A mother from Ascot has made headlines for her radical approach to diet, which has led to significant changes in her family's eating habits. Olivia Khwaja, 50, a freelance strategic consultant, has transitioned herself and her family to a strict carnivore diet, consisting solely of meat, fish, eggs, and full-fat dairy, a decision she claims has transformed their health and wellbeing.

Khwaja’s journey began with the ketogenic diet, a high-fat, low-carb regimen, which she followed from 2020 to 2022. During this time, she lost a substantial amount of weight, dropping from 95kg (14st 3lbs) to 75kg (11st 11lbs). However, in 2022, she discovered the carnivore diet through social media, prompting her to completely eliminate all plant-based foods from her meals. This change has enabled her to shed an additional 20kg, bringing her weight down to 55kg (8st 9lbs).

The NHS advises that high consumption of meat may lead to health risks, such as an increased likelihood of bowel cancer, advocating for a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables. In contrast, Khwaja asserts that her new diet not only improved her physical appearance with clearer skin but also enhanced her mental clarity and general happiness.

Following her transformation, Khwaja inspired her husband, Greg, also 50, and their two children, Eden, 16, and Bailey, 13, to adopt the same lifestyle. Greg has reportedly lost 39kg, now weighing 83kg (13st 1lb). She describes her children as "flourishing," noting improvements in their health and athletic performance.

Olivia has taken to social media to share her experiences and dietary advice, amassing around 10,000 followers on Instagram under the handle @oliviakhwaja. Her content largely focuses on eliminating processed foods from diets. Despite advocating for this controversial approach, Khwaja claims to have received little criticism either from followers or her children’s school, stating, “I have not heard much from anyone who disagrees.”

Speaking to PA Real Life, Khwaja described her initial feelings on the carnivore diet: “After being on the carnivore diet for a few weeks, I woke up and I just felt this feeling of euphoria, like I’ve never felt so happy and so excited about life.” She acknowledges that her children chose to follow the diet independently, affirming that she has never pressured them into it.

Her dietary regimen consists of meals taken later in the day, with her first meal at around 4pm, which typically includes locally sourced eggs and sardines. Dinner often features a large ribeye steak cooked in beef tallow, paired with homemade mayonnaise. On weekends, the family enjoys homemade jerky, bacon, sausages, and chicken liver pâté, all without any bread products.

Khwaja reflected on the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of their diet, noting the time and money saved by no longer purchasing or preparing vegetables. “I thought, we spend so much money buying vegetables and time cutting them, chopping them...but my children don’t finish them and they don’t like them, I’m just not going to bother anymore,” she explained.

Olivia also addressed concerns regarding her children's nutrition, stating critics should research the nutritional sufficiencies available in meat. “All the nutrients they need are available in abundance in meat and much more so than in vegetables,” she said.

With regard to the potential health implications associated with the carnivore diet, Khwaja can understand scepticism. “I totally understand their concerns – I was at least sceptical. But my main learning from this whole journey has been that what we think we know about any diet isn’t in any way concluded," she remarked.

The NHS continues to recommend consulting with healthcare professionals about weight loss through a balanced diet and regular physical activity.

Source: Noah Wire Services