From FatBelly to BellyFlat

From FatBelly to BellyFlat Striving to make you Thrive is my goal. I'll help you learn and unlearn to achieve your fitness goals. I and TheShepherd LohouTer Shadrach

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Alusu Iveren Joe, Phoebe Nguavese Hanmaikul, Sani Blessin...
15/03/2025

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Alusu Iveren Joe, Phoebe Nguavese Hanmaikul, Sani Blessing, Ahemen Hope Ngugar, Taiba Salamatu Ayuba, Linda Ogaba Oibe, Otunsha Adamu, Ngusurun Faithful Mbaukaan, Lijam Terseer Lijam, Ianna Mnenmi Deborah, Orva Gracy, Axel Ikyase, Jesse Ewebene

VEGGIES CAN KILL YOU: THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF PLANT-BASED DIETSYou may not like the tone of this article because it's not ...
07/03/2025

VEGGIES CAN KILL YOU: THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF PLANT-BASED DIETS

You may not like the tone of this article because it's not like what has been passed town to you for decades.

I'm sure you know how plant-based diets have been glorified as the ultimate path to health and longevity right?

What is I told you that emerging research are revealing that the very vegetables we trust to nourish us might actually be slowly poisoning our bodies?

You may be rushung to embrace greens because of what they have told you about their health benefits but do you know what about the defensive toxins hidden in plants that can destroy your health if consumed in excess?

Plants are not passive organisms. To survive in nature, they produce chemical weapons called antinutrients. These are the compounds that protect them from pests and predators. These same chemicals can wreak havoc on the human body.

Some of the most common antinutrients compounds include:

: Found in grains, seeds, and nuts, they bind to minerals like iron, calcium, and zinc, making them harder for your body to absorb (Ekholm et al., 2003).

: Present in legumes and grains, they can damage the gut lining, potentially leading to leaky gut syndrome and inflammation (Raman, 2024).

: Abundant in spinach and almonds, oxalates can contribute to kidney stones and hinder calcium absorption (Norwitz, 2025).

: Found in broccoli and cabbage, they can interfere with iodine absorption, affecting thyroid function (Hoffman, 2023).

Ironically, while society pushes for more plants on our plates, the plants themselves are at war and are trying to fight back.

The battle line is drawn and it seem the plants are winning. This is not a war that you can even dare or win and that's where the carnivore diet comes in as the ultimate war strategy.

The carnivore diet consists of exclusively of meat, fish, and animal products is gaining traction as a way to sidestep these hidden toxins.

Unlike plants, animal-based foods such as meat, eggs, and fish do not contain built-in chemical defense mechanisms. They offer bioavailable nutrients in forms that the human body can easily absorb and utilize. Key benefits include:

-High-Quality Protein: Complete amino acid profiles essential for muscle repair and growth.

-Healthy Fats: Saturated fats and omega-3s that support brain function and hormone production.

-Micronutrients: Heme iron, B vitamins, and zinc in forms that are more readily absorbed than their plant-based counterparts.

A recent study found that people on a carnivore diet reported better digestion, mental clarity, and overall health compared to their previous plant-based diets (Norwitz, 2025).

The challenge will be the Cholesterol Controversy and the common argument against animal-based diets. However, new research suggests that cholesterol is not the villain we've been led to believe. In fact, studies have shown that some of the longest-living people in the world had high cholesterol (Ravnskov, 2016). People in regions like Sardinia and Okinawa, consume moderate to high amounts of animal-based foods and they live longer.

The real danger lies not in cholesterol, but in high triglycerides often driven by sugar, processed foods, and seed oils.

Now, let's address the common Misconceptions

1. Heart Disease and Cholesterol: Recent studies indicate that high cholesterol alone is not a reliable predictor of heart disease. Instead, high triglyceride-to-HDL ratios and insulin resistance are more accurate markers.

2. Meat and Cancer Risk: The evidence linking red meat to cancer is weak and often based on observational studies that do not account for lifestyle factors like smoking and processed food consumption.

3. Saturated Fat: Recent meta-analyses have found no consistent link between saturated fat intake and heart disease.

You may be asking right now that TheShepherd is at is again. Does this mean I should never eat vegetables again? Not necessarily. But it does mean that the modern obsession with loading up on plants while demonizing meat needs to be reexamined.

If you're suffering from chronic health issues like bloating, fatigue, or inflammation, the culprit might not be red meat or butter, but the very greens you've been told to eat.

It's time to break free from the plant-based propaganda. Instead of blindly following dietary trends, listen to your body. Animal-based diets have sustained humans for centuries, long before kale smoothies and quinoa bowls became fashionable.

You have been actually loading yourself with these plants for decades and have at some point got down with food poisoning. Don't you think it's time to surrender that the plants have won the battle and face meat, eggs and fish? Anyway, what do I even know sef. I'm not a doctor nor dietician, I just want to see if I can help.

I am TheShepherd LohouTer Shadrach

And I strive to make you Thrive

SAY NO TO SEED OILS, SAY YES TO ANIMAL FAT We live in times where many people unknowingly harm their health by consuming...
04/03/2025

SAY NO TO SEED OILS, SAY YES TO ANIMAL FAT

We live in times where many people unknowingly harm their health by consuming seed oils like safflower, sunflower, soybean, and corn oils. These oils are heavily processed and packed with linoleic acid (LA), a type of omega-6 fatty acid that promotes inflammation, obesity, and chronic diseases when consumed in excess.

Seed oils have been marketed as heart-healthy alternatives for so many years, but emerging research is revealing their hidden dangers. The truth is that high levels of linoleic acid contribute to oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and heart disease, the very problems they claim to prevent. This just mean all the adverts on the benefits of seed oils is for gain, and to the detriment of your health.

On the other hand, animal fats like tallow (cow fat), lard , ghee, and butter are a gift from nature to human health. These fats are not only low in linoleic acid but also rich in essential vitamins, healthy saturated fats, and cholesterol, the building blocks for brain function, hormone production, and cell repair.

Cooking with grass-fed butter, ghee, tallow, and coconut oil provides the body with stable energy, better brain function, and lower inflammation. Unlike seed oils, these natural fats have been used by our ancestors for centuries without the modern health problems we see today.

If you truly want to heal your body, stop using seed oils and embrace the power of animal fats. Your body will thank you with better energy and a stronger immune system.

I am TheShepherd LohouTer Shadrach

And I strive to make you Thrive

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS BAD CHOLESTEROLImagine that you are in an accident on the road and then an ambulance rushes to...
04/03/2025

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS BAD CHOLESTEROL

Imagine that you are in an accident on the road and then an ambulance rushes to the scene to save your life but instead of appreciating the ambulance for its life-saving role, people blame it for causing the accident. Does that make any sense? Yet, this is exactly how the world has been misled to think about cholesterol, especially LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein).

This is exactly how we have painted cholesterol wrongly as the villain behind heart disease, but emerging science is revealing that this narrative is far from the truth.

I've said this before and I will say it again. Cholesterol is not your enemy; it is your helper. Every cell in your body needs cholesterol to function.

The brain is made up of nearly twenty-five percent cholesterol, making it impossible to think, remember, or even feel well without it.

Cholesterol is key in producing essential hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol. It is also responsible for cell repair, vitamin D synthesis, and bile production for digestion. Low cholesterol levels have been linked to depression, anxiety, poor memory, and even early death. Yet, we continue to fear cholesterol.

The true culprits behind heart disease are not cholesterol but inflammation, excess sugar, refined carbohydrates, industrial seed oils, stress, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle. These factors cause damage to the arteries, and cholesterol simply arrives to repair the damage. Blaming cholesterol for heart disease is like blaming the ambulance for a car crash.

On a carnivore diet like the one I am on, cholesterol levels naturally rise. This happens because the body switches from burning sugar to burning fat as its primary fuel. However, higher cholesterol does not automatically mean poor health. What truly matters is having low triglycerides, high HDL (the so called good cholesterol), stable blood sugar levels, and low inflammation markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP).

Modern research now shows that having total cholesterol between 200-350 mg/dL can be perfectly healthy, especially when other health markers are in check.

I feel more energetic, mentally sharper, and healthier on a high animal protein diet than ever before. My cholesterol numbers will never scare me because I understand that cholesterol is the built-in repair system in my body. The real danger is not cholesterol, it is the sugar, ultra processed foods, and inflammation that have been damaging our health for decades without questions by us.

It is time to unlearn the lies and rethink the truth. If you are feeling better, thinking clearer, and losing fat on the carnivore diet, your higher cholesterol might be a sign that your body is finally healing.

There is no such thing as bad cholesterol, but bad science and bad diets. If you're thriving on meat, eggs, and healthy fats, do not let fear stop your healing process.

It is time to unlearn the myths and rethink what truly matters.

I am TheShepherd LohouTer Shadrach

And I strive to make you Thrive

COMMON TYPES OF UNREFINED SALTS FOR HEALTH AND FLAVOR Salt is one of the oldest and most essential minerals known to hum...
04/03/2025

COMMON TYPES OF UNREFINED SALTS FOR HEALTH AND FLAVOR

Salt is one of the oldest and most essential minerals known to humanity. However, the type of salt you consume can make or mar your health. While refined table salt is stripped of its natural goodness and loaded with additives, unrefined salts offer a rich blend of minerals straight from nature’s hands.

Unrefined salts are harvested through natural processes without excessive processing, preserving their minerals and trace elements. These salts do not just season your meals, they also nourish your body.

Types of Common Unrefined Salts

1. Sea Salt: Harvested from evaporated seawater, sea salt is a natural source of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, essential for muscle function, hydration, and nerve transmission.

2. Celtic Sea Salt: Hand-harvested from coastal regions of France, this moist, gray salt contains magnesium, calcium, and potassium, making it ideal for replenishing electrolytes and supporting proper hydration.

3. Himalayan Pink Salt: Mined from ancient salt deposits in Pakistan, its pink hue signals the presence of iron, potassium, and calcium. It is believed to aid detoxification, pH balance, and respiratory health.

4. Baja Gold Salt: Sourced from the Sea of Cortez, this salt is one of the most mineral-rich, boasting over 90 trace minerals that help regulate electrolyte balance, energy levels, and cellular function.

5. Redmond Real Salt: Mined from ancient sea beds in Utah, this salt is unpolluted and naturally rich in sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Its clean taste and balanced mineral content support overall health.

6. Fleur de Sel: A delicate French sea salt known for its light texture and high magnesium content, often used as a finishing salt to enhance both flavor and nutrition.

Unrefined salts do not only season your food but also supplies the body with essential minerals that support hydration, electrolyte balance, nerve function, and detoxification. Unlike processed salt, which can spike blood pressure, unrefined salt helps regulate bodily functions and promotes better health when consumed in moderation.

Nature designed salt to nourish, not just to flavour. So, refrain from processed salt and embrace the healing power of nature’s finest gift.

I am TheShepherd LohouTer Shadrach

And I strive to make you Thrive

THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF STATIN DRUGS IN NIGERIA: WHY CHOLESTEROL IsY NOT YOUR ENEMY While cholesterol has been demonized a...
04/03/2025

THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF STATIN DRUGS IN NIGERIA: WHY CHOLESTEROL IsY NOT YOUR ENEMY

While cholesterol has been demonized as the enemy behind heart disease, it is actually your friend. This fear of cholesterol has lead countless people in our nation to embrace statin drugs as the magic pill for heart health. Here in Nigeria, statins such as Atorvastatin (Lipitor), Simvastatin (Zocor), Rosuvastatin (Crestor), Pravastatin (Pravachol), and Lovastatin (Mevacor) are widely prescribed to lower cholesterol levels. But what if the war against cholesterol is misguided, and these drugs are doing more harm than good?

Cholesterol is not the enemy for crying out loud. It is a vital substance that the body needs to survive. Every cell in the body contains cholesterol, which plays an important role in building cell membranes, producing hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol, and supporting brain function and nerve health. The brain alone contains about 25% of the body's total cholesterol, underscoring its importance in mental clarity, memory, and emotional balance.

The misconception about cholesterol comes from flawed belief that high cholesterol causes heart disease. However, recent studies have shown that inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance are to be primarily blamed for heart disease and not cholesterol. In fact, cholesterol is the healing agent that repairs damaged tissues and fights inflammation in your body.

Statin drugs rather work by blocking an enzyme in the liver that produces cholesterol. While this reduces cholesterol levels, it comes at a devastating cost by depleting Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a vital nutrient that powers the mitochondria to produce energy (ATP). Without enough CoQ10, the body energy production declines, leading to muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness, and even heart failure, the very condition statins are supposed to prevent. This doesn't just make sense but this is where we are in the country. If I may ask, what is really happening in our health system?

Statins yet interferes with the body's electrolyte balance, using up essential minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium in the detoxification process. This depletion often results in muscle tightness, cramping, and irregular heartbeats, leaving users with more health problems than they started with.

The irony is that while statins lower cholesterol, they increase the risk of developing memory loss, liver damage, diabetes, and heart disease. Should I should on the roof tops that the body needs cholesterol to thrive and not synthetic chemicals that disrupt its natural balance? Most I wear the medical toga before what I am saying makes sense?

Instead of relying on statin drugs, a better approach to heart health would be to adopt a low-carb, high-fat diet rich in animal fats, regular exercise, stress management, and replenishing of electrolytes. Cholesterol is not the enemy, it is the friend your body needs for healing and repair.

The real enemy is not cholesterol but the misinformation that has led millions to fear what their body was divinely designed to produce.

I am TheShepherd LohouTer Shadrach

TheShepherd to The Shattered

And I strive to make you Thrive

04/03/2025

HOW TO TRANSITION TO ONE MEAL A DAY (OMAD) THE RIGHT WAY

Embracing One Meal a Day (OMAD) is a powerful way to transform your health, lose weight, and boost energy. However, jumping into OMAD abruptly can shock the body and lead to failure. The best approach is to ease into it gradually, allowing your body to adjust and adapt.

The journey to OMAD begins by resetting your eating window. Start by ensuring your last meal of the day is not later than 8:00 PM. This allows your body to rest overnight without the burden of digestion. The following day, delay your breakfast until 12:00 noon. Instead of the typical heavy carb-filled breakfast, prioritize protein and healthy fats like meat, eggs, fish, or a combination of these. These foods keep you fuller for longer, stabilize your blood sugar, and help reduce cravings.

Stay consistent with this pattern for a few days, then gradually push your first meal to 1:00 PM or 2:00 PM as your body gets used to the extended fasting period. Listen to your body. If you feel strong and alert, push further. By the second week, aim for your first meal at 3:00 PM, shrinking your eating window and stretching your fasting hours.

Eventually, you will find that your body no longer craves food earlier in the day. By this time, you can comfortably eat just one nutrient-dense meal around 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM, which will sustain you until the next day.

During the fasting window, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, herbal teas, and electrolytes. This helps combat fatigue, headaches, and muscle cramps that can come with fasting.

The key to success is patience. Allow your body time to adjust, and do not rush the process. What starts as a challenge will soon become your body's new rhythm, unlocking better health, mental clarity, and fat loss. OMAD is not just a diet — it is a lifestyle of discipline, simplicity, and healing.

I am TheShepherd LohouTer Shadrach

TheShepherd to The Shattered

and I strive to make you Thrive

Life is truly a journey and not a prison and I so believe in enjoying the ride. I indulge in cheat meals occasionally, b...
03/03/2025

Life is truly a journey and not a prison and I so believe in enjoying the ride. I indulge in cheat meals occasionally, but I keep them as clean and healthy as possible. This plate features crispy fried yam cooked in tallow (cow fat), paired with six eggs seasoned with a dash of Himalayan pink salt. Simple, nourishing, and guilt-free.

I am TheShepherd LohouTer Shadrach

and I strive to make you Thrive

IS SALT UNHEALTHYOver the years, doctors have told us in this country that salt is unhealthy without giving us any concr...
03/03/2025

IS SALT UNHEALTHY

Over the years, doctors have told us in this country that salt is unhealthy without giving us any concrete explanation.

When I was approaching 50 years, my wife and I stopped eating salt because of how salt was demonized.

Now, listen to the truth. Salt itself is not unhealthy. It is actually essential for life. What matters is the type of salt and how much of it you consume.

Let us analyse the common salts available in our markets.

1. Table Salt (Refined Salt)

This is the common salt we see at every conner in our shops and even in the villages.

This salt is:

-Highly processed
-Stripped of natural minerals
-Contains additives like anti-caking agents
-Can contribute to high blood pressure if consumed excessively alongside a high-carb, processed food diet

The verdict is that refined salt is not the best option for health.

Now, let us look at other types of salts that are available but not too common:

2. Himalayan Pink Salt / Sea Salt (Natural Salt)

These are:

-Unrefined and rich in minerals (like magnesium, potassium, calcium)
-Helps maintain electrolyte balance
-Supports hydration and muscle function
-Can help regulate blood pressure when combined with a low-carb, whole-food diet

These are the best option for health.

Should you then avoid salt?

Absolutely not! Your body needs salt for:

-Nerve function
-Muscle contractions
-Fluid balance
-Proper digestion

Salt only becomes harmful when combined with processed foods, sugar, and refined carbs. Without those, natural salt like Himalayan pink salt or sea salt will only benefit your body.

The bottom line is that you ditch table salt. You can use it for washing vegetables and fruits though. But then, embrace natural salt and eat clean whole foods.

You may want to buy healthy salt and send it to your loved ones in the village and replace all your cooking salt with Himalayan pink salt or sea salt.

Most big supermarkets have it. In Jos, I buy mine at Onigbinde Stores

I'm not posting this for Onigbinde Supermarket or Hilamayan pink salt companies. I just want you to be healthy and to debunk the lies about healthy living.

I am TheShepherd LohouTer Shadrach

TheShepherd to The Shattered

and I strive to make you Thrive

Address

THRiVE HOUSE HQ: Opposite Street Murumba College Gate (Zaria Road) Beside Ornate Pavilion Event Centre By Ndakai Hotel
Jos
930212

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