A woman from California, Courtney Luna, has shared her incredible weight loss journey after shedding a remarkable 55 pounds, which is almost four stone, within a span of 10 months. Luna accredits the “majority” of her weight loss success to following a controversial diet known as the carnivore diet. This restrictive diet consists of consuming strictly animal products while excluding all forms of carbohydrates, including fruits and vegetables. Courtney Luna faced criticism from healthcare experts, including Harvard Professor Walter C. Willett, who warned about the potential long-term health risks associated with this diet due to the lack of essential nutrients and fibre found in fruits and vegetables crucial for gut health and fighting chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes.
The carnivore diet adopted by Luna contradicts the guidelines set by the NHS, which recommend a balanced diet including five portions of fruits and vegetables daily to maintain good health. The World Health Organization (WHO) also supports this advice, indicating that a daily intake of 400 grams of fruits and vegetables can significantly reduce the risk of serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. Despite the controversy surrounding her dietary choices, Courtney Luna attributes the carnivore diet as the only sustainable method she has found for her successful weight loss endeavours. Luna disclosed her long-standing struggle with yo-yo dieting for over 25 years, beginning her weight loss journey at a young age of 13 by joining WeightWatchers. She emphasised the challenges she faced in maintaining weight loss until discovering the carnivore diet, which she claims has been the only method that worked for her long-term.
Courtney Luna delves into the transformative impact of the carnivore diet on her life, not just in terms of weight loss but also in improving her mental health and overall well-being. Luna expressed her relief in finding a sustainable approach to weight management that allowed her to be present with her children and engage fully in daily life activities without the burden of her past struggles with weight and mental health issues. Luna’s journey took a significant turn when she embraced a low-carb diet post-pregnancy, only to later adopt the carnivore diet after facing challenges in moderating certain foods. She noted substantial improvements in her mental wellness, skin health, and overall health status by eliminating processed foods and adhering to the carnivore diet. Despite encountering scepticism and health concerns from healthcare professionals, Courtney Luna remains resolute in her choice, citing personal well-being and positive outcomes as her priority.
While the carnivore diet may raise concerns due to its high animal product consumption, which can lead to health risks such as high cholesterol and bowel cancer, Luna remains confident in her approach. The NHS advises caution in consuming red or processed meat as they may increase the risk of certain health conditions. However, Luna maintains that her health indicators are positive and shows no signs of worry about her dietary choices. Courtney Luna provides insight into her daily eating habits, highlighting meals focused on animal-based products such as sausages, bacon, eggs, burger patties, steaks, and other carnivore-friendly dishes. Luna also shares her personal account of her family’s dietary choices, mentioning that while her husband follows a carnivore diet, her children are offered a more balanced diet with occasional treats to maintain a healthy relationship with food.
In summary, Courtney Luna’s weight loss journey showcases the transformative power of the carnivore diet in her life, enabling her to achieve sustainable weight loss, improved mental well-being, and better overall health. Despite facing criticism and health warnings, Luna remains steadfast in her dietary choices, emphasising the positive impact it has had on her quality of life. Her story serves as an inspiration to individuals struggling with weight management issues, highlighting the importance of finding a sustainable approach that works best for individual well-being and overall health.