THE CARNIVORE DIET

What is the Carnivore Diet?

Over the years, there’s been a slew of articles, influencers, and videos all spouting the benefits - or pitfalls - of the carnivore diet. It didn’t take long for this way of eating to be shunned and ridiculed for any number of reasons - you’re destroying the planet (seriously? eating meat is destroying the planet…ok?), you’re murdering innocent animals (animals are an essential food group and let’s be honest, they’d eat us too if we let them), or you’re going to have a heart attack with that much red meat (if eating meat is bad…we don’t want to be good).

With over 2,000 books on Amazon.com spouting the benefits and recipes to try to get this diet going, we can’t stop thinking about what we want to try first. When this study from the National Library of Medicine popped up and over 2,000 adults said their lives had improved in every aspect, we were convinced we wanted to try this right away.

While there are risks to any diet that need to be considered before you jump in (please consult your doctor or other registered physician for all health advice), there are also benefits and finding the diet that works for you is part of the process. Turns out, this diet is all about eating meat and we’re here for it!

What can I eat?

When it comes to diets, things can get really confusing. Can I eat this, does it matter if I eat that, or how do I know how much I can actually eat? The best part about this diet is that it’s amazingly simple. For those of us who struggle to answer the age-old question “what’s for dinner,” this diet is probably going to seem like a godsend.

That’s because the only answer will be - meat!

There are a few more things that can give you a bit of variety, so we’ve included a sample list of things you can eat below. However, making this diet work for you and your lifestyle is what’s going to make it most impactful.

• Meat: beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, pork, etc.

• Organ meats: Liver, kidney, sweatbread, tripe, heart, brain

• Fish: salmon, mackerel, sardines, crab, lobster, tilapia, herring, etc.

• Other animal products: eggs, lard, bone marrow, bone broth, etc.

• Low-lactose dairy (in small amounts): heavy cream, hard cheese, butter, etc.

• Water

What can’t I eat?

This is probably going to look really intimidating, but when you are focused on eating only meat, that leaves a lot of things off your plate. This list is a reminder of all those things you won’t be eating while on this diet.

• Vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, green beans, peppers, etc.

• Fruits: apples, berries, bananas, kiwi, oranges, etc.

• High-lactose dairy: milk, yogurt, soft cheese, etc.

• Legumes: beans, lentils, etc.

• Nuts and seeds: almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, etc.

• Grains: rice, wheat, bread, quinoa, pasta, etc.

• Alcohol: beer, wine, liquor, etc.

• Sugars: table sugar, maple syrup, brown sugar, etc.

• Beverages other than water: soda, coffee, tea, fruit juice, etc.

Tips for Getting Started

As with any diet, to get started, you just have to jump in with two feet. It takes some prepping and planning - and the first few weeks will be the hardest, but stick with it and you’ll be a Carnivore Pro in no time! We put together a mini cheat sheet to help you get the best results out of this diet.

• Black coffee is allowed for those who can’t live without caffeine

• Add in small doses of dairy or nuts and seeds at the beginning to help from the shock of going cold turkey

• Do this diet in cycles - go one week of being on and then two weeks off or try it for a month and then go back - whatever works for you and your lifestyle

• Make sure you up your dosage of water - being hydrated is incredibly important! (seriously, whatever you were thinking of drinking before, triple it)

• Focus on the signals your body is giving you - eat when you’re hungry and not when you’re bored

• get creative but organized - put together a meal plan and make sure you have snack ideas ready and prepped (hard-boiled eggs became an instant favorite for us!)

Benefits To Look Forward To

There’s no point to being on a diet like this without wanting to know what you get out of it. There are bound to be a lot of times when you’ll start to slip or question why you’re doing this in the first place. Hopefully, you’ve already figured out your why for going on a diet, but here are a few benefits that will help if you’re still struggling.

• Others have seen a reduction in blood sugar levels and inflammation throughout the body

• Could potentially be giving your body a chance to heal and function optimally

• Potential for some mega weight loss (depending on the length of the diet and how closely you adhere to guidelines)

• Others have reported a clearer mind and healthier gut

• There have also been reports of higher energy levels and mood improvement

• Heart health, support of autoimmune disease management, and diabetes prevention are also benefits

Trying out the Carnivore Diet can be the choice to kickstart a whole new life - one where you feel better, look better, and have the life you’ve dreamed of. All it takes is a little discipline and some planning to get everything you’ve ever wanted. Let’s stop dreaming and start eating - meat!

Before starting any new diet and exercise program please check with your doctor and clear any exercise and/or diet changes with them before beginning. We are NOT doctors, nutritionists or registered dietitians. We do not claim to help cure any condition or disease. We do not provide medical aid or nutrition advise for the purpose of health or disease nor do we claim to be doctors or dietitians.