The Carnivore Diet (2024)

FAQs

Is a carnivore diet actually healthy? ›

The carnivore diet consists entirely of meat and animal products, excluding all other foods. It's claimed to aid weight loss, mood issues, and blood sugar regulation, among other health issues. However, the diet is extremely restrictive and likely unhealthy in the long term.

Joe Rogan's daily intake, while on the Carnivore Diet, primarily consisted of meat. He often mentioned consuming elk, bison, and other game meats, along with more traditional meats like beef. Organ meats, particularly liver, were also a part of his diet.

The carnivore diet plan is simple; you only eat animal foods and products. Everything else is restricted. That means no fruits, no vegetables, no bread or grains, and limiting your dairy intake to low-lactose foods.

The short answer to the beverage question is that on a strict carnivore plan, only water and bone broth are allowed. If you're including dairy, milk would also be allowed. Those who subscribe to more lenient versions of a carnivore diet may also include plain, unsweetened tea and coffee in their regimen.

The carnivore diet can lead to an increased risk of developing heart disease because it prioritizes foods that are high in saturated fat, such as fatty steaks, which can elevate cholesterol levels, Arsenault says. Meanwhile, eliminating fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds could increase your risk.

Ideally, it is best to stick to black coffee as it contains zero calories and carbohydrates, making it suitable for a low-carb diet like carnivore. Adding cream or other additives can increase the calorie and carbohydrate content of the coffee, which may not align with the principles of this diet.

Foods To Avoid

Although less restrictive versions of the carnivore diet exist, the following foods are usually restricted or completely avoided by those following this eating pattern: Fruit: Berries, apples, grapes, bananas, avocados, and peaches. Vegetables: Potatoes, zucchini, broccoli, asparagus, and greens.

As much as they want. Beef, butter, bacon and eggs are often thought of as the footings that the carnivore diet is based upon.

Do You Lose Weight Faster On Keto Or Carnivore? Carnivore is more effective in quick weight loss than keto, as it completely cuts out carbs entirely whereas the ketogenic diet limits carb consumption. Because of this, your body is more likely to burn fat in less time with as a carnivore.

It may sometimes cause constipation. The diet is contrary to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans , which emphasize the importance of fiber for good health. Some may worry about becoming constipated due to this diet's lack of fiber.

How many eggs a day on carnivore diet? ›

You can also consider just consuming egg whites to lower your calorie and fat intake. In general, though, many on the carnivore diet consume between 2 to 6 eggs daily as part of their meal plan. This range generally offers a good balance of nutrients without overconsumption.

Carnivore diet for inflammation

Ovadia, much like the Petersons, says the diet is great for reducing inflammation. “It's clearly anti-inflammatory,” he says. “We now have, in large experience, many, many people who have had inflammatory conditions, autoimmune conditions that healed themselves with a carnivore diet…

Fat Content: A core tenet of the carnivore diet is to prioritize fats. Full-fat or whole milk is preferable as it contains the natural fats present in milk, offering better satiety and aligning with the diet's principles. Source: Always opt for milk from grass-fed cows.

Beyond anecdotal evidence of miraculous effects of an all-meat diet, science does not back up the other claims of the Carnivore Diet, and most doctors recommend avoiding it. While a diet that induces ketosis may be beneficial for some people, changing the way the body burns fuel is not the only factor in a diet.

The carnivore diet does two things at once: It infuses the gut with bone broth's gut-healing benefits while eliminating harder-to-digest vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds. In other words, it still allows a person to get beneficial nutrients while giving the gut a break from working so hard.

More Long-Term Results From Carnivore Diet

In the long term, the carnivore diet might help manage or prevent chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, thanks to stable blood sugar levels. It might also benefit individuals with autoimmune conditions, as it eliminates many common food triggers.

Carnivore diet for inflammation

“It's clearly anti-inflammatory,” he says. “We now have, in large experience, many, many people who have had inflammatory conditions, autoimmune conditions that healed themselves with a carnivore diet… “Many of the triggers for autoimmune conditions, it turns out, are plant products.”