Jenny McCarthy Says Vegan Diet Nearly Killed Her—Why She Switched to Carnivore

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        Jenny McCarthy Went "Full Carnivore" After She "Almost Died" on a Vegan Diet
    The Masked Singer judge details her scary health ordeal.
By Leah SuzanneMar 29, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
 See Full Bio 

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By Leah SuzanneMar 29, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
 See Full Bio 
Nutrition & Diet
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Veganism is a popular style of eating. According to The Vegan Society, it’s more than just a diet. “Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals,” they say on their website. Many stars have identified as vegans, including Jenny McCarthy. However, on a recent episode of the Heal Squad podcast hosted by Maria Menounos, the Masked Singer beauty made a confession: The diet almost killed her. 

                Jenny First Identified as Vegan in 2009
            
        Shutterstock
McCarthy, 52, first discussed being on a vegan diet in 2009, and has her own vegan skincare line, maintains that plant-based eating was hazardous to her health. "I tried vegan and I almost died," McCarthy told Menounos. "I literally almost died."
RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

                She Got So Ill She Was “Literally Dying”
            
        Shutterstock
"I became so ill, like I was literally dying," she continued. "I was exhausted, fatigued, I was a mess. So, I went on a low histamine diet; I went on every one of 'em. Finally, my functional medicine doctor said to me last year, 'It's time for you to go full carnivore.'”

                She Went “Full Carnivore” and It Was “Incredible”
            
        Shutterstock
She was hesitant at first. "And I'm like, ugh, OK. I'm from Chicago so I can handle it, but it just felt very low vibrational heavy for me. I was kind of a more eating salmon [type of person] and doing light things like this. But [I felt] I might as well give it a try; it was like my last resort diet. It has been incredible for me, and I stress for me."
RELATED:20 Foods You Didn’t Know Were Ultra-Processed

                She Works Out Two Hours a Day
            
        Shutterstock
In a recent interview with Us, Jenny revealed some more of her hot body secrets. According to the former Playboy pinup, she spends a lot of time exercising. “I literally work out two hours a day,” she said.

                She Walks on an Incline
            
        Shutterstock
As for the type of cardio she does? “I can’t run anymore, my bones hurt,” she told Fox News. “So all I do is an incline of 15 on a treadmill, and then I hold my hand weights, and I watch ‘Game of Thrones’ or ‘Housewives,’ and I literally box while I walk uphill, and that's all I can do for 45 minutes a day. That’s all I have left in me.”
RELATED:I'm a Nutritionist and These are the Best Banana Recipes For Weight Loss

                She Also Enjoys Hot Yoga
            
        Shutterstock
In 2016, Jenny “added something to our home gym that has already made a huge impact on our health, energy level and happiness” – an exercise sauna. “The HOTWORX infrared sauna that doubles as a hot exercise studio!” she wrote. “HOTWORX is a fusion of infrared sauna therapy and isometrics for the perfect 30-minute workout! I have been wanting a room in my home to not only practice my yoga, but to incorporate the benefits of an infrared sauna at the same time.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.
vegan dietcarnivore diethealthy-eatingdietscelebrities

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        Jenny McCarthy Ditches Vegan for Meat
    

        Shutterstock
    
By Leah SuzanneMar 29, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
 See Full Bio 
✓Evidence-Based
This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.
Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.
We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.
Veganism is a popular style of eating. According to The Vegan Society, it’s more than just a diet. “Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals,” they say on their website. Many stars have identified as vegans, including Jenny McCarthy. However, on a recent episode of the Heal Squad podcast hosted by Maria Menounos, the Masked Singer beauty made a confession: The diet almost killed her. 

            
                Jenny First Identified as Vegan in 2009
            
            
        Shutterstock
McCarthy, 52, first discussed being on a vegan diet in 2009, and has her own vegan skincare line, maintains that plant-based eating was hazardous to her health. "I tried vegan and I almost died," McCarthy told Menounos. "I literally almost died."
RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

            
                She Got So Ill She Was “Literally Dying”
            
            
        Shutterstock
"I became so ill, like I was literally dying," she continued. "I was exhausted, fatigued, I was a mess. So, I went on a low histamine diet; I went on every one of 'em. Finally, my functional medicine doctor said to me last year, 'It's time for you to go full carnivore.'”

            
                She Went “Full Carnivore” and It Was “Incredible”
            
            
        Shutterstock
She was hesitant at first. "And I'm like, ugh, OK. I'm from Chicago so I can handle it, but it just felt very low vibrational heavy for me. I was kind of a more eating salmon [type of person] and doing light things like this. But [I felt] I might as well give it a try; it was like my last resort diet. It has been incredible for me, and I stress for me."
RELATED:20 Foods You Didn’t Know Were Ultra-Processed

            
                She Works Out Two Hours a Day
            
            
        Shutterstock
In a recent interview with Us, Jenny revealed some more of her hot body secrets. According to the former Playboy pinup, she spends a lot of time exercising. “I literally work out two hours a day,” she said.

            
                She Walks on an Incline
            
            
        Shutterstock
As for the type of cardio she does? “I can’t run anymore, my bones hurt,” she told Fox News. “So all I do is an incline of 15 on a treadmill, and then I hold my hand weights, and I watch ‘Game of Thrones’ or ‘Housewives,’ and I literally box while I walk uphill, and that's all I can do for 45 minutes a day. That’s all I have left in me.”
RELATED:I'm a Nutritionist and These are the Best Banana Recipes For Weight Loss

            
                She Also Enjoys Hot Yoga
            
            
        Shutterstock
In 2016, Jenny “added something to our home gym that has already made a huge impact on our health, energy level and happiness” – an exercise sauna. “The HOTWORX infrared sauna that doubles as a hot exercise studio!” she wrote. “HOTWORX is a fusion of infrared sauna therapy and isometrics for the perfect 30-minute workout! I have been wanting a room in my home to not only practice my yoga, but to incorporate the benefits of an infrared sauna at the same time.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

        
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Nutrition & Diet
        I Lost 130 Pounds on the Keto Diet and This Is How
    
low.carb.love/Instagram
By Leah GrothJun 07, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related. 
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   FACT CHECKED BY
   Tara Collingwood, ms, rdn, cssd, acsm-cpt
✓Fact-Checked
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			   sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.
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               scientific studies and medical journals.
If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing
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Are you thinking about going on the keto diet? Lots of people claim that the low-carb way of eating has helped them lose tons of weight. Mayra Wendolyne (@LowCarbLove) is a keto devotee and weight loss influencer who lost 130 pounds on the diet. “Today I'm going to be telling you about my journey, how long I've been keto, low carb, the whole nine,” she says at the start of the clip. Here is exactly how she did it.
She Learned About Keto From a FriendShutterstock
“Let's talk about my story,” she says. “A lot of people always ask me how I found out about keto because I actually started keto before it became a trend before it was all trendy and viral and everything.” She explains that a friend of hers, who “had always dealt with weight issues,” was introduced to the low-carb lifestyle” and ended up doing “more of a carnivore keto diet.”
She explains that a lot of his diet consisted of ribeyes with eggs, meats, “a protein style burger with no tomato, no onion,” she says. “It was just a very carnivore focused, keto lifestyle.” After not seeing him for three months, he sent her a photo and he had lost 70 pounds.
She Learned It Was Similar to AtikinsShutterstock
“After that, I just started looking more and more into it, and I realized that it was somewhat like the Atkins diet, and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh.” She tried it for a week, lost 10 pounds, and was “sold after that.”
She Loves It Because She Is Willing to Sacrifice CarbsShutterstock
“I was like, keto is for me because I love veggies, and I love my proteins. And so I was willing to sacrifice the carbs – the rice, the pasta, the bread – in order to have those satiating fats that are so delicious and especially that gave me the results that I saw. So I was sold.”
“So a lot of you guys wonder how long have I been keto? So the answer is I have been on keto for about five years now, and I have been living a low-carb lifestyle for over ten years,” she reveals.
She Topped the Scale at 315 and Lost 135 PoundsShutterstock
“I originally started my journey at about 315 pounds. I've lost a total of 135 pounds,” she reveals. However, she admits that she goes up or down “10 pounds here or there, not gonna lie.”
RELATED: 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week
You Have to Be Mindful of SnacksShutterstock
“I'm always just snacking and things like that. So, of course, if you are on a weight loss journey, you always have to be mindful and keep in mind that you have to eat to your goals, right? So even if something is keto, it doesn't mean that you go and eat like a whole box of cookies just because they're low carb or keto,” she says.
You Also Need to Be Calorie ConsciousShutterstock
“You need to be mindful, you need to be calorie conscious, because no matter what, in order for you to lose body fat and weight, you need to be in a calorie deficit. In order to lose weight, you need to be in a calorie deficit,” she points out.
You Can Build Muscle Without Being in a DeficitShutterstock
“You can lose body fat and convert it into muscle while not being in a calorie deficit. But you're, you're not gonna see the scale go down,” she points out.
She Lost 100 Pounds TwiceShutterstock
“So I have actually lost a hundred pounds twice in my life,” she continues. “So the first time I lost a hundred pounds in my first year, I was super, super strict. I was working out twice a day. I was in between a low-carb diet and severe calorie restriction, which is not what I recommend at all. It's actually really unhealthy. You mess up your metabolism; you slow it down.”
The Second Year It Was Harder to Lose WeightShutterstock
She lost 100 pounds the first year and 35 the second. “Remember, the closer you get to your goal weight, the harder it is for that weight to come off,” she says. However, “it was really, really difficult for me to keep that weight down. But I did it because I was always just so worried about being skinny or trying to be skinny. So, like my whole life, that's what was going through my head. I'm just so happy to be out of that mentality now.”
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After Having a Baby, She Discovered AtkinsShutterstock
The second time she lost 100 pounds was after she had a baby. “Everyone was telling me like, ‘It's over for you. You're not gonna lose that weight.’” This was when she discovered Atkins. “I thought it was like the weirdest thing ever because you can eat bacon and mayonnaise, meats and cheese, and everything that, basically, for 15 years, I was programmed to be afraid of. All of a sudden, it was like what you could do to lose weight.”
She Lost Weight Fast with Low-Carb, Low-Fat EatingShutterstock
She tried it for a week and lost weight, starting with low-carb, low-fat, not incorporating bacon and mayo, losing 100 pounds in 6 months. “If you're not putting fats into your body, your body is going to burn your own fat,” she says.
Then, Embraced Higher Fat FoodsShutterstock
Then she switched to low carb, “but I did high fats,” she says, which included salmon and meats, ground beef, and avocado.
In General, She Doesn’t “Go Super, Super Crazy on Fats”Shutterstock
“So, for me personally, I have lived a keto lifestyle focused on protein and healthy fats. So I don't go super, super crazy on fats. Like, I'm never the person who’s gonna add a ton of butter to my steak. I just usually have a steak with some veggies and add maybe a little bit of butter, like a cream sauce, things like that. But I'm not like the one that's going to pour butter and coconut oil and, you know, things like that into my coffee.”
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She Tracks Her Carbs, Not CaloriesShutterstock
“I'm still very calorie conscious, and I track my carbs versus calories. But I don't have to worry about that so much because I'm just naturally conscious of what I'm having and mindful,” she says.
She Lives a Keto LifestyleShutterstock
“So now I am currently living a keto lifestyle. I am a little more flexible with what I do. I don't weigh myself, I just kind of go gauged off of how my clothes are fitting me,” she says.
She Also Does Intermittent FastingShutterstock
“I am actively trying to intermittent fast a lot more and be more strict because that's kind of how I maintain my weight. I intermittently fast, and I don't like to track a lot,” she says. “So what I do is I fast and once I eat, I sit down and eat like a big meal or even like two small meals or medium-sized meals.”
Body Network’s Expert Weighs In on Ketodietdivatara/Instagram
While most experts agree that the keto diet will result in quick weight loss, many maintain it is not sustainable. “Ketogenic diets should not be followed long term,” says Body Network’s Resident RDN, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian and co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies. “Your body needs carbohydrates, specifically from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains for overall health but especially digestive health and disease prevention.”
RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster
Body Network’s Expert Weighs In on Intermittent FastingShutterstock
As for intermittent fasting, it works by “prolonging the period when your body has burned through the calories consumed during your last meal and begins burning fat,” explains Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Intermittent fasting is also not a guarantee of weight loss, and often people see plateaus and weight gain after a period of time of intermittent fasting,” notes Collingwood.
💪🔥Body Booster: To lose body fat and weight, create a calorie deficit by being mindful and conscious of your calorie intake.
Nutrition & Diet
        I Lost 8 Pounds in 3 Weeks on the Candida Diet, and Here Is What You Need to Know
    
Kate Tries/YouTube
By Leah GrothAug 15, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related. 
 See Full Bio 
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   FACT CHECKED BY
   Christopher Roback
✓Fact-Checked
Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get
			   sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.
We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including
               scientific studies and medical journals.
If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing
               editors@bodynetwork.com.
Kate Tries is a social media influencer who loves trying out new diets and fitness trends. In one of her viral YouTube videos, she reveals how she lost 8 pounds in 3 weeks on the candida diet. “My name is Kate, and today I'm going to talk about the Candida diet. I've been following this diet for three weeks, so I'm going to go over my results, and how I'm feeling and what I think of the diet overall, and here we go,” she says in the clip.
The Candida Diet Is No Sugar, No Flour, No Dairy, No GrainsShutterstock
“This diet is basically no sugar, no flour, no dairy, no grains. Basically, I just ate vegetables, meat, nuts, seeds, and a lot of eggs for three weeks. The purpose of this diet is to fix my gut health and to balance the bacteria in my stomach,” says Kate.
She Lost 8 Pounds in 3 Weeks“Within these three weeks, I have lost eight pounds, which is the most I've lost on any of the diets I've done so far. So I'm really excited about that. Although I did not do this diet specifically for weight loss, it's more to get me healthy. Ironically, I've lost the most weight on this diet so far. I think I've lost about 32 pounds overall and about 15 since I started this channel,” she says.
You Will Get Sick Before You Get BetterShutterstock
Unfortunately, you are going to feel worse before you feel better on the diet, Kate says. “So if you have candida, it can be really hard to start a diet like this, and a lot of times you'll get kind of sick before you start getting better,” she explains.
RELATED: 7 Healthiest Foods You Need in Your Diet Every Day
She Started Off By Doing a CleanseShutterstock
“The way I started this diet is by doing a three-day cleanse,” she says, linking to another video of exactly what she did on it.
She Had Some Go-To Foods She Ate Over and Over AgainShutterstock
“The way to be successful in this diet is to have some go-to foods. I had a lot of food that I ate over and over and over again. Three weeks is not that long, so I didn't even really get tired of the foods I was eating,” she says.
She Also Had Go-To Meals at RestaurantsShutterstock
“I found a couple of restaurants that had compliant meals that I could order. And so whenever I was tired, or I just wasn't feeling like cooking after a long day, I would go to these specific meals and these specific restaurants, and that made it way easier to accomplish. So I really suggest that you find ways to make this as easy as possible and as low maintenance as possible because if you're really stressed about cooking and, and being really strict about making everything yourself, it's gonna make it way more difficult to do this,” she says.
RELATED: I Lost 100 Pounds by Walking Every Day: Here Are My Hacks
Anyone Can Benefit From This “Back to Basics” DietShutterstock
“You do not have to have a candida issue to do this diet,” she continues. “It's pretty healthy for anyone. Obviously, you should check with your doctor before you make any kind of diet plan. But this is basically just like back to basics, no refined food and just basically easily digestive food.”
It Can Help If You Have Any Stomach IssuesShutterstock
“There are quite a few people who don't have candida but just have stomach issues. Actually, a lot of stomach issues, like a leaky gut, can originate from Candida. So, this is a good diet for a variety of different types of people. Even if your goal is just to lose weight, it was really successful for me just to do that,” she explains.
She Has Seen a “Big Improvement” with Her SymptomsShutterstock
“As far as the candida issue goes, doing this diet, I have seen a very big improvement with my symptoms, and I'm actually feeling quite a bit better,” she says. “I still have symptoms, though I'm not over this issue, and it can take a long time. The process of getting over a candida imbalance in your stomach is a big deal, and it can take a long time to recover.”
RELATED: 7 Red Flag Signs You’re Burning Muscle (Not Fat)
You Might Also Need SupplementsShutterstock
She did say that you might need to take supplements as well. “While I've been following this diet, I was just focusing on the food I was eating, and I wasn't taking any additional supplements. And Candida is hard to kill, and you actually do need supplements in order to get over this issue,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.
Nutrition & Diet
        She Lost 20 Pounds When She Stopped Intermittent Fasting and Did This Instead
    
Copyright midlifeinspo/Instagram
By Leah GrothDec 26, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related. 
 See Full Bio 
                       Follow:
                       
✓Evidence-Based
This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.
Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.
We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.
Do you want to lose weight without intermittent fasting? Kathy Wieliczko is a Midlife & Menopause Weight Loss Mentor with over 100,000 followers on Instagram and who devotes her time to “Inspiring Women Shed Belly Fat, Look & Feel Great in Menopause & Beyond,” she says in her Instagram bio. “I’m 52, in menopause since 2017, and finally lost the belly fat when I stopped intermittent fasting all day,” she writes across the video. “Here’s what worked for me,’ she added in the caption.
She Intermittent Fasting for Years
Shutterstock
“I understand the struggle of menopause belly fat because I’ve been in Menopause since 2017,” she writes in the post. “And I intermittent fasted for too many years, 18-hour fast & 6-hour eating window, but my weight still fluctuated.”
She Did Orange Theory
Shutterstock
“So I would increase the intensity of my workouts at HIIT classes like orange theory,” she continued. “Then, after fasting 18 hours, I was starving and ultimately overeating in my 6-hour window.”
She Started Eating Normally and Stopped High Impact Workouts
Shutterstock
“So when I stopped orange theory and started increasing my low impact cardio like walking and focusing on building muscle,” she says. “I started eating ‘normally’ again. 3 balanced meals with at least 30g of protein every day.”
She Also Amped Up Hydration
Shutterstock
She amped up her hydration as well. “More water,” she writes. According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is important for a variety of reasons. Water helps get rid of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature normal, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.
RELATED:10 Rules Help Petite Women Drop 15 Pounds in 90 Days
She Has Never Felt Better
Shutterstock
“I have never felt better; my body composition is completely different. I have more muscle, which ultimately allows me to eat more and burn more fat,” she says. “And here’s the thing, if you stop eating after dinner, say 6-7 pm, and wait to have breakfast by 8-9 am- that IS a fast.”
She Starts the Day with a High Protein Breakfast
Shutterstock
“Start with a savory high protein breakfast like eggs, cottage cheese, lean chicken, beef, and avocado instead of a sweet breakfast like sugary yogurt, cereal, granola, or peanut butter,” she continues. “Savory breakfast reduces post-meal glucose spikes and keeps you full.”
She Meal Preps This Chicken Dinner on the Fly
Shutterstock
In another post, she reveals a few of the meals she preps. “Full disclosure: I always meal prep on Sundays, but I went to the Eagles game and didn’t get to it. So here’s a quick & easy dinner on the fly with rotisserie chicken and nonfat Greek yogurt because they give you the best high-protein, low-fat bang for your buck. I also doubled the recipe so I can take it for lunch,” she writes.
RELATED:11 Walking Tricks This Coach Uses to Burn More Fat
Rotisserie Chicken with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Shutterstock
Here’s how to make it:
Ingredient for chicken:
1 rotisserie chicken, take all the white meat off the bone and shred the chicken
1/2 cup Low fat cheddar Cheese
1/4 cup Cholula hot sauce
1/2 cup Nonfat Greek yogurt
2 large low-carb tortillas
Salt, pepper, Chipotle Pepper Powder, Ancho Pepper Powder
Creamy Avocado Sauce:
one ripe avocado
1/2c non-fat Greek yogurt
2 cloves, minced garlic
1/2 squeezed fresh lime juice
Blend until smooth.
Nutrition Info
Shutterstock
While the exact nutrition is not known, she maintains that 6 ounces of cooked Rotisserie Chicken is 52g of protein and ½ Cup Siggis nonfat Greek yogurt is about 12g of protein. “Pair 1 whole chicken quesadilla cut in half with a salad, and that’s a filling high protein meal in 20 minutes or less,” she adds. “And cooking your food at home will always save you fat and calories, and then if you ordered takeout or went through the chicfila drive-through,” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.
Nutrition & Diet
        I’m a Doctor and Lost 100 Pounds on the Carnivore Diet
    

        Philip Ovadia MD
    
By Leah GrothJul 17, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related. 
 See Full Bio 
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   FACT CHECKED BY
   Christopher Roback
✓Expert-Recommended
We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists              and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to                safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend                  products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.
Do you want to lose weight eating all the meat you want? While it might sound like an unhealthy weight loss method, according to one heart doctor, it can be game changing for your overall health. Philip Ovadia, MD, board-certified Cardiac Surgeon and founder of Ovadia Heart Health, lost a whopping 85 pounds and transformed his life with the help of the carnivore diet. In a new interview with Body Network, he explains exactly how he did it.
Even Doctors Struggle to Lose WeightPhilip Ovadia MD
Dr. Ovadia, who is turning 50 this year and lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, had a moment of clarity that led him on his health journey. “As a morbidly obese, pre-diabetic heart surgeon, I realized that I was headed for my own operating table. I had tried to lose weight many times prior but would always gain the weight back (and more),” he says.
He Found His “True Why”The game changer this time was finding his “true why,” he says. “To serve as a better model for my children, to ensure that I was there for my children, and to do better for my patients were all strong motivators that paired with the proper knowledge and tools,” he explains, “finally allowed me to lose the weight and maintain that weight loss now for nearly 8 years.”
He Lost 100 Pounds in 2 YearsPhilip Ovadia MD
Dr. Ovadia,  5’ 7”, topped the scales at 275 pounds. “I currently weigh 190 pounds. My lowest weight was 170 pounds. The majority of weight that I have added back from my low has been added muscle,” he explains. The 100 pounds of weight loss occurred over 2 years (2016-2018)
He Focused on General HealthShutterstock
Instead of focusing on fat loss in specific areas of his body, he took a comprehensive approach. “I don’t have any particular parts that I focus on,” he says. “I focus on general health.”
He Eats Meats and Animal Based ProductsShutterstock
“I maintain a nearly exclusive carnivore diet and consume meats of all kinds, seafood and other animal based products such as dairy and eggs,” says Dr. Ovadia about his diet. “On a typical day, I will eat 2 meals. For example, ground beef with eggs mixed in for one meal and a steak and/or seafood for a second meal.”
He Eliminated All Processed FoodsShutterstock
He totally eliminated processed food from his diet. “If it comes in a box or a bag and it has an ingredient list that isn’t composed of whole, real foods, I stay away from it,” he says. “I mostly avoid carbohydrates with the exception of those that are in dairy products and an occasional non-processed carbohydrate such as a baked potato or avocado.”
He Does Resistance ExerciseShutterstock
As for his workout, he focuses on resistance exercise of any form, including weights, bands, and body weight. “Building and maintaining muscle is essential to optimize metabolic health and avoid insulin resistance. Having more muscle helps us to burn excess energy that we consume, and muscle also serves as an extra depot for glucose to help avoid excess blood glucose levels,” he says.
He Has Achieved “Optimal Metabolic Health” and Reversed His Insulin ResistancePhilip Ovadia MD
His biggest achievement when it comes to his body is “achieving optimal metabolic health and reversing insulin resistance,” he says. “My #1 tip is to work with a practitioner that understands what insulin resistance is, how to test for it and how to reverse it,” he says.
The Biggest Myth, He Says? Red Meat Is Bad for Your HealthShutterstock
He also notes that there are “so many” health myths that he has debunked over the years, especially “the entire concept of the food pyramid and that calorie restriction is the best way to lose weight,” he says. “The biggest myth I know to help people to overcome is that red meat is harmful for our health. Red meat is the most nutrient dense, complete food that we can (and should) eat.”
He Measures Progress by 5 Markers of Metabolic HealthShutterstock
How does he measure progress? The five markers of metabolic health: Waist circumference, blood pressure, blood glucose, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels
Sustainable Weight Loss Is About “Rethinking What We Eat”Shutterstock
As for challenges and setbacks, “it is important to remember your why and the simple basic principles, like eating whole, real food,” he says. “Sustainable weight loss and good health isn’t about restricting but rethinking what we eat.”
He Is Excited That People Are Paying More Attention to Metabolic HealthShutterstock
A fitness-slash-nutrition trend he is excited about is the increased awareness of metabolic health and insulin resistance. “This includes increased use of continuous glucose monitors to help people understand their response to the foods that they are eating,” he says.
He Finds Fitspiration in Others — And Himself
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As for fitness inspiration and people who he follows on social media, there are many. Gary Taubes, Nina Teicholz, Shawn Baker, Tro Kalayjian, Maria Emmerich, Ben Bikman, Robert Cywes, Brian Lenzkes, and himself (@ifixhearts) are on the list.
Do Your ResearchPhilip Ovadia MD
His advice for someone just starting their fitness journey? “With the right information, anyone can be empowered to take back control of your health. Just because prior efforts may have not succeeded doesn’t mean that a different approach won’t work,” he says.
Schedule Time to ExerciseShutterstock
Another trick he suggests? “Schedule time to exercise on your calendar, and don’t let perfect get in the way of good enough,” he says.
He Calls it “Our Ancestral Diet”Shutterstock
In a press release discussing the diet, Ovadia calls the carnivore diet “our ancestral diet.” He explains that as long as humans have been around, meat has been a fundamental part of their diet. Ancestral humans would add plants, like fruits and vegetables, “seasonally and sporadically,” he says.
Carnivore Diet Includes Meat, Dairy, and EggsShutterstock
The current carnivore diet includes animal products like meat, dairy, and eggs, omitting plant products and processed food. Some people modify the diet to fit their needs. For example, some people cut out spices and seasonings on their meat, while others use them.
Meat Has Similar Nutrients to PlantsShutterstock
And, despite popular belief, there “are no essential nutrients that are not available in animal products,” he says. “The animal has eaten the fruits and vegetables. In many cases, ruminant animals like cows have multiple stomachs that are better able to digest the plant products and better able to extract the nutrients. Those nutrients end up in the animal meat.”
He Also Digs Into the Scientific LiteratureShutterstock
“When you really dig into the scientific literature around fruits and vegetables, their benefit is in substituting for processed food,” he adds. “In the context of someone eating a lot of processed food, when you start eating fruits and vegetables, you see improvements in health.”
Carnivore Is Similar to Atkins and KetoShutterstock
And, he notes that studies have debunked the myth that red meat increases the risk of heart disease and cancer. He also points out that the diet is similar to other low carb diets, like keto and Atkins, which have studies backing them up. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 20 Superfoods for People Over 50.
Nutrition & Diet
        9 "Healthy" Foods Stopping You From Losing Weight
    

        Copyright maxiehaase/Instagram
    
By Leah SuzanneMar 31, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
 See Full Bio 
✓Evidence-Based
This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.
Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.
We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.
Are you trying to lose weight but can’t get your diet right? You might need to ditch a few foods from your daily menu. Maxie Haase is a macros nutrition coach who helps her clients lose weight in a natural and sustainable way, finding “peace with food and power through nutrition.” In a recent Instagram post, she discusses food to avoid if you are trying to lose weight. 

            
                These Foods Aren’t “Bad” But Won’t Help You Lose Weight
            
            
        
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A post shared by Maxie Haase (@maxiehaase)
“I like to spend my macros wisely when in a caloric deficit and everything I’m about to list is based off of personal preference and experience; I AM NOT SAYING THESE FOODS ARE BAD! When cutting, I aim to eat mostly whole, single ingredient foods and try to make my meals higher volume to help with satiation. Here is my list of things I avoid,” she writes.
RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

            
                Nut Butters and Nuts
            
            
        
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A post shared by Maxie Haase (@maxiehaase)
The first food to avoid in a calorie deficit is nut butters and nuts. “I love peanut butter more than most people, but 1 serving is 190-200cals and I would rather spread those cals out in a different way,” she says. 

            
                Granola
            
            
        
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A post shared by Maxie Haase (@maxiehaase)
As a kid, you might have been trained to believe granola is healthy, but it’s not great for weight loss. “It’s so crunchy and delicious, but the portion size compared to nutritional profile is not worth it to me,” she writes.

            
                Honey
            
            
        
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A post shared by Maxie Haase (@maxiehaase)
Honey is sourced from bees, but that doesn’t mean it is better than other sweeteners for weight loss. “Arguably the best natural sweetener, but it’s pure carbs and I would rather eat those carbs/can do without adding sweetness to yogurt. It’s not necessary to me,” she writes.
RELATED:20 Foods You Didn’t Know Were Ultra-Processed

            
                Fancy Coffees
            
            
        
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A post shared by Maxie Haase (@maxiehaase)
Many fun and sweet coffees are to be ordered at your local shop, but be careful. “I will keep my coffee order simple because lattes and super sugary drinks are calorie dense and I’d rather eat those cals,” she says. 

            
                Apples, Bananas, and Watermelon
            
            
        
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A post shared by Maxie Haase (@maxiehaase)
Lots of weight loss experts recommend fruit, but there are a few to avoid, including apples, bananas, and watermelon. “This sounds nuts, but those fruits are a lot higher in carb in comparison to berries. When cutting, I eat mostly berries!” she says. 

            
                Alcohol
            
            
        
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A post shared by Maxie Haase (@maxiehaase)
Alcohol is basically drinking your calories. “It eats up my cals, gives me no nutritional benefit and messes up my digestion,” she says. 
RELATED:I'm a Nutritionist and These are the Best Banana Recipes For Weight Loss

            
                High Fat Protein
            
            
        
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Maxie Haase (@maxiehaase)
Sure, some higher-fat meats are great sources of protein – but they are also high in fat! She recommends avoiding high fat protein on the regular. “I choose leaner meat like chicken, lean beef, white fish, shrimp for the majority of my meals to save fat for other things in my day,” she says.

            
                Protein Bars
            
            
        
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A post shared by Maxie Haase (@maxiehaase)
Protein bars are another no-no. “You will never catch me eating a 200-300 cal fake candy bar. I can make a meal with those cals that is much more filling,” she says. 

            
                Dining Out
            
            
        
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Maxie Haase (@maxiehaase)
She also avoids dining out. “I can make a much larger, lower cal meal at home that is more satisfying,’ she says. 
RELATED:What Happens When You Quit Soda, According to a Nutritionist

            
                Bottom Line
            
            
        
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Maxie Haase (@maxiehaase)
The bottom line? “All of the things listed above are not BAD. I simply cut back or remove them from my weekly routine/grocery haul when in a caloric deficit because it allows me more flexibility with the rest of my day,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.
Nutrition & Diet
        11 Things to Know Before Taking Ozempic
    

        Copyright Dr Sophie GP/YouTube
    
By Christopher RobackMar 31, 2025
Christopher Roback
Professional Health, Science Editor and Writer
Christopher Roback is an experienced news journalist specializing in political, science, and crime news.
 See Full Bio 
✓Evidence-Based
This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.
Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.
We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.
We've all been there - trying diet after diet, exercise plan after exercise plan, only to find ourselves struggling to lose weight or keep it off. If you've been wondering about those "miracle" weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic that celebrities are raving about, you're not alone. Dr. Sophie Newton breaks down exactly how these medications work and what you should consider before jumping on the bandwagon. Read on to discover if these treatments could be the kickstart to your weight loss journey that you've been looking for.

            
                Yes, They Actually Work
            
            
        "These medications have shown impressive results in clinical trials," Dr. Sophie says in her post. "In randomized double-blind control trials, people using Wegovy lost an average of 12% more body fat compared to those in the placebo group." Dr. Sophie explains that colleagues in the United States report excellent outcomes with patients successfully losing weight and maintaining it while on the medication.
RELATED: 15 Things to Know Before Requesting Ozempic for Weight Loss

            
                The Celebrity Connection
            
            
        Shutterstock
"High-profile individuals like Elon Musk and reportedly Khloe Kardashian have used these medications for weight loss," notes Dr. Sophie. She mentions that this celebrity endorsement has led to the medication being nicknamed "the skinny shot" and has dramatically increased public interest in these treatments.

            
                How These Drugs Actually Work
            
            
        ​Combining Natural GLP-1 Boosters for Maximum ResultsShutterstock"These medications belong to a group called GLP-1 analogues," Dr. Sophie explains. "Wegovy contains semaglutide, which essentially makes you feel less hungry and more easily full, so you naturally eat less and lose weight." Dr. Sophie clarifies that the mechanism is straightforward and typically very effective for most patients.

            
                Health Benefits Beyond Weight Loss
            
            
        ​Myth 4: Fat Is Bad For Your HeartShutterstock"When losing weight with these medications, you're also reducing your risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease," Dr. Sophie points out. She highlights that the drugs help lower metabolic risk factors, providing substantial health benefits beyond mere cosmetic improvements.
RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

            
                Common Side Effects to Expect
            
            
        Shutterstock
"Like all medications, these drugs come with potential side effects," warns Dr. Sophie. "Most commonly, patients might experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or excess gas." Dr. Sophie notes that these symptoms typically settle as the body adjusts, and treatment usually starts with a lower dose that gradually increases.

            
                Serious Side Effects to Be Aware Of
            
            
        Shutterstock
"If you have a personal or family history of thyroid cancer, these medications aren't suitable for you due to a potential link," cautions Dr. Sophie. She adds that in some cases, the medications have been associated with pancreatitis, though most people tolerate the treatment well despite these risks.

            
                Accessibility and Cost Considerations
            
            
        ​These Were Game ChangersShutterstock"While these drugs are approved by NICE on the NHS, they're only available through specialist weight loss centers, which aren't accessible to everyone," Dr. Sophie explains. She points out that many people must pay privately, creating a financial barrier that might prevent some from accessing this treatment option.
RELATED:What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic

            
                It's Not a Forever Solution
            
            
        ​Creating Sustainable HabitsShutterstock"You can regain weight after stopping the medication unless you maintain the lifestyle changes you've implemented," Dr. Sophie advises. She recommends thinking of these drugs as a kickstart to healthier habits rather than a permanent solution, emphasizing the importance of continued diet and exercise modifications.

            
                A Comprehensive Approach Is Still Necessary
            
            
        ​DinnerShutterstock"While using these medications, you still need to focus on improving your diet, lifestyle, and increasing physical activity," Dr. Sophie stresses. She reminds patients that the drugs work best as part of a comprehensive approach to weight management that includes all the fundamentals you already know about.

            
                Last Word
            
            
        Wegovy vs Ozempic: Pros and Cons for Weight Loss TreatmentShutterstockIf you're considering weight loss medications like Wegovy or Ozempic, remember they're most effective when combined with lifestyle changes. While they can provide an excellent starting point for your weight loss journey, sustainable results require ongoing commitment to healthy habits. Always consult with your healthcare provider to determine if these treatments are appropriate for your specific situation and health history. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.
Nutrition & Diet
        5 “Healthy” Foods Making You Gain Weight
    

        ​Add Them to Your List
    

        Copyright lifting_with_mateo/Instagram
    
By Leah SuzanneMar 31, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
 See Full Bio 
✓Evidence-Based
This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.
Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.
We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.
Are you eating seemingly healthy food but can’t seem to lose weight? Even food dubbed “healthy” can cause you to pack on the pounds, according to an expert. Mateo Ruperti is a fat loss coach who uses his LWM Blueprint to help “busy people lose 20 lbs in 90 days.” In a new post, he blows the lid on the food you are probably eating that could make you gain weight. “5 healthy foods that are making you fat,” he writes. “The last one is gonna SHOCK you.”

            
                Sushi Rolls
            
            
        
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A post shared by Mateo Ruperti | Body Confidence & Fat Loss Coach (@lifting_with_mateo)
Do you go out to sushi with friends, thinking it will help you stick to your diet? According to Ruperti, sushi rolls are sneaky when it comes to carbs and calories. “Mostly white rice, sugary sauces, and just a touch of protein. It’s basically expensive carbs with a side of soy—not ideal for fat loss,” he says.
RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

            
                Low-Fat Dairy
            
            
        ​27. Regular YogurtShutterstockMany of us were trained to think that non-fat and low-fat dairy products are instrumental in weight loss, especially compared to the full-fat version. But this isn’t the case, says Ruperti. “When they take out the fat, they usually add gums, fillers, or artificial sweeteners. You’re left with gut issues, cravings, and no real satisfaction,” he explains. 

            
                Avocados
            
            
        ShutterstockYou have likely heard that avocado can fuel weight loss, as it is packed with healthy fats. However, they can also cause you to gain weight. “Yes, they’re packed with nutrients, but they’re also calorie bombs. It’s easy to overdo it and add hundreds of calories without even noticing,” he says. 

            
                Salads with Dressing
            
            
        ShutterstockWhen you think about going on a diet, salads come to mind. However, eating salads can be worse than other foods in terms of fat and calories. “The greens are fine, but drench them in dressing and suddenly it’s a fat-heavy, seed-oil-loaded meal that can hit 800+ calories fast,” says Ruperti. This is why a lot of people on diets will bring their own salad dressings with them.
RELATED:20 Foods You Didn’t Know Were Ultra-Processed

            
                Egg Whites Only
            
            
        ​ A Day of Measured EatingShutterstockSure, there is fat in the yolk of an egg, and you can still get a lot of protein from the white. However, Ruperti doesn’t recommend egg white only breakfasts. “Skipping the yolks means skipping the good stuff. Whole eggs support muscle growth and satiety—egg whites alone just don’t cut it,” he says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.
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