A remarkable transformation unfolded as a man embarked on a journey to shed an astonishing 210 pounds, nearly half of his total body weight, by adopting a diet exclusively centered around meat and eggs.
Having reached a staggering 434 pounds on the scale and confronted with the potential impact of his weight on his fertility, the 28-year-old made a resolute decision to overhaul his lifestyle.
Isaiah Caldwell’s determination led him to achieve a remarkable milestone, currently weighing in at 224 pounds, thanks to his steadfast commitment to a carnivorous dietary regimen. This diet encompasses a spectrum of animal-derived foods, including meat, fish, eggs, bone broth, and dairy products.
Hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, Isaiah, a 6-foot-4-inch salesman, now attests to a newfound sense of happiness and vitality. Moreover, he nurtures hopes of initiating a family with his wife, Amanda, buoyed by his revitalized health and well-being.
“Having a baby became an obsession of ours—we were really excited about it,” Isaiah explained. “We started trying for a year before we began to suspect that there might be some issues fertility-wise.
“I knew if there was anything I could do to give us a chance, I would do it.”
He opted to eliminate all food groups except meat, eggs, and dairy, discovering that shedding weight was surprisingly straightforward.
“People think there’s some magic to it, but the reality is you’re just eliminating overeating—as it’s really hard to binge eat meat,” he recalled.
He shed 21 pounds in the initial month by consuming steak and smoked brisket—describing himself as “astonished.” Opting to persist with the carnivore diet, he dropped another 18 pounds in the following month, solidifying his commitment to it.
“I felt unbelievable even one week; psychologically I felt so much better, my brain fog was totally gone. I felt a million times better.”
He realized that sustaining his meat-only diet indefinitely wasn’t feasible. After several months, he made the decision to incorporate fruits into his meals. As a result of this dietary shift, coupled with his determination, he witnessed remarkable changes. Over the course of ten months, he shed a staggering 118 pounds.
However, as his weight loss progress began to plateau, Isaiah sought out a regimen commonly employed by bodybuilders. With dedication, he commenced meticulously monitoring his calorie consumption. This new approach yielded further success, as he managed to shed an additional 35 pounds. Presently, he remains committed to his calorie counting routine, maintaining his hard-earned progress.
“If anyone is thinking maybe they can’t do it, they should know that I felt exactly like that too. It felt impossible and hopeless, but everyone is capable of it.”
He acknowledges that due to its highly restrictive nature, the carnivore diet may not suit everyone’s lifestyle or dietary preferences.
While scientific research on the carnivore diet remains limited, there is a plethora of anecdotal evidence suggesting potential benefits such as reduced blood pressure, alleviation of joint pain, and improved sleep quality. A 2021 study, which relied on self-reported data from 2,029 adults, published by the American Society for Nutrition, found that those following a carnivore diet reported few adverse effects and instead noted various health benefits along with high satisfaction levels.
Many nutrition professionals advocate for caution, emphasizing the need for further comprehensive research on the carnivore diet’s effects. Instead, they suggest opting for meal plans that restrict carbohydrates, such as the ketogenic (keto) diet. The keto diet, characterized by its stringent limitation of carbohydrates (including flour, sugar, grains, and certain fruits) and emphasis on proteins and fats (like meats, cheese, avocados, and nuts), is favored by some due to its potential health benefits and broader acceptance within the nutritional community.
Isiah and Amanda plan to revisit their doctors in the upcoming months to assess whether Isiah’s dietary changes have positively influenced his fertility.
“We’re really optimistic,” he also said about being back into shape. “I’m going to get testing done, but I’ve increased odds from zero to at least something. I’m in best shape of my life and we are excited to find a way to be parents no matter what.”
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