The Carnivore Diet Lifestyle: Way Out of Carbohydrate Addiction

Last year, I battled with breast cancer Stage 2B. The moment I felt that lump on my breast, my
only thought was surviving the ordeals in case the lump was malignant. After 48 hours, it was confirmed
malignant which sent me to strengthen my mindset to keep my head above the water. The operation
was done in September 2022 while the chemotherapy sessions occupied the last quarter of that fateful
year. By the first quarter of 2023, I have completed the required 30-day radiation to ensure that
malignant lymph nodes are burned. All of these happened while I was working full-time as a school head
managing 60 teachers and almost 2,000 students.

Fast forward, various tests such as CT-scan, PET-Scan, bone scan, and assorted blood chemistry
tests have to be done every quarter (for some tests) to monitor the possible recurrence or spread of the
disease. This was a wake-up call that made me evaluate my eating habits that contributed to the disease.
My doctor stated that cancer can be triggered by fat, which in turn produces estrogen. Estrogen is highly
associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. I used to consume too much soda and fruit juices and
eat a lot of carbohydrate-dense food such as rice, bread, pasta, etc. Going through cancer is hell enough
as it consumes every ounce of your energy to survive the onslaught of chemicals during chemotherapy.
Many do not make it to that stage due to unstable health conditions.

I survived. I need to change so my agenda was to minimize or reduce the carbohydrates I

consume. All my joints and bones ache as an effect of the estrogen suppressor cancer medication I have
had to take for five years. I have decided to make a change by simply switching to a low-carb diet. I
started with low-carb and gradually practiced a no-carbohydrate diet. Then, the same doctors that
advocated these diets pushed further by influencing those with more health issues to a carnivore diet.

The carnivore diet meant consuming only eggs, dairy, meat (including seafood), and no fruits or
vegetables. Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? But check the research to see why this works for our bodies,
including mine.

The carnivore diet suited me for three good reasons:

1. No more insulin spikes that made me crave snacks or in-between meals. Eating meat, seafood,
dairy, and eggs would satisfy your palate and make you feel full. No migraines, no cravings, just
plain satisfaction from food as fuel, not as a reward. The mind has to see food as a provider of
energy and not a constant reward. By changing one’s mindset, you view food differently and
become logical in your choices. All the donuts, milk tea, and pastries would look like a heap of
sugar that will lead you to diabetes one day.

2. Less body aches from joints and muscle pain. Carbohydrates laden food is rich in processed or
refined sugar that triggers inflammation thereby resulting in increased bone loss and density. In
a Journal published in Pain Medicine last 2020, titled “The Effect of Low-Carbohydrate and Low-
Fat Diets on Pain in Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis”, the results of the study showed that
modifying the diet by lessening carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables decreased the
inflammation of patients with osteoarthritis. Many advocates of the carnivore diet (especially
among the elderly) reported living a quality lifestyle that’s free from joint pains.
3. Good mental health. Most people experience brain fog, which happens when people consume
food with simple carbohydrates (candies, soda, fruits, pastries, etc.). While glucose is a source of
fuel for the brain, too much of it can also cause brain fog. This makes you feel sleepy or tired,
especially in the afternoon. The good news is that the brain can use essential fatty acids as an
energy source – this comes from eating meat. Many biohackers even resort to long hours of
fasting so they can think clearly. This means that they are cleansing their system of sugar so they
can be more mentally productive.

There are still many benefits in getting into a carnivore diet; however, seeing your doctor first is
the most important step to take. One needs to undergo some tests that properly evaluate
readiness for this type of diet. It is best to begin first with a low-carbohydrate diet. Subjection
one’s body to sudden dietary changes is not a smart move since it takes time for our physical
system to adjust. It would also be of good help to read and research to learn valuable
information. Check medical journals for more scientific evidence instead of relying on
testimonials. Know your body and be honest in assessing your current health condition.

The carnivore diet will stay as more evidence is coming up with excellent outcomes for those
who choose this diet. The key to any diet is always consistency. Just keep in mind that your
health is always the wisest investment you can make for yourself. Stay healthy!