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.
Yoga and mindfulness have been my saving grace on and off the mat, as I implement what I’ve learned and apply it in my daily life. As a result, I created a space to hear God, to usher in the Holy Spirit’s presence, and to get grounded in my faith to withstand the looming storms. What you learn on the mat, you can take into the world.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, “You may not know your kidneys are struggling. Most people don’t have symptoms of kidney disease in the early stages. That’s why it’s important to attend annual wellness exams with your primary care provider to manage chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure that can lead to kidney disease.”