In a controversial turn, a former vegan has claimed that switching to a diet consisting solely of meat and dairy cured multiple health issues and helped her lose approximately 9 kilograms.
Bella, a professional musician and Instagram influencer known as "steakandbuttergal," has been avoiding all carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables for six years. With over 420,000 Instagram followers, Bella has shared her journey on social media, crediting the diet by regulating her menstrual cycle, improving her mood, and addressing skin issues such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
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"I'm not dying of lack of energy, nor have I destroyed my hormones," Bella said in a video showing her eating a roasted chicken. I've lost 11 pounds, I now have painless periods, and my energy and mood are incredibly stable because my body burns fat for energy."
Bold Claims and Controversy
Bella’s claims extend beyond her improved health. She attributes her height—1.78 meters, taller than her siblings—to her meat-based diet. She also states she no longer needs soap or shower gel due to her naturally pleasant scent and claims she no longer experiences bloating or gas.
One of her more unusual revelations is that eating a stick of butter daily for a year revitalized her libido and enhanced her breast appearance.
The Rise of the Carnivore Diet
Bella is among many advocates for the carnivore diet, which excludes plant-based foods in favour of animal products like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. Popularized on social media platforms such as TikTok, the diet has accumulated over a billion views, with proponents claiming it improves mental and physical performance.
The diet is based on the controversial belief that early humans thrived on a meat-only diet and that replicating this approach offers modern health benefits.
Health Experts Issue Warnings
Despite Bella's personal success story, health experts remain sceptical. Nutritionists caution that diets based solely on meat and dairy lack critical nutrients such as vitamin C and fibre, potentially leading to conditions like scurvy, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
High consumption of red meat, particularly beef and lamb, has been linked to cardiovascular issues and an increased risk of cancer. Health authorities recommend a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
"Extreme diets that eliminate entire food groups—whether carnivore, vegan, or fruitarian—should be approached with caution," experts warn.