Waterloo Road star Adam Thomas says 'I only eat two things - I've lost weight and am feeling great'
Waterloo Road star Adam Thomas has revealed that his new diet has left him "pain free" after years of battling with arthritis. The actor was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis two years ago and has faced a devastating battle with pain ever since.
Thomas, who also appeared in Strictly Come Dancing, I'm a Celebrity and Emmerdale, had previously shared how he was in constant pain and, despite trying various medications, nothing seemed to work. He opened up last February about experiencing the "toughest period" of his life due to his health struggles, but he didn't want to suffer in silence any longer.
The star regularly updated his followers on his health journey via Instagram and last month, he shared that he had stopped taking his medication to try a strict diet, essentially consisting of only two items. He adopted the carnivore diet which includes only meat and eggs.
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He made the change just before Christmas, telling how his medication, which he described as "like a short dose of chemotherapy", had left him feeling constantly nauseous, fatigued and drowsy. He said then it has already left him feeling better.
Now, he has given an update on whether the carnivore diet was still working, he confirmed: "The answer is YES," reports Bristol Live.
He went on to say: "For someone who has been battling arthritis now for over 2 and half years having tried loads of different medication this is the best I've ever felt!
"I was really feeling great at the end of January like literally pain free! ! ! I hadn't touched a carb, no sugar, no meds...nothing... but meat and eggs!"
The reality TV star confessed: "But I'll be honest with you... I fell off a few days ago and thought f""k it! Am feeling great, am losing weight, am going to eat what I want! And I noticed my pain slowly creep back in, it's not as severe as it was but I've noticed a huge difference!"
However, he expressed relief at the setback, as it reinforced his understanding that adhering to the diet "really helps! " He said: "This isn't going to be a quick fix I know that much, but it sure as hell is better than the side effects of the meds I was on."
Following this brief lapse, he vowed to return to his diet and was optimistic that the inflammation would subside within days. An added benefit of adopting the carnivore diet was the significant weight loss he experienced, shedding nearly a stone in just over six weeks.
He said as "someone who struggled with diets", he found this one surprisingly easy to follow. Furthermore, he attributed his improved gym performance to the diet, saying he was able to train more effectively than before.
He also encouraged others suffering with arthritis pain to consider trying the diet in conjunction with their medication. He said: "If you are struggling I'd highly recommend doing it alongside your meds and seeing if it helps x."
The star first came to fame in Waterloo Road in 2006, playing bad-boy turned good Donte Charles in the school drama. He continued in the show when it returned to the screens after a break in 2022.
Fans are keen to see what will happen when the 15th series returns this year. The star, last seen as school caretaker, is being touted to return as a teacher after saying he planned to train for the job.
He is also known for his appearances on Strictly Come Dancing in 2023 when he partnered with Luba Mushtuk on the BBC dance show. He exited in the seventh week after a dance-off with Angela Rippon and her professional dance partner Kai Widdrington.
He secured third place on I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here in 2016, behind winner Scarlett Moffatt and runner-up Joel Dommett. Soap enthusiasts will also recognise him from his stint in Emmerdale where he portrayed Adam Barton from 2009 to 2018.
His post was met with support from fans. Sam commented: "You are looking great" while Nathanial expressed: "This is incredible! You've really fought through this and showed incredible strength while still being the lovely and funny guy you are, much love to you Adam."
Claire congratulated him on his dietary change, saying: "Congrats for finding the carnivore diet and seeing the benefits! It can be quite hard to adjust but it's so rewarding slow cooked pork belly is the best. I found the longer I was on it the fuller I'd become quicker because your body has everything it needs! Keep going x". Laura revealed that he had inspired her to try the same diet.
She shared her own experience, stating she had been on the "exact same journey" as Adam at the same time and had found the medication failed to help. She wrote: "I started carnivore when I saw you on This Morning and I have done a couple of 1 mile walks since! Before I couldn't even walk down the street. Also, losing weight and the brain fog. Feel like I'm getting my life back. Your stories inspired me to keep going."
Concerns have been raised about whether he's receiving adequate vitamins and minerals from his restricted diet. Jacqui cautioned, "Your diet is depleting you of some nutrients. You've also been on it only short term so maybe do some tests after 6 months or so...."
