Vegan Turned Carnivore Claims 14 kg Loss and Skin Clearing on High-Fat Diet
A former vegan, now known as a full-fledged carnivore, is making headlines with her remarkable health transformation. Bella “Bella” Ma, widely recognized as “Steak and Butter Gal” on social media, credits a high-fat, meat-based diet for her weight loss and skin improvements.
Ma, a former concert pianist, claims she shed 13.6 kg (30 lbs) of body fat, cleared her cystic acne, psoriasis, and eczema, and eliminated issues like brain fog, bloating, and PMS symptoms since switching to a carnivore diet.
In a viral video, she dramatically bit into a stick of cold, unsalted butter while sharing her diet secrets. Ma pairs baked chicken wings and 80-20 burgers—made from 80% lean meat and 20% fat—with butter and a homemade “golden jello” recipe.
“The best food for skin, hair, nails, and anti-aging,” she asserts.
Her Dietary Journey and Social Media Success
Ma has followed the carnivore diet since at least 2019, and her success story has gained significant traction online. She has attracted many followers with her claims of improved health and has inspired others to join her on this diet.
In another Instagram post, she claimed, “I no longer use sunscreen on my skin. After 6 years of eating nothing but animal foods and butter, I can sunbathe for much longer with zero burning and zero SPF needed.”
Expert Opinions on the Carnivore Diet
While some praise this diet for rapid results, health professionals have raised concerns about its long-term impact.
Red meat, butter, and cheese are rich in saturated fats, which can elevate LDL cholesterol levels, raising the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Eliminating fiber-rich foods like fruits, whole grains, and certain vegetables could have negative health consequences. These foods provide essential fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that aid digestion, regulate blood pressure, and support immunity. They also play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy metabolism, sustaining energy levels, and supporting cognitive function.
“Beyond nutritional concerns, sustainability is another major issue,” explains Urvashi Agarwal, an internationally certified fitness coach and nutritionist. “Extreme diets often lead to short-term success but are difficult to maintain long-term. Many people regain weight once they revert to regular eating patterns, causing metabolic fluctuations and making future weight loss harder. The body thrives on balance, and any approach that drastically cuts out entire food groups can have unintended side effects. Eliminating carbohydrates completely can lead to hormonal disruptions, affecting thyroid function, menstrual cycles, and overall metabolic health.”
Ma disclosed in a 2023 post that she had avoided fiber and vegetables for four years. While she claims to not experience constipation, she admitted she used the bathroom less frequently.
Public Reactions to Ma’s Claims
Ma’s post sparked a heated discussion, with many followers expressing doubts about her claims. Some pointed out potential downsides, particularly her assertion that she no longer experiences bloating or gas.
“No longer farting is more unhealthy than good,” one user commented.
Others questioned her unconventional eating habits. “Are you eating your jelly like that as is??? I cannot stomach the smell and taste,” another wrote.
Another added, “I’m glad the meat eating has helped her skin radiance but skipping sunscreen won’t help with reducing skin cancer risk. Very concerning”
The Need for a Balanced Approach to Diet
Health experts recommend a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods. This approach supports overall health, long-term weight management, and optimal physical and mental performance.
Agarwal emphasizes, “Personalized guidance is key to ensuring long-term health benefits without compromising overall well-being. Instead of extreme dietary restrictions, a balanced and sustainable approach—one that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods—can support overall health, long-term weight management, and optimal physical and mental performance.”
Conclusion: The Importance of Balanced Nutrition
While Bella Ma’s journey is inspiring, it’s important to remember the value of a balanced and varied diet. Nutritional balance, sustainability, and personalized health needs are crucial for long-term health and well-being.
As with any significant dietary change, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or certified nutritionist before making drastic changes to your diet.
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