Updated November 2023

Introduction

Welcome to an inspiring tale of resilience and transformation. Today, we delve into the journey of Catherine Denise Lim, a 41-year-old mother of four, including triplets, and a successful business owner from Manila, Philippines. Catherine’s story is not just about weight loss or dietary change; it’s a profound narrative of overcoming health challenges and rediscovering wellness through the carnivore diet.

Before embracing this lifestyle, Catherine grappled with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and the looming threat of diabetes, a condition that haunted her family history. Despite following conventional dietary advice, her health concerns persisted, mirroring her father’s struggle with type 2 diabetes under a Standard American Diet. It wasn’t until Catherine’s encounter with an autoimmune condition, ankylosing spondylitis, that she turned to the carnivore diet as a beacon of hope.

Transitioning through various nutritional phases—from low-carb, to paleo, keto, and finally carnivore—Catherine’s journey is a testament to her relentless pursuit of health. Her experience reflects a shift from mere dietary control to a profound understanding and intuitive approach to eating, guided by the principles of the carnivore diet.

Join us as we explore how Catherine’s unwavering commitment to this diet not only managed her autoimmune symptoms but also reshaped her life, offering insights that challenge conventional dietary norms and encourage personal health exploration.

Catherine’s Carnivore Journey: Overcoming Health Obstacles

Catherine’s path to the carnivore diet was paved with challenges. Initially diagnosed with PCOS at 28, she was put on medication to manage her condition and encourage pregnancy. Her diet at this time, influenced by her doctor’s advice, focused on reducing carbohydrates to stave off gestational diabetes—a condition prevalent in her family. This approach marked the beginning of her dietary evolution.

Her father’s struggle with type 2 diabetes and its complications cast a long shadow. Observing his uncontrolled glucose levels despite adherence to a Standard American Diet, Catherine grew increasingly skeptical of conventional dietary wisdom. This skepticism was a catalyst for her exploration into alternative dietary practices.

Catherine’s journey took a decisive turn when, despite a successful transition to a keto diet resulting in significant weight loss and improved health, she was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition, ankylosing spondylitis. This diagnosis was a turning point, leading her to the carnivore diet in June 2018. Her choice was driven by research suggesting that an elimination diet could alleviate autoimmune symptoms.

Embracing a variety of meats, organ meats, eggs, and bone broth, Catherine’s carnivore diet was initially accompanied by meticulous tracking of her fat and protein intake. Gradually, she adopted a more intuitive eating approach, incorporating intermittent fasting with a focus on one main meal in the afternoon and occasional eggs in the evening.

The benefits of the carnivore diet were stark. Catherine experienced reduced bloating, a sense of satiety with meat and fat, and a natural regulation of her weight. This diet also contributed to a remarkable improvement in managing her autoimmune condition, with medications becoming more effective.

Catherine’s story is a beacon of hope and empowerment. It illustrates how personal health crises can lead to profound dietary discoveries, challenging the status quo and opening new avenues for managing chronic health conditions.

Benefit 1: Enhanced Autoimmune Disease Management

One of the most striking benefits Catherine experienced on the carnivore diet was the significant improvement in managing her autoimmune condition, ankylosing spondylitis. Prior to adopting this diet, Catherine faced debilitating joint pain and reduced mobility, which severely impacted her quality of life. The conventional treatment options presented to her, including NSAIDs and injectable biologics, offered limited relief and potential long-term side effects.

The carnivore diet, with its elimination of plant-based foods, appears to have played a crucial role in reducing the inflammation associated with autoimmune diseases. By focusing solely on animal-based foods rich in proteins and fats, Catherine eliminated potential dietary triggers of inflammation. This change was so effective that she noticed a dramatic improvement in her symptoms within weeks of starting the diet, a much faster response than anticipated by her medical treatment alone.

This benefit is particularly relevant for individuals struggling with autoimmune conditions, where diet plays a crucial role in symptom management. The carnivore diet’s emphasis on simplicity and elimination can be a powerful tool in identifying and avoiding foods that exacerbate autoimmune responses. Catherine’s experience serves as a compelling example of how dietary interventions can complement medical treatments to enhance overall health outcomes in autoimmune diseases.

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Benefit 2: Natural Weight Regulation and Digestive Comfort

Another significant benefit Catherine observed while on the carnivore diet was the natural regulation of her weight and improved digestive comfort. Transitioning from a keto diet, where she experienced bloating and fluctuating weight, Catherine found that the carnivore diet provided a more stable and comfortable digestive experience. The absence of bloating and the feeling of being satiated after meals were notable changes.

This benefit is attributed to the elimination of carbohydrates and plant-based foods, which can often be the culprits behind bloating and digestive discomfort. The carnivore diet, with its focus on meats and animal fats, offers a straightforward approach to nutrition that minimizes digestive stress. This simplicity aids in maintaining a stable weight, as the body becomes more adept at regulating its needs without the interference of processed foods and sugars.

For individuals struggling with weight management and digestive issues, the carnivore diet presents a clear and effective solution. By reducing dietary complexity, it allows the digestive system to function more efficiently, leading to better overall health and well-being.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Health and Vitality

Catherine’s journey with the carnivore diet is more than a story of dietary change; it’s a narrative of profound personal transformation. From battling PCOS and the threat of diabetes to managing an autoimmune condition, her journey embodies resilience and a willingness to challenge conventional health paradigms. The carnivore diet not only offered relief from her immediate health concerns but also ushered in a new chapter of vitality and wellness.

Her experience underscores the power of dietary intervention in addressing chronic health issues. By embracing a diet that goes against the grain of traditional dietary advice, Catherine has found a sustainable path to health that resonates with her body’s unique needs. Her story is a testament to the idea that sometimes, the road less traveled in nutrition can lead to the most rewarding destinations.

Catherine’s transformation serves as an inspiration to anyone facing health challenges, reminding us of the potential within each of us to reclaim our health through informed and intuitive dietary choices.

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Disclaimer

This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The experiences shared are specific to the individual and may not be representative of others’ experiences. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes, especially if you have existing health conditions or concerns.

Interview with Catherine

1) Introduce Yourself.

My name is Catherine Denise Lim. I am 41 years old, mother of 4 – a daughter and triplets (boy-girl-girl)! I am a business owner and a carnivore for about a year now and living in Manila, Philippines.

2) How did you eat before Carnivore.

I had PCOS before I conceived my first daughter. I found this out at the age of 28. My doctor put me on the pill for a year, and then metformin (high dose) when we were ready to conceive. My obstetrician also told me to exercise and to eat fewer carbs. It was also at this time that I was told that I was a pre-diabetic and would most probably be diabetic in the future.

My dad has type 2 diabetes which began at the age of 30, he has had open heart surgery and a kidney transplant. At the age of 67, his glucose levels are still uncontrollable. This posed a lot of questions for me. I have seen my dad follow the Standard American Diet (which is also prescribed here in the Philippines) to no avail. His endocrinologist and nephrologist keeps pushing oatmeal, healthier whole grains, and vegetables. I can see that although my father is on the heavier side, he seems to be always craving and starving and can’t stop thinking about food.

I started trying to control carbs when I was trying to get pregnant, and then again when I was pregnant to prevent myself from getting gestational diabetes (which most of my cousins living in Manila and abroad had whenever they were pregnant). I went very low carb when I got pregnant with my triplets. This astounded my doctor as being one of her few cases of multiple pregnancies which did not require insulin treatment. I gave up grains, fruits and anything with sugar. I learned first about paleo – dabbled in it on and off, then intermittent fasting, then eventually keto. On keto, I lost quite a lot of weight, around 25 pounds easily. My starting weight was around 128 and I ended up being 105 pounds (or less). This was more or less close to my weight when I was in my twenties. I felt healthy, strong and was exercising almost daily. I tracked my macros consistently.

3) Why did you try Carnivore to begin with.

Despite being keto- with carbs coming mostly from vegetables, nuts and seeds, some dairy and a few keto treats. I woke up one-morning feeling pain in my buttocks. I thought it was just some exercise-related injury. I went to an orthopedic surgeon who ordered some bloodwork and subsequently referred me to a rheumatologist. My condition spiralled downwards until all my joints were aching and I could barely move my neck. The rheumatologist then ordered some genetic tests and MRI’s which led to a diagnosis of an autoimmune condition called ankyliosing spondylitis. I was given the option of either managing the pain with NSAIDs (which I knew would ultimately destroy my kidney), or take injectable biologics. I opted for the second treatment. I am currently on monthly injections of Humira. This was also the time when I decided (after much research) to go Carnivore (around June 2018). I read that a Carnivore (elimination diet) may help my autoimmune condition. Although I am not completely off my meds like others are, I did notice that the medication immediately took effect and I was back to normal in less than 3 weeks (my rheumatologist said it would take 3 months or so, 3 to 6 cycles of the treatment to feel its effect). We were all surprised when after one injection, I had little to almost no symptoms. I attribute this to my diet. I probably eliminated a lot if inflammation when I went Carnivore.

4) How do you personally approach the Carnivore Diet.

I started my Carnivore journey with a variety of meats – beef ribeyes, fatty chicken thighs, lamb, fatty fish, organ meats, eggs and a lot of bone broth. I still tracked at the start to know how much fat-protein I consumed in a day. After 4 months of doing this and after listening to so many podcasts- I decided to try and be more intuitive. I also do intermittent fasting. I started this diet doing OMAD, and eventually moved to one main meal at around 3:00PM and some eggs if I am still hungry in the evening. Nowadays I try to be even more intuitive and eat when I feel hungry. I usually do not consume any food at least 4 hours before I go to bed. I still take 2 cups of coffee a day and make olive oil mayo – these three things -coffee, olive oil, pepper- are the only plant-based food I consume.  

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

During keto, I felt bloated after meals. I would look 3 months pregnant. With the carnivore diet, there is barely any bloating. I also feel satiated when I eat fat and meat. There will be days when I would feel supercharged after eating healthy fats and meat. I found that with this diet, my weight seems to be regulating itself. I was very thin when I was doing keto and OMAD. I actually gained 5-10 pounds as I did not restrict on this diet. I also noticed that it is easier to maintain my weight.

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

Here in the Philippines, keto has become big BUT not as big as in the USA. I don’t know of any physicians here who would recommend keto, much less Carnivore. I am the only Carnivore I know. The only other Carni’s that I know of are in Instagram and are all abroad. I learn through reading books, looking things up online, following the Carni’s on IG, listening to a ton of podcasts. Every person who sees me eat copious amounts of meat (and I’ve never even eaten more than 500 grams of ribeye at one sitting) would pointedly ask me about my bloodwork. My own parents ceaselessly remind me that I have 4 kids to take care of and I shouldn’t eat myself to death with too much meat. Everyone is worried about me. Culturally, Southeast Asia is the rice basin and so keto and Carni does not stick so long. But I have made this my WOE and lifestyle and haven’t looked back.

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

I do light jogging or walking for 15-20 minutes 5 to 7 times a week (as schedule permits) to soak up the sun. And then I lift light weights for 20-30 minutes also 4-6 times a week at home. I sometimes change this up to do body weight exercises.

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

I believe in n=1. So the only way one will know if it’s a fit is to try it. I also recommend getting a Functional Medicine Practitioner to help one out at the start. I went to a Functional Medicine Practitioner (and there are only 20 in the Philippines) who is also an internal medicine MD. Through her, I was able to see what I was deficient in and we have tried to make some adjustments from there.

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

Not in SEA. Rice is a staple here in our country.

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

Thank you to all the brave and inspiring carni’s out there who share all their knowledge and experiences about this way of eating. I look forward to the day when meat heals me completely and I would get off my meds and live vibrantly until 100! my ig is @filipina.karnevore

Ketogenic Endurance – I hoped you enjoyed this post.

Thanks for reading, Steven

More Information

If you enjoyed this blog post and want to dive deeper into the carnivore diet, don’t hesitate to check out my other media, sites, and affiliate links for more insights, success stories, and support. Remember, I’m not a doctor, so always consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes:

The Carnivore Diet 30 Day Challenge is an excellent way to push yourself to new limits and see what you’re capable of achieving. This challenge is all about following a diet that consists of only animal products such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. By doing so, you can experience numerous health benefits such as improved digestion, better mental clarity, increased energy levels, and weight loss.

If you’re looking for inspiration to start the Carnivore Diet, be sure to check out our real-life Carnivore Diet Success Stories. These stories feature people who have experienced tremendous results by following the Carnivore Diet, including significant weight loss, better health markers, and improved overall well-being. Reading about the success of others can be a great way to motivate and inspire you to keep pushing forward towards your goals.

In addition to inspiration, it’s essential to have a support system as you embark on the Carnivore Diet. That’s why we encourage you to join our Carnivore Diet Success Stories Facebook Group. Here, you can connect with like-minded people, share your experiences, ask questions, and get support from others who are on the same journey as you.

For informative and engaging videos on all things health and fitness, be sure to subscribe to my Ketogenic Endurance YouTube channel. You’ll find a wealth of information on how to succeed on the Carnivore Diet, including tips on how to overcome common challenges and stay motivated along the way.

If you’re active on Reddit, be sure to join the conversation on the Reddit Carnivore Diet Group. This group is an excellent resource for anyone looking to learn more about the Carnivore Diet or connect with others who are passionate about this way of eating.

For regular updates and tips on the Carnivore Diet, follow me on Twitter @ketoendurance. I share all sorts of tips and tricks on how to succeed on the Carnivore Diet, as well as updates on my own personal journey.

For a glimpse into my personal journey and tips on how to succeed on the Carnivore Diet, be sure to follow me on Instagram Steven Chasing Goals. Here, you’ll find daily updates, as well as helpful tips and advice on how to thrive on the Carnivore Diet.

For a fun and informative look at the Carnivore Diet, check out my videos on TikTok @ketoendurance. Here, you’ll find short, engaging videos that offer insights and tips on how to succeed on the Carnivore Diet.

Finally, if you’re looking for even more content and community interaction, be sure to like my Facebook Page Steven Chasing Goals. Here, you can connect with other Carnivore Diet enthusiasts, share your experiences, and get inspiration and motivation to keep pushing forward towards your goals.

Let’s continue this carnivore journey together and unlock the health benefits of a meat-based diet.

If you would like to do your own success story, hit me up in the contacts page.
For Carnivore friendly designs, search “Carnivore Diet Success Stories Hub Keto Press” on Amazon.