Mr. Skeptical looks at me with his eyes enlarged. “Really! You’re going to this extreme to say that a large belly is due to undernourishment. Everyone knows that people gain weight because they overeat.”
Before I can open my mouth to speak, he continues, “This is the one post that will ruin this newsletter. This is the post that will show everyone that you’re just a felon full of …bullshit.”
Subconscious Fat at 30,000 feet
I smile, for his insults don’t phase me, for I have the truth on my side. Instead of arguing back, I take a different approach. “Ok. I agree that when it comes to having a big belly, most people would associate that with overeating.”
“Yeah, duh.”
“So go on my computer to the AI chat and ask it, can undernourished people have big bellies? Let us see what comes up.”
Mr. Skeptical looks at me with doubt on his face. He already knows he’s likely going to lose this one. I feel a warm, happy sensation in my gut.
Subconscious Fat at 10,000 feet
Mr. Skeptical takes a long time to read what the AI has shown. It validates that often, humans will get a bigger belly when undernourished.
But the real kicker is at the end. The AI says,
In summary, the swollen belly in malnourished individuals is often a combination of fluid retention, organ swelling, weak muscles, and potential infections—all stemming from a lack of essential nutrients, particularly protein.
Suppressing a smile, I ask, “Did you read the summary at the end there?”
Mr. Skeptical looks down defeated. “Yes. But some people get a big gut because they overeat.”
“Sure, to a point. The typical American diet—loaded with fruits, vegetables, and carbohydrates—is a recipe for malnutrition. These foods don’t provide the essential nutrients men need, and the result? Big bellies and skinny-fat bodies.”
He chuckles. “Wait, let me get this straight. You’re telling me fruits and vegetables—the poster children of health—are making men undernourished? That’s a hot take, even for you.”
I shrug. “It’s not a hot take; it’s the truth. Those foods are low in essential nutrients like quality protein and bioavailable fats. They fill you up but don’t fuel you properly. Meanwhile, a carnivore diet—packed with nutrient-dense foods like steak and eggs—keeps your belly lean and your body thriving.”
Then he looks at me with his eyes narrowed, “Where did you learn this about bellies getting bigger with malnourishment? Was it another book you read in prison?”
“No. As a little boy, my father would get National Geographic magazine. It would often show images of young children in impoverished countries, and they frequently had distended or enlarged bellies. I remember reading that it was a matter of undernourishment and not overeating.”
Subconscious Fat at Eye-Level
The idea that undernutrition can lead to a big belly might sound counterintuitive. We’ve been conditioned to think that overeating is the sole cause of a protruding gut. But what if the problem isn’t how much we’re eating but what we’re eating?
The standard American diet (SAD) is a carnival of carbs, fruits, and vegetables touted as “heart-healthy” and “low-fat.” But these foods lack the high-quality nutrients—like complete proteins and fats—that men need to maintain lean muscle, boost testosterone, and burn fat. Without these essentials, the body hoards fat, especially around the belly, as a survival mechanism.
Mr. Skeptical interrupts, waving his hand. “Okay, hold up. You’re saying apples and broccoli are making men fat? Come on, those foods are, like, the gold standard of healthy eating!”
“They’re low in calories but also low in what counts,” I reply. “Sure, they’re better than donuts, but they’re not helping men build muscle or burn fat. Instead, they overload the body with sugar or indigestible fiber, which disrupts hormones and promotes fat storage. This is why I tell my clients to count one thing: protein, and then eat enough fat to make the protein delicious.”
Practical Suggestions and Conclusions
The typical American man over 40 eats a diet heavy in fruits, vegetables, and carbohydrates, thinking it’s the “healthy” choice. But instead of building a lean, muscular frame, he ends up with a belly that screams malnourished—not overfed.
Mr. Skeptical smirks. “So you’re saying eating more meat and ditching the greens will give me abs? Sounds too good to be true.”
“It’s not about eating more meat,” I reply. “It’s about eating only meat. A carnivore diet is the most nutrient-dense, hormone-regulating, fat-burning food. And the results speak for themselves: lean muscle, no belly, and optimized health.”
Stop Diluting Your Nutrition: Eliminate the unnecessary carbs and fibers from fruits, vegetables, and grains.
Go All-In on Nutrient Density: Focus on high-quality animal-based foods like beef, lamb, eggs, and fatty fish.
Ditch the Belly Myths: A protruding gut isn’t just about excess calories but poor-quality calories.
If you have difficulty eating an animal-based diet, it’s because your body has adapted to high concentrations of sugar, fiber, and carbohydrates, so it will take time and readjustments to switch. This is where I or another online coach can significantly help.
Other Links related to this post:
Thanksgiving Day Pictorial: See what I ate on Thanksgiving Day. It was a LOT of food.
Losing Weight While at Holiday Parties: An easy formula to keep in mind when eating with others.
Filler Foods!!?? Some foods touted as healthy aren’t.
Be aware.
PS Links on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. Full Disclosure: Chat GPT was used to research and enhance this post.