The carnivore diet is a highly restrictive eating plan that involves consuming only animal-based foods. In this blog post, we’ll explore what is and isn’t on the menu when following the carnivore diet, giving you a clear understanding of the foods to include and exclude from your diet.
What’s on the Menu
When following the carnivore diet, the primary focus is on consuming animal-based foods. Here are the foods that are typically included:
- Meat: Beef, chicken, pork, lamb, turkey, and other types of meat are staples of the carnivore diet. Opt for fatty cuts of meat to ensure sufficient energy intake.
- Fish: Salmon, mackerel, sardines, and other fatty fish are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids and are encouraged on the carnivore diet.
- Eggs: Eggs are a nutritious addition to the carnivore diet. They provide essential nutrients and can be prepared in various ways.
- Organ meats: Liver, kidney, heart, and other organ meats are highly nutritious and provide essential vitamins and minerals.
- Dairy (limited): Some variations of the carnivore diet allow for small amounts of low-lactose dairy products such as butter, heavy cream, and hard cheese. However, dairy is often excluded in stricter versions of the diet.
- Water: Staying hydrated is crucial on the carnivore diet, so be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
What’s Off the Menu
The carnivore diet eliminates all plant-based foods from the menu. Here’s what you won’t find on the carnivore diet:
- Fruits and Vegetables: All fruits and vegetables, including leafy greens, are excluded from the carnivore diet.
- Grains: Wheat, rice, oats, and other grains are not part of the carnivore diet.
- Legumes: Beans, lentils, chickpeas, and other legumes are off-limits on the carnivore diet.
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and other nuts and seeds are not included in the carnivore diet.
- Dairy (in stricter versions): While some variations of the carnivore diet allow limited amounts of dairy, stricter versions exclude all dairy products.
- Processed Foods: Processed foods, including processed meats, are generally avoided on the carnivore diet.
- Sugars and Sweeteners: All forms of sugar and artificial sweeteners are not part of the carnivore diet.
- Beverages (except water): Coffee, tea, soda, and other beverages made from plants are typically excluded on the carnivore diet.
Conclusion
The carnivore diet is a highly restrictive eating plan that involves consuming only animal-based foods while eliminating all plant-based foods. By understanding what is and isn’t on the menu, you can make informed decisions about following the carnivore diet. It’s important to consider the potential benefits and downsides of this diet and consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your eating habits.