Ever feel as though the world of diets has more options than a sushi conveyor belt? Every few months, a shiny new eating plan makes its debut, promising a fix to all our health woes.
Introducing the Carnivore Diet—meat lovers may jump with joy, veggies, not so much. If your idea of a perfect meal consists of steak, eggs, and more steak, then this may be the diet you’ve been looking for. Yet, for those who feel queasy at the sight of a butcher shop, you might want to disembark at the next station.
What Exactly Is the Carnivore Diet?
The Carnivore Diet is as simple as a hammer—a tool with one use, but oh so effective. It involves eating only animal products and absolutely nothing else. Fruits, veggies, legumes, grains, nuts, seeds? Absolutely off-limits.
Believe it or not, it’s even strict enough to make the Keto diet—an eating style synonymous with a seething meaty desire—look like a green-smoothie-guzzling yoga instructor. The carnivorous eating protocol revolves around minimal plant interference or, let’s be blunt, no plant interference… at all.
The Appeal (or lack thereof)
What’s the appeal? To start, it’s postulated that humans evolved on an exclusively meat-based diet, meaning our bodies are naturally designed for meat digestion and absorption. Those who follow the Carnivore Diet report increased energy, weight loss, decreased inflammation, and improved overall health.
And, to some extent, it does mimic the diets of our cave-dwelling, saber-toothed tiger wrestling ancestors who weren’t lucky enough to stumble upon the hunter-gatherer’s supermarket—aKA the berry bush or root vegetable patch.
The Catch
Now, here comes the but… and it’s quite a substantial one.
The Carnivore Diet is not a magic bullet, and it comes with its own set of controversies and nutritional queries. Its main argument that we are evolutionary designed to consume only animal products is, at best, contentious. Meanwhile, its blanket disregard for vegetables, grains, and fruits raises plenty of perfectly-shaped, kale-green eyebrows.
Striking a Balance
So, if the Carnivore Diet has you sharpening your steak knives, remember—a balanced approach to nutrition is generally your best bet. While the diet might work wonders for some, it’s certainly not an eating plan that suits everyone.
Seek professional advice before making drastic changes to your diet. If you want to do this diet, you might need to adjust it to your individual needs and nutritional requirements.
To Sum It Up
The Carnivore Diet, like any other dietary trend, has its own set of merits and demerits. It’s a ‘proceed with caution’ situation, especially for those who have specific dietary needs or medical conditions. A good chunk of health experts are still batting an eye at this one, but if you’re curious and willing to try, make sure you do it under appropriate guidance.
In this complex web of nutritional advice, one thing remains clear—a diet should always come with a side of common sense. Happy eating!