If you’ve been around the health and wellness merry-go-round for any length of time, you’ve probably noticed that the ride rarely comes to a full stop. There’s always a new trend waiting to throw you off balance, with enthusiastic proponents insisting that it’s the ‘next big thing’. Well, strap yourself in, folks, for the rollercoaster ride that is…the Carnivore Diet!
What on Earth is the Carnivore Diet?
In a nutshell, the Carnivore Diet is your personal BBQ, without any of the trimmings. That’s right, we’re talking about an all-meat diet here. Bran flakes not included. Whereas the vegan diet has you hugging trees and morally wrestling with the ethics of honey consumption, on the Carnivore Diet, you’d probably hug a cow only to figure out how best to cook it. It’s a diet that’s not exactly PETA-approved.
The Ins and Outs of the Carnivore Diet
Let’s get down to brass tacks. A Carnivore Diet consists entirely of flesh. Beef, chicken, pork – if it once mooed, clucked, or squealed, it’s a-OK. Add to that other delights from the animal kingdom like eggs and dairy. But if it sprouts from the soil – forget it. No fruits or veggies here, folks. A staple on most diet plates, these ‘rabbit foods’ are about as welcome on a carnivorous plate as a spinach smoothie at a children’s party.
The ‘Why’ of the Carnivore Diet
But why oh why, I hear you bemoan, would anyone willingly give up the dietary diversity we’ve all grown to love and replace it with an endless string of meaty meals? The answer: proponents claim it brings benefits not only for weight loss but also for overcoming certain health conditions. Apparently, our palaeolithic ancestors just clocked up way fewer health issues than us. And not just because their life expectancies were considerably shorter and iPad-induced posture issues were yet to play havoc with their backs.
The ‘How’ of the Carnivore Diet
Beginning this gastronomic journey is simple. Replace mint-infused kombucha for bone broth. Swap avocado toast for bacon. Trade in quinoa for juicy steaks. You’re shooting for zero carbs, and the protein and fat found in the meat are supposed to keep your hunger in check – because no one likes a hangry dieter.
The Pros and Cons of the Carnivore Diet
On the plus side, the Carnivore Diet is ridiculously simple to follow. No food group juggling or macro counting. If it had a face, you can eat it. And you might lose weight if your overall calorie intake goes down.
On the other hand, critics will tell you that by eliminating fiber-full fruits, vegetables, and legumes, the friendly neighborhood gut flora might decide to pack their suitcases and leave. And that’s before we get into the potential for nutrient deficiencies – “Hello, scurvy.” Plus, chowing down on meats could increase heart disease risk, and let’s not forget the environmental implications of this meaty madness.
Final Verdict
Like many diets, it seems the Carnivore Diet has its evangelists and its critics. Beneficial for some and potentially treacherous for others. If a platter of steaks sounds like your idea of heaven, dive right in. But if you don’t want to part ways with your leafy greens, that’s fine too. Balance is the key to any diet after all. Whether you choose to ride this rollercoaster or not, remember – you are what you eat. Or, in the case of the carnivore diet, you are what you eat, used to eat.