Firstly, thank you
, , , , , and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.The Carnivore Diet isn’t all bad, but it has gotten a bad rap due to those who take it to extremes.
The Carnivore Diet is a restrictive eating plan that involves consuming only animal-based foods, including meats, fish, eggs, and animal fats, while excluding all plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. For many, it has helped improve mental clarity, aid in weight loss, and reduce inflammation. The diet’s emphasis on eliminating all carbohydrates makes it similar to ketogenic diets, though the Carnivore Diet is even more extreme in its restrictions.
The Carnivore Diet is an excellent elimination diet that provides many key nutrients, such as protein, iron, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for the body. That said, in the long term, the diet is quite extreme—though I feel the same way about a plant-based diet. To me, both diets are extreme. In my opinion, the Carnivore Diet is not meant to be a forever diet.
What I like About The Diet
The Carnivore Diet is savoury and satisfying.
In the Carnivore Diet I recommend, there are plenty of delicious spices that can be used to enhance flavours. Eggs, honey, certain fish, cream, ghee, tallow, and yes—beef—can all be transformed into a variety of satisfying dishes. Eating a small but nutrient-dense, diverse diet for 30 days can make you feel great, because when you start reintroducing other foods, you’ll learn what works for you and what doesn’t. The Carnivore Diet is a reset, if nothing else.
It helped me with my skin when I had an eczema flare-up after COVID. My immune system was down, my eczema returned, and I was inflamed. By focusing on ancestral foods, like those found in the Carnivore Diet, I was able to bring myself to a better baseline.
But this is where I think some people may go wrong…
Carnivore isn’t about grabbing fast food and just eating the patty out of the burger. While that might work in a pinch, the Carnivore Diet is about eating whole, high-quality foods that happen to be animal-based. A focus on whole foods is key.
This is where the animal-based diet comes in...
It’s far more flexible and includes low-toxin fruits and vegetables like berries, squash, pumpkin, cucumber, avocado, and full-fat dairy, which offer a wealth of nutrients and flavour. There are so many delicious things you can make with the animal-based ingredient list. This approach provides a strong nutritional foundation because it’s balanced. With an animal-based diet, you can get all the fibre, protein, fats—and, quite frankly, flavour—you need to feel really good.
An animal-based diet can benefit inflammation, digestion, and blood sugar in several ways. Foods like fatty fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce systemic inflammation. Eliminating processed foods and sugars, which are often inflammatory, further supports this effect.
Animal-based diets focus on nutrient-dense, easily digestible foods. Proteins and fats from animal sources are highly bioavailable, reducing strain on the digestive system. Avoiding certain plant-based anti-nutrients can also help alleviate digestive discomfort.
These foods are naturally low in carbohydrates, which helps stabilize blood sugar. The protein and healthy fats in eggs, beef, and full-fat dairy slow carbohydrate absorption and promote satiety, preventing blood sugar spikes and cravings. By focusing on easily digestible, nutrient-rich foods, an animal-based diet supports inflammation management, aids digestion, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
I primarily eat an animal based diet- well at least 80% of the time; the rest of the time I am on vacation or dining out with friends. And I feel pretty good, which is what food is supposed to do.
Who Would Benefit
Autoimmune Disorders: Those with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus may find symptom relief by eliminating plant foods that contain inflammatory anti-nutrients.
Digestive Issues: People with IBS, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis may benefit from the easily digestible proteins and fats in this diet, which can reduce gut irritation.
Inflammatory Conditions: Those dealing with chronic inflammation, such as arthritis or eczema, may find relief due to the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3-rich animal foods, alongside avoiding processed carbs.
Blood Sugar Imbalances: Individuals with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance might benefit from the diet’s naturally low carbohydrate content, which helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
Weight Loss & Metabolic Health: High-protein and high-fat foods provide satiety, supporting sustained weight loss and improved metabolic health.
Mental Health: Some individuals with mood disorders may experience benefits from stable blood sugar and the neurotransmitter support provided by nutrient-dense animal foods.
NOTE: If you don’t have a gallbladder, this diet is not for you…sorry.
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