What is The Carnivore Diet

Author

Jason Farris
January 16, 2025

The carnivore diet is a way of eating that focuses exclusively or almost entirely on animal-based foods. It’s often called an "all-meat diet," though it can include other animal products like eggs, cheese, and bone broth. The idea is to eliminate all plant-based foods, such as vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

Core Principles:

  1. Eat Animal Products: This includes beef, pork, poultry, fish, eggs, and animal fats. Some people also include dairy products like cheese and butter, as long as they tolerate them well.

  2. High in Protein and Fat: The diet is naturally high in protein and healthy fats while being extremely low in carbohydrates.

  3. Eliminate Plants: The diet excludes plant foods due to their antinutrients, such as lectins, oxalates, and phytates, which some believe can interfere with nutrient absorption or cause inflammation.

  4. Focus on Simplicity: Many carnivore enthusiasts highlight the simplicity of eating meat without the need to count calories or macros.

Benefits People Claim:

  • Improved Energy Levels: Many report increased stamina and fewer energy crashes.

  • Mental Clarity: The absence of carbs and sugar can help some people feel sharper and more focused.

  • Reduced Inflammation: Cutting out plant-based antinutrients may reduce joint pain and inflammation.

  • Weight Loss: Many people lose weight due to satiety from protein and fat.

Common Foods:

  • Steak, ground beef, and roasts

  • Pork chops, bacon, and ribs

  • Chicken thighs, wings, and whole chickens

  • Fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines

  • Organ meats like liver and heart

  • Eggs, butter, and animal fats like tallow

Controversies:

The diet is debated in the health community. Critics worry about missing nutrients found in plant foods, such as fiber and certain vitamins. Proponents argue that animal products contain all the nutrients needed for optimal health and that fiber isn’t essential.

Ultimately, the carnivore diet appeals to those who thrive on simplicity and want to challenge conventional dietary advice. It’s not for everyone, but for some (like me), it’s a game-changer.