Hello everyone, today I wanted to share a journey that’s been deeply personal, and, frankly, quite surprising for me. It’s the story of how I took control of my health, completely overhauled my lifestyle, and succeeded in losing 53 lbs, dropping my A1C from 7.8 to 5, all in just three months.
Before we dive in, let me set the stage. A few years ago, I was living what I considered a healthy lifestyle. I was active, fit, and felt generally well. But as time went by, I started noticing changes. My energy was dipping, the pounds were creeping up, and overall, I just didn’t feel like myself. After a few tests at the doctor’s office, I received a shock. I was pre-diabetic with high cholesterol. I was facing two serious health conditions, and something needed to change.
After researching different diets and exercise programs, I stumbled upon the carnivore diet. Initially, I was skeptical. How could a diet that consisted of only meat, fish, eggs, and dairy be healthy? Yet, I was willing to try anything. So, in January of 2022, I committed to the carnivore diet, along with regular walks, sufficient sleep, and increased water intake. I’m pleased to report that these changes have been nothing short of transformative.
While I strived to maintain a strict carnivore diet, I did cheat a little. I incorporated olives and avocados into my diet. Not only did this give my meals a little variety, but they also contributed beneficial fats and nutrients to my meals.
Now, this is where things get interesting. I discovered a surprising dietary hack that turned my weight loss journey on its head. The majority of my meals and calories came from a rather unconventional source: McDonald’s. Yes, you read that correctly. I discovered that McDonald’s uses high-quality ground beef and eggs in their meals. So, I regularly ate McDonald’s sausage egg and cheese biscuits without the biscuits, and sometimes, six double cheeseburgers as my OMAD (One Meal A Day), minus the buns.
While this may sound like a fast-food lover’s dream, it wasn’t about indulging in junk food. I was leveraging the quality ingredients available in these meals, and it was working. All the excess carbs went to feeding the local crows and house sparrows, while I enjoyed the high-quality protein and fats, helping me stay on track with my carnivore diet.
Despite the unconventional method, the results speak for themselves. Not only did my weight drop significantly, but my labs also showed tremendous improvement in both my A1C and cholesterol levels. This experience taught me the importance of quality ingredients and how they can be found in the most unlikely of places.
Along with my diet, I also took on a strenuous walking routine. Carrying a backpack weighing 10-14kg, I walked 7-10 miles a day. It was challenging at first, but as I grew stronger, it became an integral part of my routine. Walking helped me lose weight, build muscle, and improve my cardiovascular health.
This combination of a strict yet flexible carnivore diet, regular exercise, and a pinch of out-of-the-box thinking was the recipe for my success. It might not work for everyone, but it worked for me. The most significant lesson from this journey has been that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to health and wellness. You have to discover what works for you, whether it’s a carnivore diet, regular walking, or even incorporating some McDonald’s into your meals.
I hope sharing my journey can inspire others to take control of here.