Patrick Ensley, a father and HVAC technician from Milford, Nebraska, shared his extraordinary journey of adopting a strict carnivore diet—consisting exclusively of red meat and eggs—for an entire year. The results have been nothing short of life-altering, both physically and mentally.
Struggling with Health and Mental Wellness
Before making the drastic change, Ensley weighed approximately 300 pounds and faced numerous health challenges. Struggling with low energy, depression, and physical discomfort, he found it difficult to engage with his young son. He described waking up after hours of sleep feeling stiff, sore, and mentally drained, with basic tasks like climbing stairs leaving him out of breath.
“I just felt miserable,” Ensley told the Mail Online, recalling his state before the diet. “I was a prisoner in my own body, feeling heavy and unhealthy.”
The Diet Switch: A Radical Approach
In a bid to regain control of his health, Ensley and his wife Caitlynn decided to embrace a hardcore carnivore diet. Each day, Ensley consumed 16 ounces of steak, a pound of ground beef, and six eggs, eliminating all non-carnivore foods from their household. To avoid temptation and curb the urge to snack, he stocked up on foods like homemade meatballs, pork rinds, and beef jerky.
To keep himself motivated, Ensley placed a photo of his son as his phone wallpaper, serving as a constant reminder of his goal: to improve his health so he could actively participate in his son’s life. He also took “before” photos to track his progress, noting significant reductions in his waistline as a source of encouragement.
Dramatic Health Improvements After One Year
After a year on the diet, Ensley’s transformation is remarkable. He lost 140 pounds and 19 inches off his waist. He now enjoys better sleep, feeling “refreshed and energized” upon waking, without the pain that once plagued his joints. His mood, mental clarity, and overall sense of well-being improved dramatically.
“I felt better mentally almost immediately after starting the diet,” he said. “It completely changed my life and gave me a sense of purpose again.”
Ensley’s newfound energy now allows him to play actively with his two-year-old son, something he struggled with before. He can now climb multiple flights of stairs without feeling winded and is able to engage in the energetic activities that he previously lacked the stamina for.
Future Plans and Expert Opinions
After shedding the weight and restoring his energy, Ensley plans to reintroduce some plant-based foods, such as organic strawberries, into his diet. He wants to test how his body reacts to the inclusion of certain fruits while adjusting to a less restrictive lifestyle.
While Ensley’s results are impressive, experts remain divided on the long-term sustainability and health implications of the carnivore diet. Some point to potential risks such as high saturated fat intake, kidney strain, and nutrient deficiencies. Nutritionists caution that by excluding entire food groups, individuals may miss out on essential vitamins and minerals found in plants.
However, some health professionals, like British cardiologist Dr. Aseem Malhotra, argue that concerns about red meat consumption are often overstated, especially when compared to the health risks of processed meats.
Before making drastic dietary changes, health experts advise consulting with a doctor to ensure that the approach aligns with an individual’s specific health needs.
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