How a Lake Photo Ruined My Dad Bod - and Saved My Life

How a Lake Photo Ruined My Dad Bod—and Saved My Life

If you read my blog post “From Raw Vegan to Carnivore: My Unlikely Journey“, I left you on a cliffhanger. Here’s the sequal to that blog post.

Let’s go back to February 2023. I’m in Thailand with my son, hanging out on Koh Tao—where he spent his toddler days—and hitting up Khao Sok National Park, home to wild elephants, tigers, and, naturally, the world’s largest flower Rafflesia. We’re taking it easy, cruising the lake, snapping pics, when one photo changed everything.

Cabbage Patch Kids

Fast forward to April same year, I’m in Portugal on a retreat, and my buddy hits me with the carnivore diet. Just meat? I thought I’d seen extreme diets (I’ve done raw vegan, vegan, Paleo, even the standard meat-veggies-potatoes-deal), but this was next level. Still, I gave it a shot. And guess what? My dad bod vanished faster than a Cabbage Patch Kid at Christmas ‘85. Energy? Mental clarity? Through the roof. Who knew bacon could be life-changing?

Cue The Photo That Stared Back

Once I got home, I looked at that photo from Thailand and thought, “Dude, something’s gotta give”. I was at the crossroads: stick with the typical middle-aged slide into belly expansion and high blood pressure or take a hard turn toward health and strength.

I’d already tasted the sweet, sweet victory of the carnivore diet, so I went all-in. Well, almost. I kept veggies around because, let’s be real, we’ve all been conditioned to believe they’re necessary. But after five months of flirting with Ketovore, I went full carnivore. Goodbye broccoli, hello steak.

The Dad Bod photo

The Push-Up Plan That Turned into an Obsession

The Push-Up Plan That Turned into an Obsession

Now, with energy levels that made me feel like I’d just walked out of a Pearl Jam concert in ‘93, I started doing push-ups. Ten every time I stood up from my desk. That led to squats. That led to full-blown three-a-day workouts. Yep, I was doing three workouts a day—morning, noon, and night. Was it overkill? Definitely. But in three months, I had abs. Actual abs. At 49. Take that, aging!

The Weightlifting Fail (and Bodyweight Win)

The Weightlifting Fail (and Bodyweight Win)

By September 2023, I enrolled in a weightlifting program designed for men over 40. But thanks to my genetic spine curse, I landed a rotator cuff injury. Fun, right? Luckily, my chiropractor buddy (shoutout to Jans!) helped me recover, and I pivoted back to bodyweight workouts. Even with the injury, I feel stronger than I ever did in my 20s. Age may bring aches, but it can also bring gains—if you’re smart about it.

50 Going on 25

Here I am, 50 years old, feeling better than I did at 25. My energy is off the charts, my psoriasis is nearly gone, and I haven’t had to deal with the “old man” diseases the world says are inevitable. Sure, I still throw in some avocados and berries here and there (hey, variety is the spice of life), but 90% carnivore works for me.

50 going on 25

Let's Be Real: What's Your Excuse?

Let’s Be Real: What’s Your Excuse?

No excuses to be unfit

This isn’t just about looking good (though, yeah, I’ll take it). It’s about feeling alive—no more bloating, mental fog, or settling for “that’s just how it is” as we get older. Middle-aged dudes, you don’t have to let the belly win. You don’t have to accept the aches and pains. If you want to get in the best shape of your life, what’s stopping you?

Ready to Be Fit, Strong, and Unstoppable?

If you’re tired of feeling like your best years are behind you, it’s time to make a change. My free eBook, “Fit, Strong, and Unstoppable: A Middle-Aged Man’s Guide to Getting in the Best Shape of Your Life”, is your starting point. Inside, you’ll find five proven steps to reclaim your health, strength, and vitality.

But if you’re ready to take things to the next level, join my 90 Days Carnivore & Fitness Coaching Program. Together, we’ll ditch the excuses and get results. Schedule your free discovery call today. Let’s get you back to feeling—and looking—better than ever.

Download Your Free eBook

“Fit, Strong, and Unstoppable: A Middle-Aged Man’s Guide to Getting in the Best Shape of Your Life”

Ready to Kick Some Midlife Butt?
Congrats! You’ve just made the first badass move toward ditching the dad bod and feeling like a legend again. I’m pumped to hand over my exclusive eBook, crafted specifically for men like you—35-60, fighting off the “What happened to my metabolism?” blues, and ready to OWN your health and fitness.

What’s inside?

  • No-nonsense, easy steps to get you moving (without the guilt trips)
  • How to make the carnivore diet your secret weapon (because meat = muscle, my friend)
  • Calisthenics routines that’ll have you feeling like you’re 25 again
  • Hacks for boosting mental clarity and skyrocketing your energy
  • How to stay fired up and smash your goals like a champ

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Hit Me Up – Let’s Get You Back in the Game!

Tired of feeling blah and ready to feel fit, healthy, and confident again? Shoot me a message, and let’s talk about how my carnivore and fitness coaching can help you crush your goals. This is your chance to start a real transformation – let’s make it happen together.