Greg Woods, a 31-year-old from Colorado Springs, Colorado, was the life of the party in his 20s. He gave in to his every whim, no matter how detrimental it was to his health, including everything from fast food to drugs and alcohol. It wasnt until a friend challenged him to a $700 New Year's health bet that Woods decided to turn his life around for good. He won the money-and as a bonus, he lost 70 pounds in the process.
As a younger man, Woods diet consisted mostly of over-eating a very unhealthy standard American diet full of bad carbs, sugar, and processed foods. His lifestyle, he explains, made him pack on weight until he had 230 pounds on his 5'7" frame. But just because he seemed to be in a downward health spiral didnt mean he didnt want out.
I had been building my mental game up for a while and was definitely ready for a change, Woods says. So when a friend of his started a weight loss challenge New Years Day of 2016 with a chance to win $700, he was eager to take it. This was just the catalyst I needed to get my life back on track, he says.
In 2016, as he was closing in on the age of 30, Woods began his transformation with a three-day fast and switched things up by committing to the . This meant forgoing carbs and increasing his fat and protein intake instead.
I also made drastic changes to my lifestyle all at once because it felt easier to have a clean start, Woods says. I changed my diet, quit drinking alcohol, quit doing drugs, began intermittent fasting, stopped eating out at restaurants, and started exercising. All of these changes were necessary if I was going to succeed. It was very challenging socially but I found comfort and pleasure out of taking care of myself.
Within the first week, Woods lost ten pounds. It was an amazing feeling and a huge confidence booster, he says. Within three months, Woods had lost 60 pounds total and won that $700 bet. He was able to keep that weight off for two years. However, he still struggled with being in his midsection no matter how much he exercised. So, he decided to change up his diet-this time, no more keto. Instead, he tried the carnivore diet.
This beautifully simplistic way of eating has been monumental in helping with my body composition while simultaneously healing my body from 30 years of damage, he says. For the uninitiated, the carnivore diet is just as it implies- . The carnivore diet is, of course, as old as human history. Its stem from the diet of indigenous peoples like the Inuit, who survive primarily by eating their animal kills.
The diet works a little like keto, forcing your body into ketosis to use fat for fuel. It should be noted the diet is extremely (and some argue unhealthily ) restrictive-no fruits, vegetables, or grains. (As always, you should consult your medical professional before starting any diet.)
But the diet change worked for Woods. It helped him not only lose the last 10 pounds to reach his current weight of 160, but also to improve nearly every aspect of his life.
Reaching my current weight only makes me want to continue to improve my health, physique, and fitness, he says. Its important to appreciate how far youve come, but the journey never really stops. Mentally, I am stronger than ever. My determination, focus, and discipline are steadfast. I am also able to enjoy social situations more while continuing to stay committed to my lifestyle.
As for what advice hed give to other guys interested in trying his approach, Woods says it helps to set macro and micro goals and keep them at the forefront of every decision. "Let each win fuel you to the next. Build discipline like a muscle. Take everything as a challenge. Failure is just another opportunity for success.