The Carnivore Diet: How an All-Meat Approach Reversed My Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia and Depression
Beginning my carnivore journey was a transformative experience that completely changed my life. After years of struggling with various health issues and yo-yo dieting since childhood, I found the carnivore diet through prayer and Dr. Ken Berry's videos. Being diagnosed with fibromyalgia, PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depression had left me on disability for 21 years, dealing with chronic pain and medication side effects that made me feel like a zombie.
My path to healing included progressively restricted diets - from whole foods to low carb to keto - but none provided significant relief until I discovered carnivore in January 2023. Within just a few months, the results were remarkable: chronic pain disappeared, brain fog lifted, and energy levels soared. What began as a weight loss journey became a complete health transformation, improving not just my physical condition but also my mental well-being, confidence, and overall happiness.
Key Takeaways
The carnivore diet eliminated chronic pain, brain fog, and depression that medication couldn't resolve.
Within months, energy levels dramatically increased, enabling new physical activities like daily walks and playing actively with grandchildren.
The lifestyle change restored not just physical health but also mental well-being, confidence, and joy at age 61.
Kim's Health Transformation Journey
Faith and Medical Guidance
Kim's path to the carnivore diet began in January 2023 after years of struggling with her health and weight. Since age 10, she had been caught in a cycle of losing and regaining weight. At 61 years old, after trying various approaches including whole foods and low-carb diets, she discovered the carnivore lifestyle through prayer and Dr. Ken Berry's videos.
Before finding carnivore, Kim had been on disability for 21 years with multiple diagnoses including fibromyalgia, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Her previous attempt at keto dieting for a full year yielded minimal results—only about 12 pounds lost despite strict adherence. The turning point came when she watched Dr. Berry's video titled "The Diet Hack If You Want to Lose Fast," which introduced her to carnivore eating.
The results were remarkable. Within 1-2 months, her chronic pain disappeared. Headaches, migraines, and depression lifted. Her energy levels increased so dramatically that within four months, she began walking daily and found herself unable to remain sedentary.
Several factors motivated Kim to maintain this lifestyle:
Her mother had passed away at 60, and Kim wanted to avoid the same fate
Becoming a grandmother and struggling to get up from the floor while playing with her grandchildren
The dramatic improvement in her mental and physical health
Now, Kim walks 2-4 miles daily around a lake, needs only 5-6 hours of sleep instead of 15-16, and can do activities she couldn't imagine before—like cartwheels with her grandchildren. Her doctor, initially skeptical, now encourages her to continue after seeing significant improvements in her cholesterol levels.
Kim's transformation has been so dramatic that friends and family often don't recognize her. She's become passionate about sharing her experience, especially with those who appear unwell or unhappy, hoping to offer them the same hope and renewal she found through this lifestyle change.
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Weight Fluctuations and Health Journey
Years of Weight Cycling
I've struggled with weight fluctuations since childhood, beginning around age 10. For over five decades, my life followed a pattern of losing weight only to regain it. This constant yo-yo dieting continued well into my sixties, creating a frustrating cycle that seemed impossible to break.
The weight struggles were particularly difficult as I approached 60—the age at which my mother had passed away. This milestone created a sense of urgency about improving my health. Becoming a grandmother added additional motivation when I found myself unable to get up from the floor after playing with my grandchildren.
Transition to Cleaner Eating
About five years ago, I made a significant dietary change by switching to whole foods and organic products. This represented my first serious attempt to address my health concerns through nutrition rather than conventional dieting. Despite these changes, I continued to experience numerous health issues.
When whole foods alone didn't provide relief, I tried progressively stricter dietary approaches:
Low-carb diet - Attempted but saw minimal improvement in joint pain
Ketogenic diet - Followed strictly for a full year
Results from keto - Only lost approximately 12 pounds despite strict adherence
The limited results from keto were particularly discouraging. Despite following the protocol carefully without cheating, my progress lagged far behind others on similar diets. This frustration eventually led me to discover carnivore eating through Dr. Berry's videos in late 2022.
Managing Multiple Health Conditions
Prior to my dietary changes, I had accumulated numerous diagnoses that significantly impacted my quality of life:
Condition Impact Fibromyalgia Chronic widespread pain PTSD Emotional distress and anxiety Anxiety disorder Persistent worry and fear Depression Low mood and lack of energy
These conditions had severely limited my life for over two decades. I had been on disability for 21 years due to chronic pain and fatigue. The medications prescribed made me feel like a "zombie," causing excessive sleepiness and preventing me from fully participating in life.
My sleep patterns were particularly concerning—often sleeping 15-16 hours yet never feeling rested. Headaches and migraines were frequent companions, further reducing my quality of life.
After adopting a carnivore diet in January 2023, I experienced dramatic improvements. Within 1-2 months, chronic pain disappeared, headaches and migraines stopped, mental fog lifted, and my mood significantly improved. My energy increased so dramatically that after four months, I began daily walks and found it difficult to remain sedentary.
Moving Through Different Dietary Approaches
Dietary Restriction Challenges
Low carb dieting seemed like a logical first step after transitioning from whole foods. Unfortunately, this approach didn't yield significant results, particularly because joint pain and chronic discomfort persisted. The fibromyalgia symptoms, along with PTSD, anxiety, and depression diagnoses, made it difficult to experience improvements through dietary changes alone. Medical interventions during this period included medications that caused excessive sleepiness and zombie-like states, which significantly reduced quality of life rather than enhancing it.
Finding Direction with Ketogenic Eating
The ketogenic diet represented a significant shift in dietary approach. This higher-fat, very low-carb method sparked some initial promise after the previous disappointments with simple low-carb eating. The year-long commitment to keto showed dedication, but results were modest compared to expectations. Only about 12 pounds came off despite strict adherence and avoiding cheats. This became frustrating when comparing results to others who seemed to lose weight much more rapidly on the same diet.
Unexpected Challenges on the Keto Path
Weight loss stalled at approximately 12 pounds despite a full year of consistent effort on the ketogenic diet. The lack of progress became increasingly discouraging, especially when comparing results to others who experienced dramatic weight loss. One critical oversight became apparent later: no one had mentioned the potential impact of oxalates in vegetables during the keto journey. This discovery about plant compounds that might contribute to inflammation came only after further research and exploring alternative dietary approaches. The disappointing results from keto, despite doing "everything right," led to seeking new information and eventually discovering Dr. Barry's video about rapid weight loss strategies.
Exploring the Carnivore Lifestyle with Dr. Ken Berry
The journey to better health often takes unexpected turns. After years of struggling with various health conditions and weight issues, discovering the carnivore diet through Dr. Ken Berry created a pathway to significant improvements. This dietary approach eliminated joint pain, brain fog, and other chronic conditions that had persisted for decades. The transformation extended beyond physical health to include enhanced mental clarity, improved mood, and renewed energy levels.
Dr. Berry's Diet Hack Video
Dr. Ken Berry's video titled "The Diet Hack if You Want to Lose Fast" introduced many people to the carnivore diet concept. This educational content became a turning point for those who had previously tried other dietary approaches without success. The video explains how certain plant compounds like oxalates found in vegetables might contribute to ongoing health issues for some individuals. Many viewers who implemented his recommendations noticed rapid improvements in chronic conditions that had been resistant to other interventions.
Beginning the Carnivore Journey
January 23, 2023 marked the start of a new chapter for many carnivore enthusiasts. Within the first 1-2 months on the diet, people commonly report:
Elimination of chronic pain
Disappearance of migraines and headaches
Significant mood improvements
Reduced or eliminated need for medications
Increased energy levels
Better sleep quality (often requiring fewer hours)
The simple formula of "beef, butter, bacon and eggs" has helped many individuals regain mobility and vitality they hadn't experienced in years. Even medical professionals have noted improvements in health markers like cholesterol levels, despite initial skepticism about the meat-focused approach. This renewed physical capability has allowed grandparents to actively participate in activities with their grandchildren and regain independence they had lost.
Physical and Mental Health Transformations
Relief from Pain and Cognitive Impairment
After starting the carnivore diet in January 2023, the chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia disappeared within just 1-2 months. Headaches and migraines that had previously been a regular occurrence completely vanished. The persistent brain fog that had made thinking clearly difficult lifted, allowing for greater mental clarity and focus.
Prior to this dietary change, years were spent trying various eating approaches including whole foods, low-carb, and keto diets, but none addressed the underlying pain issues. The elimination of plant oxalates through the carnivore approach appears to have been a key factor in this dramatic improvement.
Energy Increase and Physical Activity
The carnivore diet triggered a remarkable energy transformation within four months of starting. This newfound vitality made staying sedentary impossible and created a natural desire to move and be active daily.
Current activities include:
Walking 2-4 miles around a lake every day
Playing actively with grandchildren (ages 3, 6, and 8)
Performing cartwheels and other physical feats previously impossible
Carrying a grandson on shoulders during walks
Sleep patterns also transformed dramatically - from needing 15-16 hours of sleep to functioning optimally on just 5-6 hours. Mornings now start with enthusiasm and energy rather than fatigue and exhaustion.
Emotional Wellbeing and Self-Confidence
The mental health benefits have been as significant as the physical improvements:
Mood elevation: Depression symptoms lifted naturally without medication
Confidence boost: Developed healthier boundaries and self-respect
Social perception: Family members note increased happiness and positive attitude
Motivation: Gained drive to help others and share experiences
This transformation extended beyond physical health to include financial stability and an overall life restoration. The improved confidence and energy led to the ability to set proper boundaries, including learning that "no" can be a complete sentence without requiring explanation.
After 21 years on disability with various diagnoses including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depression, the diet change resulted in a remarkable quality of life improvement that medication alone had not provided.
Personal Journey and Family Motivations
Mother's Early Loss
Kim's weight loss journey gained urgency as she approached her 60th birthday. This milestone carried significant emotional weight because her mother had passed away at 60. The approaching anniversary created a sense of mortality and urgency that propelled her commitment to health transformation. Surpassing this age became a personal triumph that reinforced her dedication to maintaining her new lifestyle.
Becoming an Active Grandmother
Grandparenthood became a powerful motivation for Kim's health journey. She found herself struggling to get up from the floor while playing with her grandchildren, which became a turning point in her commitment to change. This physical limitation made her declare, "I'm never going to be like this again."
Today, Kim actively participates in her grandchildren's lives, spending several days each week with her three grandchildren aged eight, six, and three. Her improved physical condition has transformed these interactions completely. She can now:
Carry her grandson on her shoulders while walking around the lake
Perform perfect cartwheels during games of Simon Says
Keep up with their energy levels throughout the day
The joy of being an active grandmother who can fully engage with her grandchildren has become one of the most rewarding aspects of her health transformation. Rather than watching from the sidelines, she participates in physical activities that create meaningful connections and memories with the younger generation.
Life Struggles and Finding Hope
A Series of Personal Setbacks
In 2013, I experienced a devastating chain of losses that changed my life completely. My dog passed away, followed by my husband who died from lung cancer. To make matters worse, I couldn't locate his insurance policy. Then I lost my house due to a clerical error—I discovered I was on the loan but not the deed. This realization forced me to abandon the property since continuing payments made no financial sense. For about six months afterward, I lived with family members while trying to rebuild my life.
Before these events, I had already struggled with feeling like I didn't belong. I viewed myself as the "black sheep" of my family and often felt like a wayward child. Several abusive relationships further damaged my self-worth and deepened my depression. I became a people-pleaser who didn't believe I deserved respect or had the right to set boundaries.
Spiritual Reconnection
About ten years ago, I began reconnecting with my faith and rediscovering myself. This spiritual journey helped me establish healthy boundaries in my relationships. I learned that "no" is a complete sentence that doesn't require explanation or justification. These mental shifts created a foundation for personal growth and healing.
My faith became central to my recovery. I believe God restored my life completely, bringing me full circle from despair to hope. This spiritual reconnection gave me:
A renewed purpose for living
Genuine happiness and joy
Compassion for others who are suffering
The strength to make positive changes
My heart now goes out especially to the brokenhearted, the overlooked, and those who experience bullying—because I've been in those positions myself.
Financial Stability and Emotional Transformation
After my spiritual awakening, I started rebuilding my financial life. I created a solid foundation and organized my finances properly. This financial stability complemented the emotional healing I was experiencing.
The physical transformation came later when I discovered a new way of eating that eliminated my health problems:
Previous Conditions Current Status Fibromyalgia Resolved PTSD Significantly improved Anxiety disorder Minimal symptoms Depression Lifted without medications Chronic pain Eliminated Low energy Now walks 2-4 miles daily Poor sleep (15-16 hours) Needs only 5-6 hours
My improved health has allowed me to be more active with my grandchildren (ages 8, 6, and 3). I can now carry my grandson on my shoulders while walking around the lake. Recently, I even performed three perfect cartwheels during a game of Simon Says with my granddaughters—something impossible for me just a year earlier.
My daughter noticed the transformation went beyond physical appearance: "You're so happy, you're so confident, you're so loving, you just want to help everybody." Even my doctor was impressed by my improved health markers, especially my significantly lowered cholesterol levels.
Embracing a Meat-Based Lifestyle Through Connection and Support
Finding Purpose Through Personal Transformation
The journey to health often ignites a desire to help others facing similar struggles. After experiencing significant improvements in physical and mental health through the carnivore diet, many individuals develop a strong passion for sharing their knowledge. This newfound purpose becomes especially meaningful for those who previously struggled with chronic conditions like fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety, and persistent pain.
Personal transformation can be remarkable. For some, switching to a meat-based diet eliminates years of debilitating symptoms within just a few months. This rapid improvement often surprises even long-term sufferers who had previously tried numerous dietary approaches without success.
The physical changes frequently extend beyond pain relief to include increased energy, better sleep patterns, and improved mobility. Many find themselves able to engage in activities they hadn't enjoyed in years, such as walking several miles daily or playing actively with grandchildren.
Sharing Success and Inspiring Change
People who experience health transformations naturally want to share their success with others. They often become unofficial advocates, discussing their dietary choices with friends, family members, and sometimes even strangers who appear to be struggling with health issues.
These conversations typically occur in everyday settings:
Family gatherings where relatives notice physical changes
Social events with friends who haven't seen them in months
Medical appointments where doctors observe improved test results
Grocery stores when noticing others' food choices
The response to carnivore advocacy varies widely. Some individuals express skepticism about an all-meat approach, while others show immediate interest, particularly if they're desperately seeking solutions for their own health problems.
Success stories serve as powerful motivation. When people share specific improvements—like no longer needing multiple medications, sleeping better with just 5-6 hours instead of 15-16, or being able to perform physical activities like cartwheels—these tangible examples make the diet's benefits more relatable and compelling to others.
Health Improvements and Medication Changes
Blood Pressure Management
I continue taking blood pressure medication due to a family history of aneurysms. Despite consistently recording good readings, my doctor advises maintaining this medication as a precautionary measure. Some days I take the prescribed dose, while other days I skip it. This represents the only medication I currently require, which is remarkable considering my previous health conditions.
Significant Reduction in Medications
Before changing my diet in January 2023, I was taking numerous medications for various conditions. These included treatments for fibromyalgia, PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depression. Many of these medications caused severe side effects, making me feel like a "zombie" and forcing me to sleep 15-16 hours daily. Now I function well on just 5-6 hours of sleep and wake up energized. The transition to a meat-based diet eliminated the need for anti-depressants and pain medications that had been part of my life for years.
Medical Professional's Positive Feedback
At my recent doctor's appointment, my physician was visibly impressed with my health improvements. He noted that my cholesterol levels had been gradually decreasing over several visits, with a significant drop at the most recent check-up. When asked about my dietary changes, I explained my meat-focused eating pattern.
My doctor's response was enthusiastic and supportive. He specifically stated, "Whatever you're doing, keep doing it because you look amazing." This medical endorsement came after three years of him attempting to prescribe statins, which I consistently declined. The measurable improvements in my bloodwork confirmed that my dietary approach was working effectively without requiring additional medications.
Lifestyle Transformations and New Activities
Enhanced Physical Movement
Physical activity has become an integral part of daily life since adopting the carnivore diet. What was once impossible due to chronic pain and fatigue has transformed into a daily routine filled with energy and movement. Walking 2-4 miles around the lake every day has become a regular activity. This increased stamina has been remarkable, even outpacing younger family members during walks.
The improvement in mobility has been dramatic. Activities that were previously unthinkable—like performing perfect cartwheels or carrying a grandchild on shoulders during lake walks—are now accomplished with ease. These physical capabilities weren't possible just a year ago due to limitations from health conditions.
Better Rest Patterns
Sleep quality and duration have undergone significant improvements. Previously, 15-16 hours of sleep were needed and still didn't provide adequate rest. Now, only 5-6 hours of sleep are required to feel completely refreshed.
Mornings have transformed from sluggish, difficult awakenings to energetic starts. There's a noticeable enthusiasm about beginning each day, with a spontaneous eagerness to get out of bed and engage in activities. This improved sleep efficiency has contributed significantly to overall well-being and daily functioning.
Meaningful Interactions with Grandchildren
The relationship with grandchildren, ages 8, 6, and 3, has been enriched through increased physical capabilities. Regular playtime with the grandchildren several days a week has become a cherished activity that brings joy and fulfillment.
Physical interactions that were once challenging are now enjoyable experiences. Being able to participate fully in games like Simon Says, performing cartwheels when requested, and carrying the youngest grandson on shoulders during walks around the lake have strengthened these bonds. These moments of active engagement with grandchildren represent meaningful improvements in quality of life that weren't possible before the dietary changes.
Personal Growth Journey
Key Milestones and Achievements
My health transformation began in January 2023 when I embraced the carnivore diet after years of unsuccessful dieting attempts. Prior to this change, I struggled with multiple health conditions including fibromyalgia, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain that had left me on disability for 21 years. Previous dietary approaches like Whole Foods, low-carb, and keto yielded minimal results.
The results were remarkable. Within 1-2 months, my chronic pain disappeared completely. Headaches, migraines, and brain fog vanished, while my energy levels soared dramatically. After four months, I found myself unable to sit still, walking 2-4 miles daily around the lake—something previously unimaginable.
Physical capabilities I never thought possible began emerging. I can now:
Carry my grandson on my shoulders while walking
Perform perfect cartwheels with my grandchildren
Keep pace with (and sometimes outpace) my adult children
Function optimally on just 5-6 hours of sleep instead of 15-16
Identity Evolution and External Recognition
The internal changes have been equally profound. My daughter noted that beyond the weight loss, my happiness, confidence, and loving nature were the most significant differences. This transformation followed years of feeling like an outsider—"the black sheep of the family" and "a troubled child" who struggled with self-worth and boundaries.
Medical professionals have validated these changes. At recent appointments, my doctor noted significant improvements in my cholesterol levels despite my unconventional diet of "beef, butter, bacon and eggs." His response was simply: "Whatever you're doing, keep doing it because you look amazing."
Social interactions have dramatically shifted as well. At a recent birthday party, guests were discussing my transformation before I even arrived. Many have asked about my methods, with several friends adopting similar approaches after seeing my results. Even hospital staff have mistaken me for being significantly younger than my actual age.
This journey has been about more than physical health—it's restored hope, joy, and purpose. At 61, I feel like I'm 25, with energy and capabilities that continue to surprise both myself and those around me.
Finding Strength in Community on the Carnivore Journey
Learning from Others' Carnivore Successes
The carnivore journey often begins with discovering others who have transformed their lives through this way of eating. Many people stumble upon the diet through social media, videos from trusted health advocates, or recommendations from friends who have experienced positive results. These success stories serve as powerful motivation, especially for those who have struggled with conventional approaches to health.
For individuals dealing with chronic conditions like fibromyalgia, PTSD, anxiety, and depression, seeing others overcome similar challenges through dietary changes can provide that first spark of hope. Many report finding information about carnivore after years of unsuccessful attempts with other eating styles like Whole Foods, low-carb, or keto diets.
Common paths to discovering carnivore:
Educational videos by health professionals
Social media testimonials
Word-of-mouth recommendations
Research after conventional treatments failed
Embracing the Carnivore Lifestyle
The transition to a carnivore diet often begins as a weight loss strategy but quickly evolves into a comprehensive lifestyle change. Many practitioners report unexpected improvements beyond their initial goals, including enhanced mobility, increased energy, improved mood, and reduced dependence on medications.
These life-changing benefits strengthen commitment to the carnivore approach. For grandparents, the ability to play actively with grandchildren—getting up from the floor easily, carrying them, or even performing cartwheels—becomes a powerful motivator to maintain the lifestyle. The remarkable transformation from chronic fatigue to boundless energy enables activities that seemed impossible before.
Physical improvements commonly reported:
Elimination of joint pain
Reduced or eliminated headaches
Increased energy levels
Better sleep quality
Improved mobility
The mental and emotional benefits often prove equally significant. Many report lifted mood, increased confidence, and a desire to share their experiences with others. This newfound zest for life frequently translates into becoming advocates for the carnivore approach, offering hope to those still struggling with health challenges.
