From Chronic Hives to Healing
Christina’s Witness of Authentic Love Through a Carnivore Diet
We can all get caught up in what it means to “love ourselves well.” For some, that looks like a massage, a get-away vacation, or indulging in desserts and drinks. These can be good gifts, but when they become our main source of comfort, they can easily tilt out of balance.
True growth, I believe, comes in learning the Christian way of nourishing and loving ourselves: through detachment. Letting go of our own plans, surrendering our fears, and allowing God to lead us into transformation.
That’s exactly the path Christina chose. And her story is one of courage, surrender, and healing that I feel honored to share with you.
A True-Hearted “Yes, Lord”
At the beginning, Christina decided to let go of her own ideas and plans and wait on God. How many of us rush into decisions without pausing to truly listen? She surrendered her timeline and trusted His.
When the path forward came into view, it wasn’t without fear. But instead of letting fear decide, she chose to step toward growth. She recognized the help God had already placed before her and, in humility, reached out.
As her coach, I saw in Christina a willing spirit—open to learning, receptive to suggestions, and ready to apply them. This openness is what I call true-hearted. And in the true-hearted, God moves—every time.
Now, here is Christina’s story in her own words.
Christina’s Story
Three months ago, I embarked on the carnivore diet, a decision that transformed my life after years of battling chronic hives.
This is my story—how I arrived at this point, the changes I’ve experienced, and why I’m committed to this lifestyle. Grab a coffee (or a steak), and let’s dive in!
A Vibrant Beginning: My Early Years
Growing up, I was a lively, slender child, always on the move. At age 10, I fell in love with 1930s-style square dancing—high-energy lifts, fast music, and three-hour Sunday afternoon practices.
After moving to Iowa in 2007, I discovered ballroom dancing. By high school graduation, I asked the studio owner how to turn my passion into a career. She offered me a job, and for the next five years, I immersed myself in partner dances—teaching, choreographing, coaching, and performing. I felt unstoppable.
Food was simply fuel. Like my dad, I could eat anything—cheesecake, pasta, ice cream—without gaining weight, thanks to my intense teaching schedule.
The Descent: A Health Crisis Unfolds
Everything shifted in 2020 during my pregnancy with Vincent, my fourth child. In January, I hit a wall. Crippling anxiety and depression left me sobbing on the floor, unable to choose clothes for Mass.
After Vincent’s birth in March, COVID lockdowns hit, but my mood stabilized by May. As an introvert, I cherished staying home with my calm baby and family.
A miscarriage in fall 2020 brought grief and anger. God guided us to conceive Leo, and while that pregnancy was relatively normal, post-delivery in 2021, I struggled to regulate my emotions.
By December, suicidal thoughts emerged. In January 2022, I started Lexapro, but that month was a blur—COVID hit our family hard, leaving me bedridden for three weeks.
Chronic aches began, mornings felt like the flu, and lethargy made it hard to keep up with my five children.
In 2022, my first hives episode struck. After three ER visits, doctors instructed me not to return unless I couldn’t breathe. The hives became a humbling ordeal—I jokingly called them God’s way of keeping me grounded.
During my pregnancy with Seraphina (April 2023–January 2024), my symptoms went into remission. But a week after delivery, the hives returned with a vengeance, flaring every two weeks with severe aches and fleeting relief.
A terrifying ER visit and three-day ICU stay when hives closed my airways led to a chronic hives diagnosis. The doctor’s advice—more histamine blockers, Benadryl, steroids, an EpiPen, and “manage your stress”—felt inadequate.
I was done managing symptoms; I wanted healing.
The Turning Point: Embracing the Carnivore Diet
In January 2025, after six weeks of relentless flare-ups, I began Fiat 90, a 90-day spiritual journey inspired by Mary, praying for healing.
I’d heard of the carnivore diet through Dr. Jordan, Tammy, and Mikhaila Peterson’s inspiring results, but hesitated, fearing it wouldn’t work or would strain our budget.
After nearly 90 days of silence, a Fiat 90 friend encouraged complete surrender. On the Tuesday of Holy Week, Kim messaged me about her book on simple living, rooted in the carnivore diet and faith. Her story resonated, and after a phone call, I began coaching with her on May 20, 2025—marking a turning point.
The first 10 days were challenging, but I leaned into prayer and stayed the course. By the second week, my chiropractor noticed a reduction in inflammation. I rose without aches, slept deeply, and even dreamed again.
By day 30, I’d lost 12.5 pounds, had no aches, more energy, fewer naps, and a clearer mind. When a household bug triggered hives, I recovered in 24 hours—not 5–10 days.
60 Days: Building Momentum
By mid-July 2025 (day 60), I’d lost 25 pounds. My strength returned, my postpartum belly shrank, and I fit comfortably into clothes again.
Dance felt joyful again. Spiritually, I deepened my prayer practice, fasting weekly for my husband and others’ healing. My husband and I grew closer, and I offered up challenges for his healing.
A highlight was speed-walking over two miles with my fit mother-in-law on July 4th, chatting effortlessly despite the bugs.
90 Days: A Transformed Self
By August 15, 2025 (day 90), I’d lost 33 pounds, dropping several dress sizes. My face appeared slimmer, my stamina soared, and I felt confident in my body.
In Michigan, I hiked Tahquamenon Falls and climbed Castle Rock’s 170 steps—feats unimaginable before. I managed back-to-school prep for four kids with energy to spare.
Off prescription medications and using supplements only as needed, I’ve embraced fasting and prayer as strengths, deepening my connection to God and my family.
A Lifelong Commitment: A Lifestyle, Not a Destination
The carnivore diet, initially a 90-day experiment, has become my way of life. I feel vibrant, alive, and empowered to be the wife, mother, and woman God calls me to be.
Each morning, I rise early to pray, prepare carnivore breakfasts for my family, manage our bustling household and work-from-home responsibilities, and stay fully present for my six children and husband. This journey has shown me that true healing goes beyond the body—it’s about aligning my heart with God’s will.
I dream of dancing with my children as they grow, hiking new trails with my husband, and sharing this vitality with my community. St. John Paul II’s words, “Self-knowledge for the sake of self-possession for the sake of self-gift,” guide me daily. I’ve learned to listen to my body’s signals so that I may offer myself fully to God and those I love.
To those feeling stuck or hopeless: you are not bound by your struggles. God walks with us through challenges but invites us to seek healing rather than dwell in suffering. “Offering it up” has its place, but pursuing wellness enables us to love Him more fully. Again, “Self-knowledge for the sake of self-possession for the sake of self-gift.” The carnivore diet offers a simple, effective starting point for transformation.
Kim was truly a God-sent guide on this journey. Initially, I thought I just needed someone to help me stay committed when challenges arose, but Kim’s wisdom and support have taught me far more than I expected. I’m deeply grateful for her guidance. If you’re considering starting this journey, I wholeheartedly recommend prayerfully inviting Kim to walk alongside you—you won’t regret it.
A Witness of Authentic Love
Christina’s story is about more than food or even health—it’s about authentic love. By detaching from temporary fixes and surrendering to God, she found true renewal.
Friend, may her witness remind you: you are not stuck, and you are not alone. God is calling each of us into renewal.
If you’re ready to take that step but aren’t sure where to begin, my book Return to Simple will guide you into a Christ-centered journey of renewal through Simple Food, Simple Life, and Simple Presence.
And if you’d like more personal support, I would be honored to walk alongside you—whether through one-on-one coaching, as I did with Christina, or within a group coaching experience surrounded by other women choosing to live out the True-Hearted spirit we are called to.
If you sense the Lord nudging you toward this next step, I invite you to email me or connect with me through my home page. Together, we’ll uncover the small but powerful shifts that bring clarity, healing, and peace—so you, too, can step into the renewal God desires for you.
With a true-hearted spirit,
Kim VanDolah