Many people believe they have to overhaul their entire lifestyle in order to see results. The truth is that lasting change doesn’t come from perfection; it comes from consistency. Small, intentional choices made every day have a much greater impact than extreme diets that are impossible to maintain.
Healthy lifestyle living hacks abound. Lower carbs, lower cholesterol. More exercise, more energy. Less sugar, less risk of cancer. Healthy eating, a longer life. All of these methods hold true. However, one health hack might shock you, and it’s surprisingly simple: supportive friends. Friendship has been called preventive medicine; it is one of the essential keys to living a healthier, happier life.
I followed a strict carnivore diet for 18 months and learned the good, the bad, and the ugly. Here I’ll share what I’ve learned and how the claims of its proponents line up with a biblical perspective—or do they?
You’re still dragging, even though technically you slept. Your stomach won’t settle, although you ate. Your chest feels tight, though you can breathe just fine. Your mind is foggy, except for the flood of memories—little flashes of hospital rooms, unanswered calls, holidays that don’t look the same. You’re not exactly sad—but something’s definitely wrong. You’re not “being dramatic.” This is grief in the body.
When we think about making changes for a healthier lifestyle, most of us probably consider diet and exercise. That was my focus for most of my adult life. I was all about burning calories and increasing muscle strength. Total transparency? My only concern was maintaining my weight—or losing weight. I grew up with an unhealthy body image (as many women do), and I had tunnel vision.