We often don’t realize how bad we feel, until we begin to feel good! My main reason for implementing a carnivore way of eating was to heal my thyroid and balance my hormones. In addition, I wanted to lose 40 pounds.
December marked my 3rd month of eating this way. I am no carnivore purist and occasionally eat a minimal amount of fermented sauerkraut, real pickles in brine and olives. I indulged a bit over Christmas and my body let me know it will no longer tolerate alcohol and sugar products! I also learned that I am a carb addict, stemming from my childhood. I found helpful advice and guidance with Dr. Cywes, the Carb Addiction Doctor.
In month 3, I felt myself change – for the better. Specifically, my mindset, sense of self and well-being. It truly does take time to heal from the inside out. Realize this up front, and you will avoid frustrations by expecting immediate results.
My month 3 goal was to up the butter intake in my diet to 1 stick per day (I outlined the way I did this at the bottom), per the professional advice of Dr. Elizabeth Bright, Carnivore Doctor, Lisa Weideman and Steak & Butter Gal. This was to assist in my body’s ability to balance my hormones and heal my underperforming thyroid.
In addition to this goal, I altered my 16:8 fast schedule. Instead of fasting until lunchtime, I ate a hard-boiled egg with Redmond’s Real Salt on it, in addition to my coffee with heavy whipping cream each morning. I felt my body wanting morning fats – my needs for satiety and nourishment were leading the way. Listen to your body as you place it in a healing state.
Dr. Mindy Pelz is an expert on fasting, especially for women. Check out her inspirational and educational interview below with the Steak and Butter Gang.
Hormone balance: I previously eliminated bioidentical hormone supplements to implement the less is more mantra to my life. I trusted my instincts on allowing my body to clean itself out and be given a chance to heal my thyroid and balance my hormones. Hormonally speaking, during the past 3 months, I felt fine. I did experience a bit of sluggishness for a week or so – I believe this was the extent of my carb withdrawals. However, I did experience a skin issue on my hands and forearms – still not sure if I had contact dermatitis or a form of eczema. Needless to say, it’s gone, after applying a prescribed ointment by my Nurse Practitioner, Stefan Hartmann. He actually encourages bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for hormonal balance and additional benefits, like boosting my collagen = thicker skin; therefore, I’m not likely prone to these kinds of skin issues. I still plan on not taking bioidentical hormones and waiting 1 year and evaluating my bloodwork for my thyroid and hormone numbers.
Moving into 2023, I plan on continuing a carnivore way of eating.
3rd Month – Noticeable Improvements:
Morning Leg Cramps: Gone! As I wake in bed, I naturally stretch my body out while in the lying position. During month 2, my calves always felt tight, and I could feel cramps coming on. Since upping my butter intake, this has gone away completely!
Mental & Emotional Healing: Amazing improvement in mental clarity – didn’t realize how much of a fog I was in, until I wasn’t in one anymore! Improved sense of self and well-being. Calm – very noticeably so! No more anxiousness. My spiritual healing journey has also helped with this. It truly does take time to heal from the inside out.
Sleep: Deep, amazing dream-filled sleep, 7-8 hours! I get up once in the middle of the night to urinate.
Hair Loss: my eyebrows had thinned about a year ago and more recently, the hair on my forearms was gone. However, my forearm hair has recently grown back! In addition, I had been losing more than a normal amount of hair from my head. This has recently slowed down and I am not losing as much. Could this be a sign my thyroid is waking up?
Libido: still with me! 🙂
How I ate 1 stick (8 tablespoons) of butter per day:
Morning organic coffee (2 cups w/ full fat whipping cream): 1 tablespoon of butter in each cup (2 tablespoons)
Lunch: 2 tablespoons of butter on meat of choice
Dinner: 2 tablespoons of butter on meat of choice
After dinner/before bed: slice and eat 2 tablespoons of butter = 1 stick of butter consumed per day!
Kelli P Coats 