Jeru made a few practical adjustments–and gave them time to work.

Sometimes a weight loss stall doesn’t mean we need a new diet or a more demanding exercise routine. It may simply mean that some of our everyday habits deserve a closer look. My friend Jeru Francia recently lost 36 pounds in about 10 weeks after spending nearly a year maintaining his weight on carnivore. He accomplished this by becoming more consistent with a handful of habits that were already working for him.

A Remarkable Transformation

When Jeru began changing his diet in July 2024, he weighed approximately 500 pounds. He had been diagnosed with diabetes at just 25 years old, with an A1C of 10.9, and had spent several years managing his health. As a pastor, he eventually officiated a funeral for a man who had died at just 34. Jeru was 29 at the time, and the experience convinced him that he needed to make some serious changes.

He started eating lower carb and lost approximately 30 pounds in his first month. Over time, he reached around 250 pounds, but the improvements extended well beyond his weight. His chronic back pain disappeared, walking became enjoyable, and flying no longer required worrying about narrow aisles or seat belt extenders. These are the everyday victories that don’t necessarily show up on a scale.

Why He Switched From Low Carb to Carnivore

Jeru lost most of his weight eating lower carb, including fruits, vegetables, and protein shakes. After about a year, he decided to experiment with carnivore, knowing he could return to his previous diet if he didn’t like it. His weight remained relatively stable, but he noticed other improvements, including the disappearance of eczema and better mental clarity.

I can relate to that experience. I lost most of my weight eating very low carb, but my acne, IBS, and costochondritis didn’t resolve until I went carnivore. For years, I ate rotisserie chicken with Caesar dressing almost every day because both labels said zero carbs. Was that perfect? No, but it helped me make progress while I was learning what worked best for me.

Interestingly, Jeru began eating more calories when he switched to fatty meat, enjoyed his meals more, and maintained his weight loss. He also appreciated how much simpler eating became. Ground beef and salmon made perfectly satisfying meals, without requiring much planning or constant decisions about food.

Introducing the 75 Medium Rare Challenge

You’ve probably heard of the 75 Hard Challenge, which includes two 45-minute workouts every day, drinking a gallon of water, reading nonfiction, and following a diet. One workout must be outdoors, regardless of the weather. I’ve never tried it, and after hearing those requirements, I don’t believe I ever will!

Jeru wasn’t interested in doing all that either, so he created his own version called 75 Medium Rare. Rather than adopting requirements that would make his life miserable, he chose habits he could realistically maintain. He continued eating carnivore, primarily ground beef and salmon, but became more diligent about tracking his food and macronutrients using the calculator we provide in coaching.

He also paid closer attention to restaurant meals, where sauces, breading, and other ingredients can make tracking difficult. He walked daily, drank approximately 80 ounces of water, and continued his Bible reading. Jeru generally eats one substantial meal each day, which works well for him, although I prefer spreading my meals throughout the day.

After approximately 10 weeks, Jeru had lost another 36 pounds. He was careful to explain that this was his individual result, not something everyone should expect. Still, after maintaining his weight for so long, it was an impressive change.

Consistency Without Complication

I recently discussed common reasons for weight loss stalls, and several came up during our conversation. Restaurant meals, sauces, processed foods, and inconsistent tracking can gradually change what we’re eating without our realizing it. Sometimes our movement decreases, too. Jeru didn’t need an entirely new approach; he simply paid closer attention to the one he was already following.

I especially appreciate that his routine leaves room for things beyond food. His walks provide time outdoors and with God, and his meals are simple enough that eating doesn’t dominate his day. That’s the kind of freedom I want people to experience.

Jeru is also a wonderful member of our Monday night My Zero Carb Life coaching group, where we help each other solve practical problems, stay accountable, and work through challenges without becoming obsessed with food. I love seeing people encourage one another and share what’s working in their own lives. If that sounds like the kind of community you could use, we’d be happy to have you join us. You don’t have to figure everything out alone.

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