The Plant Free MD with Dr Anthony Chaffee

Episode 291: Special Forces Veteran Will Ziener's Amazing Recovery

Jul 9, 2025

Will Ziener, a retired U.S. Air Force Special Operations veteran, shares his inspiring recovery from chronic illness through the carnivore diet. He opens up about his journey from peak fitness to facing serious health challenges and how adopting an all-meat diet revitalized his strength and energy. Will discusses the failures of conventional nutrition advice, his struggles with cancer, and the importance of cutting alcohol for better health. His story serves as a powerful reminder that transformative health solutions often lie beyond traditional beliefs.

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ANECDOTE

Will's Health Transformation Story

Will Ziener gained weight and experienced severe health decline post military retirement due to hip arthrosis and pain-induced drinking.
Switching to a carnivore diet helped him lose 70 pounds and regain energy, mental clarity, and physical fitness.

ADVICE

Begin Low-Carb to Ketosis Advice

Start by reducing carbohydrates and alcohol to below 20 grams daily to enter ketosis and feel mental clarity.
Progressively reduce meal frequency as appetite decreases for natural caloric control and improved energy.

ANECDOTE

Cancer Diagnosis and Early Treatment

In 2023, Will was diagnosed with severe biliary tract cancer after symptoms of jaundice and dark urine.
A stent relieved his symptoms quickly, and diagnostic scans and surgeries followed with challenging treatment plans.

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In this episode of the Plant Free MD podcast, Dr. Anthony Chaffee welcomes Will Ziener—a retired U.S. Air Force Special Operations veteran who faced a rapid decline in health as he grew older. Once at the height of physical fitness, Will found himself struggling with chronic illness, underperforming in the gym, and feeling defeated. That all changed when he discovered the carnivore diet. Will opens up about how switching to an all‑meat diet helped him regain strength, energy, and clarity. He shares lessons learned along the way, including why conventional nutrition advice failed him, and how he’s navigated both personal health and performance using zero‑carb principles. Whether you’re curious about real-life transformations or questioning mainstream dietary beliefs, Will’s story delivers honest insights, practical takeaways, and a powerful reminder: sometimes the answers lie beyond the status quo.

If you liked this and want to learn more go to my new website www.DrAnthonyChaffee.com

#carnivore #lymedisease #weightloss

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