Losing weight is often associated with calorie counting, grueling workouts, and complex meal plans. But for Angelina Marie, a 30-year-old mother of two from Mississippi, shedding 60 pounds in six months came from doing the exact opposite of conventional weight-loss advice. She embraced the controversial carnivore diet—a meal plan that eliminates everything except animal products and water—and never stepped on a treadmill.

Her journey, initially met with skepticism, led to an astonishing transformation. Today, Angelina is healthier, leaner, and more confident than ever—all without a single cardio session.

Angelina’s weight had steadily climbed to 209lbs after years of struggling with processed foods and carb-heavy meals. Feeling desperate, she stumbled upon the carnivore diet while researching online. Unlike conventional wisdom, which promotes balance and variety, the carnivore diet eliminates fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes entirely, focusing solely on meat, seafood, eggs, and dairy.

Determined to try something new, Angelina stocked her fridge with steaks and bacon, cutting out carbs overnight. Within just seven days, she had already lost 11lbs—a result that left her stunned. As weeks passed, the pounds continued to melt away.

"I couldn't believe the scale," she recalls. "It felt like my body was resetting itself."

Unlike traditional weight-loss programs that emphasize portion control and calorie counting, Angelina followed a simple yet structured eating plan:

Fasting until midday: Her first meal of the day usually consisted of scrambled eggs with bacon or scallops wrapped in bacon.

Dinner around 6 PM: This typically included a ribeye steak, pork chops, or chicken wings.

Snacking when hungry: She opted for beef jerky or meat sticks instead of carb-heavy snacks.

Hydration: Drinking ample water was crucial, and she also included high-quality electrolytes to prevent deficiencies.

No Exercise, Just Results

Contrary to popular belief, Angelina didn’t rely on intense workouts to achieve her transformation. In fact, she actively avoided exercise at the start of her weight-loss journey. Only after reaching her goal weight did she incorporate weightlifting—but solely to build muscle, not to lose more fat.

Interestingly, as she started strength training, she even gained a few pounds due to muscle mass increase, reinforcing that her initial weight loss was purely diet-driven.

Adopting an all-meat diet wasn’t entirely smooth sailing. Angelina warned her followers about the ‘carnivore flu’, a temporary condition experienced when the body adjusts to an extreme shift in diet.

"Your body isn't used to running on just fats and proteins while completely eliminating carbs," she explains. "Headaches, nausea, and diarrhea can happen, but they go away."

To counter these effects, she emphasized the importance of red meat over lean cuts, stating that fattier meats provide essential nutrients that help the body adjust more quickly.

Beyond shedding 62 pounds, Angelina experienced several unexpected health improvements:

1. Reduced bloating: She no longer felt sluggish or bloated after meals.
2. Clearer skin: Her complexion improved significantly.
3. Better relationship with food: She learned to eat intuitively—only when hungry and stopping when full.
4. Mental clarity and energy: Many carnivore diet followers report enhanced focus and stable energy levels.

Carnivore Diet: Is It Safe?

The carnivore diet is an extreme form of the ketogenic diet (keto), which forces the body into ketosis—a metabolic state where fat, rather than carbohydrates, becomes the primary energy source.

While advocates praise its benefits, research presents a mixed picture. Studies suggest that excessive consumption of red meat could increase risks of:

Heart disease: A study from Oxford University found that every additional 50 grams of red meat per day increases heart disease risk by 18%.

Type 2 diabetes: Harvard researchers found that people consuming two servings of red meat per week had a 62% higher risk of developing diabetes over time.

High cholesterol levels: Extreme cases have shown cholesterol so high that it physically leaked from the skin.

Nutritional deficiencies: The lack of fiber and vitamin C in an all-meat diet can lead to conditions like scurvy and gut health issues.

Despite these concerns, some experts argue that not all meat is created equal. Many studies fail to distinguish between processed meats (sausages, deli meats) and whole-food options like steak and fresh fish, which may not carry the same risks.

Should You Try the Carnivore Diet?

Health professionals remain divided on the long-term sustainability of the carnivore diet. While it may deliver rapid weight loss, experts strongly recommend incorporating nutrient-dense foods like vegetables and whole grains for overall well-being.

However, for individuals struggling with obesity, food cravings, or insulin resistance, a short-term carnivore diet could act as a reset before transitioning to a more balanced plan.

Angelina’s success story challenges traditional weight-loss norms. While the carnivore diet may not be for everyone, her journey highlights the importance of finding what works for your body—even if it contradicts mainstream advice.

"Now, I eat when I'm hungry, stop when I'm full, and focus on how I feel rather than what the scale says," she says. "This diet gave me my life back."

As the debate on the carnivore diet continues, one thing remains clear—what works for one person may not work for another. Before making drastic dietary changes, consulting a healthcare professional is always advised.

Folklore has long suggested that a hot toddy, the warm alcoholic drink made with hot water, lemon juice, honey, and spirits such as whiskey, rum, or brandy, can ease a sore throat or help clear congestion caused by a winter cold. Many people swear by it. But what exactly is a hot toddy, and how does it work when you are dealing with cold and congestion?

What Is A Hot Toddy?

Hot toddy is a popular winter drink, especially during colder months. It is a traditional mix of whiskey or rum, hot water, honey, lemon, and warming spices like cinnamon or cloves. The drink helps warm the body, offers comfort in chilly weather, and may support the body during seasonal illnesses such as colds and flu.

Each ingredient plays a role. Honey is known for its natural antibacterial properties, while lemon provides vitamin C to support immune health. Alcohol acts as a mild vasodilator, which helps improve blood flow, and spices aid digestion while easing congestion. Together, these elements make hot toddy a soothing, natural option for winter discomfort.

That said, moderation is key. One serving, or at most two, especially in the evening, may help with sleep, stress, congestion, sore throat, and general discomfort. Below are some potential health benefits of drinking a hot toddy during winter.

Hot Toddy Health Benefits

1. Soothes Sore Throat and Cough

A hot toddy can feel deeply comforting when your throat is irritated during winter. The heat from the water, combined with honey, helps coat the throat and calm inflamed tissues. This can ease irritation caused by dry air or colds. Honey’s antibacterial qualities support healing, while lemon adds vitamin C to help the immune system. A small amount of whiskey or rum may further relax throat muscles, making coughing and swallowing less uncomfortable.

2. Boosts Immunity During Winter

Winter often brings frequent infections, but a hot toddy may help strengthen the body’s natural defences. Vitamin C from lemon supports white blood cells that fight viruses common in colder months. Honey provides antioxidants and enzymes that assist overall immunity. The warmth of the drink increases circulation, helping immune cells move efficiently through the body. Spices such as cinnamon or ginger offer anti-inflammatory benefits that may reduce the risk of infection. Having this drink before bedtime can support the body during seasonal changes.

3. Relieves Congestion and Clears Sinuses

Blocked noses are a common winter complaint, often caused by cold air outside and dry heating indoors. The steam from a hot toddy can help loosen mucus in the sinuses and nasal passages. Lemon’s acidity may help break down phlegm, while alcohol slightly widens blood vessels, which can ease congestion. Slowly inhaling the vapour can help open airways and make breathing more comfortable.

4. Warms You Inside Out

Few things fight winter chills better than a warm drink. Hot toddy raises your core temperature, helping warmth spread through the body. Alcohol encourages better circulation, especially to hands and feet that often feel cold. Ingredients like ginger or cloves add a warming effect by gently increasing metabolic heat.

5. Relaxation and Better Sleep

Winter stress, shorter days, and busy schedules can interfere with sleep. A hot toddy in moderation may help the body relax. Alcohol has a calming effect that can slow mental activity and ease restlessness. Honey may help stabilise blood sugar levels overnight, reducing sleep interruptions. The warmth of the drink also signals the body to wind down and prepare for rest.

Can A Hot Toddy Help With A Cold?

There is no cure for the common cold. Most people manage symptoms through home remedies and over-the-counter medicines. Honey is known for its anti-inflammatory effects, and lemon contains antioxidants that support health. However, no scientific studies have directly proven that hot toddies treat colds.

That said, according to Medical News Today, many people believe that a hot toddy can help ease common cold symptoms, including:

• runny nose
• sore throat
• sneezing
• fever
• body aches
• headache
• fatigue
• cough

While it may not cure a cold, a hot toddy can offer comfort and temporary relief during the winter months when used responsibly.

A simple drink costing just 22p per serving could benefit your heart. Recent research suggests that orange juice may help reduce blood pressure and inflammation, which are two major risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular Disease: A Growing Concern In The UK

Cardiovascular disease remains a leading health concern in the UK, responsible for roughly a quarter of all deaths each year. This umbrella term covers conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, and irregular heart rhythms.

While medications exist to manage these conditions, health authorities recommend lifestyle adjustments as well. Among these, dietary changes are crucial, particularly reducing foods high in saturated fats.

Orange Juice Shows Promise for Heart Health

New research from the University of São Paulo in Brazil, published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, has revealed that orange juice can influence genes linked to high blood pressure and inflammation. These are key contributors to heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.

Inflammation can damage blood vessels, constrict arteries, and promote plaque buildup. Orange juice was also shown to enhance genes involved in fat metabolism, supporting better processing and storage of fats in the body.

Layanne Nascimento Fraga, the study’s lead author, told Medical News Today: “We used a transcriptomic approach to observe the effects of orange juice on the entire metabolic system, allowing us to see multiple pathways working together. We found improvements in key cardiometabolic markers, including blood pressure, inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid metabolism.”

The study identified 1,705 genes affected by orange juice, with 98% being downregulated, highlighting its broad impact on cardiovascular health.

Personalised Benefits and Nutrigenomics

The researchers noted that orange juice’s effects can vary based on an individual’s body weight. This provides insights for tailored dietary recommendations, particularly regarding flavonoid-rich foods like citrus. At the time of reporting, a litre of orange juice from Tesco cost 89p, making a 250ml serving roughly 22p.

Supporting Evidence from Other Studies

This is not the first time orange juice has been linked to heart health. A 2023 study in Lipids in Health and Disease found that consuming two glasses (480ml) daily for at least a year led to significantly lower cholesterol levels in participants aged 18–66.

A meta-analysis reviewing nine studies also suggested that orange juice may improve levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol, though effects on total cholesterol and “good” HDL cholesterol were not significant.

A 2021 study in the European Journal of Nutrition further showed that hesperidin-enriched orange juice could reduce systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure, offering a potential tool for managing pre- and stage-1 hypertension.

It is important to remember that orange juice contains roughly 24 grams of sugar per serving, which should be considered when incorporating it into a daily diet, especially for those monitoring sugar intake.

It is that time of the year, when you will be partying, waking up hungover, and partying again. However, it is important to understand that such a habit takes a toll on you. How long alcohol stays in your body depends on how much you drank and how fast your system processes it. In general, the liver can break down roughly one standard drink per hour. Still, traces of alcohol can show up in tests even 24 hours later. A standard drink usually means about 12 ounces of beer, 4 ounces of wine, or 1 and a quarter ounces of distilled spirits. The more you drink, the longer your body needs to clear it.

Most of the alcohol you consume is processed by the liver. Small amounts leave through urine, sweat, and breath, but there is no shortcut to speed this up. Coffee, cold showers, or fancy detox drinks do not flush alcohol out faster. Time is the only real detox. Giving your liver space to do its job is key.

If someone has been drinking heavily for a long period and suddenly stops, detox can come with withdrawal symptoms. These can range from mild discomfort to serious complications. In some cases, withdrawal can be life threatening, which is why medical supervision is strongly advised for people with a history of heavy drinking.

How Long Can Alcohol Be Detected?

Alcohol stays detectable in the body for different lengths of time depending on the test used and individual factors like age, sex, body weight, food intake, and medications. Urine, breath, and blood tests can usually detect alcohol for 12 to 24 hours after drinking. Hair tests are different and may show alcohol use for up to 90 days.

In most parts of the United States, driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 grams per deciliter or higher is illegal because it affects judgment and vision. Utah has a lower legal limit of 0.05. Even if you feel sober, alcohol can still be present in your system.

What Happens During Alcohol Detox?

For people with alcohol use disorder or long term heavy drinking habits, withdrawal symptoms may start around eight hours after the last drink. These symptoms often peak between 24 and 72 hours and usually ease within five to seven days. Some psychological effects like anxiety or cravings can last longer.

Early symptoms often include nausea, anxiety, poor sleep, and stomach pain. More severe symptoms can involve high blood pressure, confusion, fever, hallucinations, or seizures. Because of these risks, detoxing in a medical setting is often the safest option. Doctors may prescribe medications to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

Tips for a Safer Detox

If you are cutting back or quitting alcohol, start by talking to a healthcare professional, especially if your drinking has been heavy. Take things one day at a time and focus on small, realistic goals. Choose a calm and supportive environment and avoid triggers that make you want to drink.

Hydration matters. Alcohol dehydrates the body, so water, herbal teas, and electrolyte drinks can help reduce headaches and fatigue. Nutrition also plays a big role. Balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein support recovery. Foods rich in B vitamins and magnesium are particularly helpful.

Avoid replacing alcohol with other substances like excessive caffeine or nicotine, as this can worsen stress and cravings. If you notice signs of alcohol dependence, reaching out for professional help is a strong and positive step. Detox is only the beginning, but with the right support, recovery is possible.