How the Carnivore Diet Set Me Free & Gave Me My Ideal Body

There are moments in life that stick with you—moments that change the course of your journey forever. For me, one of those moments came in the form of frustration in my own walk-in closet. You know the one—the space filled with clothes, shoes, and dreams of fitting into a pair of jeans that no longer served as a reminder of what once was, but rather a glaring symbol of the struggles I had endured for decades. That day, as I stood there, unable to button a pair of jeans that had once fit me perfectly, I shouted in frustration, “F this! I’m sick and tired of being fat! This ends today!”

This wasn’t just a passing moment of self-pity; this was the breaking point that would lead me down a path I never imagined—one of food freedom, mental clarity, and, most importantly, joy.

Finding Freedom: How the Carnivore Diet Transformed My Life and Health

I didn’t know it at the time, but that declaration was the turning point I desperately needed. The weight of years spent battling diets, cravings, and self-doubt had finally reached its peak, and I was ready to break free from the cycle.

The Beginning: Where My Troubles Started

I’m Stella Young, 47 years old, and I’ve always been an active person. From sprinting to gymnastics, swimming to tennis, I was the type of child who thrived on movement. My ravenous appetite matched my energy levels—food was fuel, and I loved it. I ate with abandon—chocolates, pastries, custard slices, and milk tart were all staples of my childhood. I burned through calories effortlessly and never once worried about the quantity or quality of what I ate. I was young, I was active, and I thought I was invincible.

That was until I was 12 years old. While participating in a tumbling session in gymnastics, I broke my arm—both bones in my forearm were severed. After an emergency operation to install a plate with six screws, my arm was put in a cast for four months. I couldn’t move, I couldn’t exercise, and I certainly couldn’t burn off the calories I was consuming.

When the cast finally came off, I was eager to get back to my active lifestyle, but I was only able to return to about 50% of my previous activity. And yet, my eating habits didn’t change. I continued to indulge in large meals, treats, and snacks, thinking I could “work it off.” But as time went on, I noticed that my weight began to creep up.

“We often believe that our bodies can withstand anything, but the truth is, the consequences of our choices don’t stay hidden forever—they’ll find their way to the surface when we least expect it.”

Years of Dieting and the Cycle of Weight Loss and Gain

By the time I reached adulthood, my weight had steadily climbed to 81kg. I’d tried every diet in the book—vegan, vegetarian, paleo, military diet, Dukan diet, high-fibre diets, you name it, I had tried it. I even relied on dieting syrups, weight-loss pills, and extreme exercise regimes in the hope of finally getting control over my body.

The pattern was always the same: I would shed a few kilograms, feel elated, then quit when the methods were unsustainable. And inevitably, I would gain back even more than I had lost. It felt like an endless cycle, one that left me disheartened and confused about how to achieve lasting change.

“When you stop chasing the latest diet trend, you make room for real transformation that comes from embracing what your body craves, because lasting change is about tuning into your needs, not the next quick fix.”

The Turning Point: Discovering the Carnivore Diet

That fateful day in my walk-in closet was the catalyst for a complete transformation. Frustrated and determined, I went straight to my computer and began researching solutions. This is when I first came across the carnivore diet. I thought to myself, “I love meat. How hard can it be?”

Well, let me tell you—while it wasn’t without its learning curve, the carnivore diet quickly became the most satisfying and rewarding lifestyle I have ever embraced.

“I didn’t just find my ideal body; I found confidence, happiness, and energy I never thought possible, because the ideal body is a reflection of strength, purpose, and joy that radiates from within.”

The Carnivore Diet: Food Freedom, Clarity, and Transformation

Since committing to the carnivore diet, my life has undergone a dramatic shift—both physically and mentally. First and foremost, I experienced a profound sense of food freedom. No longer trapped in the cycle of counting calories or worrying about what to eat next, I found that my body knew exactly what it needed. The cravings that had plagued me for years—sugar, carbs, and processed foods—disappeared. I felt full, satisfied, and in control for the first time in decades.

The weight loss came, but it was different this time. It wasn’t about extreme measures or drastic calorie restriction. It was a slow, steady process of sustained fat loss that didn’t come with hunger pangs or energy slumps. In fact, I found myself thriving on OMAD (One Meal a Day) about 90% of the time. The clarity of mind I experienced was another unexpected benefit. I became sharper, more focused, and had an elevated mood I hadn’t experienced in years. My confidence soared.

For the first time in five years, I also stopped experiencing the excruciating pain from kidney stones that had haunted me. Since adopting the carnivore diet, I’ve had zero discomfort or recurrence—something I never thought possible.

But it wasn’t just my physical health that improved. My skin became brighter, my teeth healthier, and my energy levels skyrocketed. I became more flexible, more positive, and more confident than I had ever been. I felt like I was living my best life, and it was all thanks to embracing a simple, whole-food diet—one rooted in the power of real, nourishing animal foods.

“By sharing my journey, I realised that helping others take control of their own transformation was just as powerful as the changes I went through, because your story can ignite action and inspire others to take back their health and live with unshakable purpose.”

The Lifestyle Shift: A New Beginning

What began as a simple dietary change has now become my passion and lifestyle. I’ve never felt better, and I’ve never been more committed to spreading the knowledge I’ve gained to others. That’s why I created this website—Biltong and Beyond—so that you can experience the same freedom and health transformation that I have.

This isn’t just about weight loss. It’s about reclaiming your health, your happiness, and your life. It’s about breaking free from the chains of fad diets, the medical industry, and the constant battle with your body. The carnivore diet gave me that freedom, and I’m here to help you achieve the same.

If you’re tired of the endless cycle of dieting, tired of feeling like food is your enemy, and ready to take control of your health and happiness, then I encourage you to join me on this journey. Because trust me, the life you’re searching for is just one meal away.

Never look back. Sometimes, you just need to say, “F this! No more!” to break free from the chains holding you back. The life you’ve been searching for is waiting for you—bold, vibrant, and full of possibility. Embrace the freedom, the clarity, and the unshakable confidence that comes with taking control of your health and your life.

This is your moment to rise. Step into the future you deserve—one meal at a time.

Your transformation starts now.

— Stella Young

Sources for Further Reading

■  The Harvard Carnivore Diet Study: Findings and Takeaway – Liam McAuliffe, 2023 Read Article ■  The Carnivore Diet – Pride Butchery, 2024 Read Article  ■  Carnivore Diet for Beginners | Chomps, 2024 Read Article