Bella, known online as @steakandbuttergal, has gained a massive following on Instagram by promoting an unconventional diet that primarily consists of meat and butter. Once a vegan, Bella switched to this extreme eating regime, cutting out carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables completely. She claims to have maintained this diet for six years and reports various positive effects, including weight loss, increased height, and reduced period pain. However, experts are raising concerns about the potential long-term health consequences of such a restrictive diet.

Bella Claims 6 Years Without Carbs, Fruits, or Veggies Boosted Her Health and Weight Loss

Bella, who has over 421,000 followers, confidently tells her audience, “I hate to break it to you, but you do not need to eat carbs.” She claims that, despite not consuming carbs, fruits, or vegetables for six years, she has not experienced any significant negative effects, such as low energy or hormone imbalances. She even asserts that consuming a block of butter each day has not only led to weight loss but has also improved her overall health.

Experts Warn Against Extreme Carnivore Diet After Bella’s Claims

While Bella’s claims may seem convincing to some, nutrition experts are cautioning against replicating such a restrictive approach. Angel Wallace Miles, a PhD pharmacy student and fitness coach, took to Instagram to warn about the dangers of extreme diets like the carnivore regimen. She emphasized that, while it is true that cutting out food groups like carbs can lead to weight loss due to a calorie deficit, the diet may have serious long-term consequences that go beyond weight management.

Experts Warn Carnivore Diet May Lead to Nutritional Deficiencies and Gut Issues

Angel explains that although the carnivore diet may initially promote weight loss, the lack of variety in the foods consumed can lead to nutritional deficiencies. One major concern is the lack of fiber intake, which is crucial for gut health. Without sufficient fiber, individuals may experience digestive issues such as constipation and other gastrointestinal problems. In addition, cutting out fruits and vegetables means missing out on essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, which is important for immune function and the absorption of iron. Without these vital nutrients, the body may not function optimally in the long term.

Excessive Saturated Fats in Carnivore Diet May Raise Heart Disease Risk

Another concern raised by Angel is the potential for excessive consumption of saturated fats. The carnivore diet, which emphasizes animal products like meat and butter, can lead to a high intake of saturated fats. Over time, this could raise cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease, strokes, and other cardiovascular issues. These health risks highlight why experts advise against overly restrictive diets that neglect important food groups.

Experts Stress Importance of a Balanced Diet for Optimal Health

Most nutritionists agree that a balanced diet is essential for maintaining good health. A balanced diet includes a variety of food groups—protein, fat, carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables—ensuring the body gets the full spectrum of nutrients it needs. Restricting entire food groups can make it difficult to meet the body’s nutritional requirements, potentially leading to deficiencies and long-term health issues.

Sustainable Eating: Balance and Moderation Over Extreme Diets

The key to a sustainable and healthy eating plan is balance. Rather than focusing on extreme diets that eliminate major food groups, individuals are better off adopting a flexible approach that includes moderation and variety. It is also easier to stick to a plan that allows for occasional indulgences, such as a slice of cake or some chocolate, as part of a balanced lifestyle. After all, enjoying food is part of a fulfilling life, and a healthy diet doesn’t have to be overly restrictive to be effective.

Experts Caution Against Extreme Diets, Stress Balance for Long-Term Health

In conclusion, while Bella’s carnivore diet may seem to work for her, experts strongly advise against following extreme eating patterns without considering the long-term health risks. A well-rounded diet that includes a variety of foods is key to overall health and well-being. It is essential to prioritize both nutrition and enjoyment to maintain a healthy relationship with food.