For the past few decades, the fear of carbohydrates has taken over the entire diet industry. Even the mere mention of a starch-heavy food is adequate to trigger an avalanche of shame. The majority of men believed that at age 60, things will begin to slow down and a little more weight will be added to our frames. Christopher Carnrick was not exempted. He was tired of taking medications, tired of being in pain, and had tried everything all to no avail until he discovered STARCHIVORE.
He accepted a challenge by renowned Californian physician Dr. John McDougall and in just 10 days was off all medications and so far, he has lost a total of 80 pounds.
He proves that a starch-rich diet can actually help to lose weight, prevent a wide range of illnesses, and even treat common diseases. “I eat tons of mashed potatoes and gravy, spaghetti and more”, said Christopher.
Yes those yummy foods we have been instructed not to eat actually made Christopher Carnrick healthy and slim. Christopher and many other Starchivores are curing themselves of high cholesterol, chronic pain, erectile dysfunction, diabetes and other ailments by eating healthy carbs and ditching meat, fish, dairy and added oil.
He has also authored a book titled, “Confessions of a Starchivore”, which is an informative book that will help readers on losing weight, gaining good health and save money by eating healthy Carbs.
Why did you name the book “Confessions of a Starchivore” and what was the real motivation behind writing this book?
I called my new book “Confessions of a Starchivore” because I wanted readers to know that I too, struggled with weight my entire life. I confess, many things that overweight people struggle with on a daily basis. It is a “tell all” about being overweight and the lifetime struggle dealing with obesity. Not only the struggles are discussed, but simple solutions too are given. I go through every single diet I have ever tried and failed.
When did you decided to lose weight? Was there a pivotal moment?
Of course the details are in my book, but here is an idea what happened. I was 56 years old. My joints hurt, I was overweight, I had erectile dysfunction, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. I was taking medication for blood pressure which exacerbated the erectile dysfunction. My physician at the time, gave me a prescription to counter the effects of the blood pressure medication. I had a very bad side effect from the medication. While on a cruise, I was having an intimate moment with my partner and when I looked down, it looked like a murder scene. I had copious amounts of blood coming from my penis. This was the tipping point for me. I had had enough. I was tired of taking medication, I was tired of being sick and tired. While searching the internet for a solution, I emailed a physician in Santa Rosa California, Dr. John McDougall, M.D. Dr. McDougall challenged me to try this way of eating for just 10 days. I was told I could eat ALL I wanted and would lose weight too. I was so angry of skinny people telling me what to do to lose weight, I decided to prove him wrong. I hated so much during those 10 days, the only thing missing was a curly tail! I only lost 3 pounds in those 10 days; however, my blood pressure went to normal. 120/70. Currently my total Cholesterol is 98. I was taken off all medications. The best part, after about a month, I woke up one morning and looked down and saw a little friend at full attention I had not seen in a long time! Bye bye E.D.!
Do you have a certain tip or advice?
I do not count calories or portions but I do eat when hungry. I try to start with salad and soup before the main course. Don’t eat flesh, dairy, eggs or added oil. There are only two challenges with this way of eating: Dining out and Friends/Family. Family will tell you “oh a little of this won’t hurt you”, “all things in moderation”. Restaurants, even with the best intentions will often slip added oil into your food. The concept of sautéing with vegetable broth or wine is foreign. Even today, my weight fluxgates based on nuts and oil.
Is there something you know now, that you didn’t know before that changed your life forever?
Yes, there is/was nothing wrong with me. It is not my fault I was fat… I don’t have to go “without” wonderful food to be healthy and slender. I don’t have to feel guilty for being hungry. I don’t have to feel guilty enjoying life’s pleasure of eating. I don’t have to do cardio for hours and drink magic powders. Moderation does not work. You see, it wasn’t MY fault it was the food!
When you were younger, could you ever imagine you could lose weight at 60?
I still am in shock that I lost 80 pounds. I have done so many extremes to try to manage my weight that I finally reached a point where I just accepted “this is who I am” 50 and fat. I also assumed that I had reached the point of no return and I will just be fat forever. I had no idea that losing weight and gaining health could be so pain-less! I still look in the mirror and I don’t believe it is me.
What’s your message to those who have given up all hopes of losing weight?
There is nothing wrong with you. It isn’t your fault, it is the food! You eat because you are hungry. You were not born with a curse and destined to spend your life trying to hide your body or hide to eat when you are hungry. You are a normal human. You can enjoy eating again without thinking people are staring at you snickering or thinking you should not eat that. This way of eating is like losing chains that have kept you shackled for years. You can be free!
If you love to eat, regular foods from the grocery store, no gimmicks or pills, then there is NO reason for you not to take action and benefit from this support in losing weight and gaining health, while eating food you love. By fueling the body primarily with carbohydrates rather than proteins and fats, you will feel satisfied, boost your energy, and look and feel your best.
You can read all about it in his book “Confessions of a Starchivore” available on Amazon.