8 Weeks on an Animal-Based Diet: My Health Reset Journey
Today, I’m finally sitting down to share my 8-week update on my health reset—what I’ve been doing, how I’ve been feeling, and the incredible changes I’ve seen. I kept putting this off, wanting to organize everything perfectly, but at some point, I just had to sit down and do it. So here I am, showing up!
A Size 12 Moment
Let’s start with some exciting news—I’m wearing a size 12 dress! Now, I know clothing sizes vary depending on where you are, but for reference, I’ve been between a size 14 and 18 for a while now. Seeing that shift has been such a rewarding moment, and honestly, it’s just the beginning of what this journey has done for me.
Why I Started This Health Reset
A few months ago, I reached a breaking point. I was completely fed up—fed up with feeling sluggish, fed up with the cycle of dieting and gaining the weight back, and fed up with ignoring what my body was trying to tell me. I also have an autoimmune disease (Hashimoto’s) and have landed (or been hurled into!) peri menopause. I was struggling so much and I knew something had to change.
One of my biggest struggles was constant hunger. I’ve been a classic yo-yo dieter, losing weight through extreme calorie restriction and then inevitably gaining it back. The hunger would always catch up with me. But this time, I knew I couldn’t do that to myself anymore. I needed something sustainable, something that made me feel good, not deprived.
The Two Biggest Changes I Made
I took a big leap and made two major changes at once:
- More Movement
- An Animal-Based Diet (my version of it!)
For some, changing everything at once might feel overwhelming, but for me, it worked. Let’s break it down.
1. Movement: Finding Strength I Didn’t Know I Had
I’ve always enjoyed walking, especially being out in nature, but I wasn’t consistent. Weather, busyness, or just not prioritizing it would get in the way. So, I made a commitment to move every day—whether that meant a walk outside, mowing the lawn or an indoor workout.
I started with 10-minute beginner workouts, five days a week, following my 10 minute rule. That first week was tough—my fitness level wasn’t where I wanted it to be. But something amazing happened: by the second week, I looked forward to my workouts! I even found myself planning ahead, excited about what I’d do the next day.
Over time, I gradually increased my workouts from 10 minutes to 15 to 20 – 30 minutes. Yes, I hit some muscle fatigue along the way (it felt like wading through mud at times), but I adjusted, found balance, and kept going. And today’s workout? I modified up for the first time! I made the movements harder instead of modifying them down. That felt like a huge victory!
2. The Animal-Based Diet: More Energy, Less Hunger, and a Total Reset
Now, let’s talk about food. I’m not on a diet—this is not a diet. I’ve ditched the diet mindset entirely. In fact, before I started this reset, I was so desperate I almost bought meal replacement shakes! (So glad I didn’t 🤢)
I eat real, whole foods—mostly animal-based. Here’s a glimpse of what my diet looks like:
✅ Lots of protein from meat, eggs, and some dairy like full fat greek yoghurt
✅ Some fruit & vegetables
✅ A little raw honey
✅ Minimal to no processed foods
✅ Dark chocolate (yes, still a must-have!)
Something incredible has happened—my body has reset. I used to crave sweets all the time, but now, things that once tempted me seem too sweet. Most of the time I don’t feel deprived. Instead of feeling like I “can’t” have something, I just don’t want it. It’s my choice to do what I know is best for my body. That mindset shift has been everything.
What’s Next?
This journey is still unfolding, but I can already say it’s been life-changing. I feel stronger, I have more energy, and most importantly, I feel free from the cycle of hunger and restriction. I’m excited to see what the next few months bring!
If you’re thinking about making changes for your health, my advice? Find what works for you. Whether it’s small steps or a big reset like I did, just start. Your body will thank you!
Have you ever tried an animal-based diet? Or something different that is working for you? Let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Thanks for visiting, I’ll see you soon 😉
Kelly