If any of this resonates—if you’ve struggled with cravings, inflammation, mood swings, or mystery symptoms—I encourage you to experiment. Give it 90 days. Not every benefit shows up instantly, but enough will that you’ll know if it’s worth continuing.

Thanks for letting me share my story. Whether you go low-carb, keto, or full-on carnivore, I hope it helps you reconnect with your health and find the freedom I’ve found.

— A Former Carb Addict, Thriving on Carnivore 🥩