What Happens When You Go From Vegan To Carnivore? Here's One Woman's Incredible Transformation

Over the past decade, the vegan diet has surged in popularity, reflecting a growing societal shift toward plant-based eating. This trend has been influenced by a combination of health consciousness, environmental concerns, and ethical considerations regarding animal welfare. The movement has gained significant traction, partly due to the endorsement by high-profile celebrities and impactful (albeit skewed) documentaries that spotlight the benefits and philosophies behind veganism.

Celebrities have played a pivotal role in popularizing the vegan lifestyle. Figures like Beyoncé, who famously adopted a vegan diet in preparation for a Coachella performance, have brought considerable attention to veganism. Her participation in the 22 Days Nutrition challenge, a plant-based diet program, and her subsequent promotion of it, encouraged many of her fans to explore veganism. Similarly, Joaquin Phoenix, a long-time vegan and animal rights advocate, has used his platform, including his acceptance speech at the Oscars, to advocate for animal rights and discuss the impact of animal agriculture on climate change.

Documentaries have also been instrumental in this rise. For instance, Forks Over Knives (2011) examines the profound claim that most degenerative diseases can be controlled or even reversed by rejecting animal-based and processed foods. This film spurred many viewers to consider vegan diets as a means to improve their health. What The Health (2017), another influential documentary, explores the consequences of meat and dairy consumption on health. 

The most recent documentary, called You Are What You Eat, has further fueled discussions about the health merits of veganism. However, skepticism remains. Nutrition expert Max Lugavere critically analyzed the documentary and raised concerns about potential biases, noting the lead researcher's funding from Beyond Meat. He argues that the observed decrease in LDL cholesterol among vegan participants could be attributed to lower calorie intake and higher fiber, rather than the absence of meat per se.

Led by Drs. Matthew Landry and Catherine Ward, the study involved four pairs of identical twins on different diets: one on a strict vegan diet and the other on an omnivorous diet including both plant-based and animal products. The findings revealed significant health improvements in the vegan twins, including increased life expectancy, reduced visceral fat, lower heart disease risk, and enhanced sex drive, spotlighting the potential benefits of adopting a plant-based lifestyle.

Lugavere highlighted that the study did not sufficiently account for lifestyle differences between twins that were studied, such as exercise habits and diet preferences, which are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of health impacts. He points out that the study's duration was only eight weeks and mentions potential drawbacks of a vegan diet that were overlooked, such as lower protein intake, reduced vitamin B12 levels, and decreased dietary satisfaction, questioning the long-term viability and overall assertion that veganism is superior.

A Woman Shares Her Incredible Transformation After Giving Up Veganism

On X, user @KasumiKriss shared three different photos of herself. “Did I age backwards in 5.5 years?” she asked her followers. In 2018, she had been vegan for four years, and in the photo, her skin is dull and acne-prone, and there are bags under her eyes. In the middle photo, she had just quit the vegan diet three weeks prior, and her face already looks clearer and brighter. But the last photo came in 2023, when she had been eating carnivore and animal-based for 5.5 years. Her eyes are much clearer, her skin is glowing, and even the shape of her face has changed a little bit. She shared her simple diet: meat, eggs, cheese, milk, and butter. And the only skincare she uses comes from the farm, such as beef tallow as a moisturizer. 

Some people in the comment section can’t comprehend how different she looks, and some even accuse her of being dishonest about what led to this transformation. But KasumiKriss stands by her claim and says that her carnivore diet has been the main cause of her amazing changes. KasumiKriss certainly isn’t the only woman who has come forward to show the positive benefits of giving up veganism. 

TikToker Victoria Ferraz made a significant transition from veganism to a carnivore diet and has reported remarkable improvements in her health as well. After a year of veganism aimed at weight loss, she switched to an all-animal product diet seven months ago, citing increased energy, better skin, and overall enhanced well-being. Ferraz, who once suffered from acne, joint pain, and bloating on a vegan diet, now enjoys clear skin and pain-free joints. Remarkably, she also stopped needing medication for her hypothyroidism. Her diet now consists entirely of meats, animal byproducts like eggs, butter, and tallow, and excludes sugars, fruits, vegetables, and processed foods, except for the occasional serving of blueberries.

Initially drawn to veganism by the promise of weight loss and influenced by its popular appeal, Ferraz encountered numerous health issues, including fatigue, severe acne, and joint pain, which persisted despite professional advice. These experiences led her to reconsider and ultimately abandon the vegan lifestyle for a carnivore diet, which she felt was more suited to her body's needs.

Through her TikTok account, @vic.ferraz, she shares her dietary experiences, attracting thousands of views and engaging with followers curious or skeptical about her diet shift. Ferraz's story is among several public figures like Courtney Luna and Alyse Parker, who have switched to a carnivore diet and advocate its health benefits, although this diet also faces criticism regarding its safety and sustainability.

Proponents of the carnivore diet, including influencers like Paul Saladino (@carnivoremd), claim it offers mental clarity, weight loss, and relief from autoimmune conditions. However, the diet's restrictive nature and potential nutritional deficiencies warrant cautious consideration. It's particularly noted for aiding conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, and insulin resistance.

Veganism May Not Be All It’s Cracked Up To Be

While veganism is often celebrated for its ethical stance and environmental benefits, it's important to recognize the potential health challenges associated with this diet. Numerous studies have highlighted the risks of adopting a vegan lifestyle, especially when it leads to nutrient deficiencies. For instance, a 2019 study reported that vegans have double the risk of developing anemia compared to meat eaters, largely due to insufficient intake of iron and vitamin B12. This deficiency in vitamin B12 has also been linked to increased stroke risk and irreversible nerve damage, potentially causing numbness in the hands and feet.

Moreover, a significant British study involving 48,000 individuals found that vegans had a threefold higher risk of stroke than meat-eaters, which could be attributed to low vitamin B12 levels. Additionally, vegans are more prone to bone fractures, with a 2020 study indicating a higher incidence of hip and ankle fractures among those on plant-based diets, likely due to calcium deficiency. Contrary to claims in popular media like The Game Changers (2019), which suggests meat consumption hinders athletic performance, research indicates that meat can be beneficial for physical resilience and strength.

The vegan diet's rapid weight loss effect might also pose a risk, as a lack of sufficient body mass can leave individuals more vulnerable to injuries. Research involving over 34,000 participants found that vegans were 30% more likely to suffer fractures than meat eaters after five years on the diet, although regular intake of supplements did mitigate some risks.

Furthermore, a study from Brazil noted that vegans might experience higher rates of depression, even with similar nutrient intake to omnivores, hinting at potential psychological impacts linked to dietary restrictions. Given these findings, the vegan diet, particularly if not carefully managed or supplemented, appears to have considerable downsides. This contrasts with a diet of high-quality, consciously-raised, and grass-fed animal products, which might offer more balanced nutritional benefits without the associated risks of severe deficiencies.

Closing Thoughts

There seems to be more and more evidence coming out to suggest that veganism really isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Every person is different and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition, but it’s becoming clearer that completely eliminating animal products is hardly a good idea for health and longevity. 

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