Interview with Amber

1) Introduce Yourself.

Howdy! I’m Amber, aka Lone Star Keto Girl on social media. I’m 53, married and have 2 adult kids and a 10-month-old granddaughter.

I’ve battled with weight issues since I was 10 years old. Not to mention dealing with multiple eating/exercise disorders. I’ve tried pretty much every diet out there at some point, including a medically supervised one. I’ve lost 80 – 100lbs 4 times, 3 were via Weight Watchers with the same exact results – gaining all or most of it back, sometimes more.

At my heaviest, I was over 240 lbs and wore a size 24/26. That’s pretty major considering I’m only 5’2″. My health suffered horribly as well. I became hypertensive (210/110) & pre-diabetic. At one point, I was taking 4 medications for my high BP. I had major acid reflux and took Nexium every day for 8 years. My rosacea was severe and a great embarrassment. It was bad enough I was huge, but to have my face look awful as well was downright degrading. Digestive issues caused me great pain. Even worse than the physical pain was the emotional and psychological pain I endured. I was depressed and spent a good 20 years of my life hiding from the world. I became a spectator of my own life. Watching on the sidelines instead of living. Even after losing the weight those 3 times, I knew in the back of my mind there was no way I could sustain that way of living for the rest of my life, and it scared me when I’d finally reach maintenance level. It was miserable–always hungry and feeling deprived. It was just a matter of time until the weight came piling back on.

All that changed when I stumbled across keto. To say it was a life-changer is a huge understatement.

2) How did you eat before Carnivore.

I was standard keto 2 years before going carnivore. I’ve transitioned through the low carb spectrum from low carb to keto and then on to carnivore. I readily admit I did the whole substituting the “bad” foods with keto-friendly ones. Yes, desserts, especially. I had a major sugar/carb addiction, but as I lost cravings and hunger, I found it easier and easier to eliminate the need for all the sweet. It became more of a treat instead of an almost daily occurrence. I also intermittent fasted. It came very naturally since I wasn’t even hungry. I did OMAD for a good year, only eating dinner.

Prior to keto, however, I bought into the whole low-fat-high-carb-meat-is-bad mantra that has been pushed by the government, doctors, nutritionists, parents, and friends. After all, that was the healthy way of eating. I had oatmeal every morning with a whole banana, 2 handfuls of berries, 2 pieces of low-fat whole-grain bread, margarine, and skim milk. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day after all! For lunch I’d generally have a peanut butter and honey sandwich on that low-fat whole-grain bread! Dinner you could be sure primarily consisted of chicken, a starch, and veggies. Of course, processed carbs and fast food was heavily mixed in there, too!

3) Why did you try Carnivore to begin with.

2 years into keto, I was off all but one BP medication, Nexium, and I was no longer pre-diabetic. My rosacea had cleared somewhat and my digestive issues were greatly improved. I met a friend who is a big advocate of carnivore and kept saying I should give it a try to see if I could heal the rest of the way. I figured why not give it a go and see what happens. Plus, then I’d be able to talk from experience and have personal knowledge of the whole low carb spectrum. I could help even more people.

4) How do you personally approach the Carnivore Diet.

I mostly eat beef and bacon as well as some bison, elk, venison, and wild hog. I don’t eat organ foods but I’m still trying to “acquire” a taste for it. I will use some spices (Real Salt seasoning & Paleo Pink). I’ve recently added back in eggs and a  little dairy after going egg/dairy-free (except butter on occasions) for over 7 months. I will have a little heavy cream here and there which brings me to coffee. Normally, I don’t drink it, but since it’s turned cold, I have it on occasion. I don’t go off plan except for a few select things when we’re on a cruise. Even then, I mostly stay keto or this year, carnivore. I will also have a few drinks when we go out dancing. Generally, water and vodka. I eat lunch and dinner and fast for the rest of the time. It’s not about restricting based on a clock.  It just happens to be when I’m hungry.

I am not dogmatic when it comes to the “right” way to do carnivore. I believe we all have to figure out what works for us and what we can maintain. After all, this is not a temporary diet. If you can’t stick with it, what’s the point?

5) What benefits have you seen since starting the Carnivore Diet.

I’m now off all medications and supplements! And my rosacea is almost gone. But the biggest change that actually surprised me was the huge digestive improvement. I thought what I felt on keto was normal since it was so much better than when I was on the SAD, but wow was I wrong. I have ZERO issues now. Zero bloat. Zero gas. Zero cramps. Zero pain. And zero constipation. Apparently, fiber was not my friend. I have no desire to ever eat fiber again.

6) What negatives have you found with the Carnivore Diet.

It is a little harder to eat out which is something I really enjoy. It’s nice to have someone wait on me for a change. But you can usually find something. I’m just a bit picky.

I haven’t become bored with just eating animal foods or felt any deprivation. Nor do I care how others react to my lifestyle. No longer bothers me. I feel amazing.

7) Do you exercise on the Carnivore Diet, if so how do you find it and what do you do.

I’m sad to say I have not. I do plan to get with it…at some point. I struggled with anorexia athletica, and it stresses me that I may revert to my crazy obsessive way of working out. 2-5 hrs a day/6 days a week in the gym as well as even more hours at home. Sometimes doing 10 miles a day on the treadmill on top of everything else.

8) What piece of advice would you give someone who is interested in trying this diet, but hasn’t taken the leap yet.

Honestly, why not give it a try? It’s not going to hurt regardless of the silliness that’s out there claiming different. There is zero evidence eating meat is dangerous. Of course, there are always exceptions like being bit by the Lone Star tick. 😛

The biggest advice I have is that if you have not been keto/low carb, I highly suggest you start there and transition into carnivore instead of jumping straight in. I had zero issues transitioning from keto other than a little bit of fatigue and an increased appetite. Of course, if one is a rip-the-bandage-off kind of person, go for it. I’m not!

9) Do you think Carnivore will ever be accepted as a mainstream diet.

That’s a good question! I certainly hope so. There are a lot of us advocating for that very thing! The fact is that it would hurt the bottom line of those making a profit off our poor health. It won’t go down without a hard fight. But many of us are willing to do just that.

10) Anything you would like to add, and where can people follow you.

So many focus on the weight loss aspect. I get it. I did, too. However, since I’ve experienced true health, I now look at weight loss as a great side effect. Not the whole story. I know it’s easier said than done, but when you focus on health, great things happen!! Patience is key!!!

I’m all over social media!

IG: @LoneStarKetoGirl
Twitter: @Lone_Star_Keto
FB: Lone Star Keto & Amber Bell Wentworth
Youtube: Lone Star Keto
Website: Lone-Star-Keto.com
Podcast: KetovoreKast
MeatRX Carnivore Coaching: MeatRX.com

Ketogenic Endurance – I hoped you enjoyed this post.

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