If you’re hunting for something a little bit different in the world of diets, then prepare to sink your teeth into this piece about the Carnivore Diet. Forget the avocados, kale smoothies, and quinoa salads. It’s all about the meaty matters here, not a green leaf or rainbow smoothie in sight.
So, What Exactly is this Carnivore Diet?
If diets were compared to species, the Carnivore Diet would be the T-Rex at the top of the food chain. The philosophy is simple, if it bleats, moos, clucks, or swims, it’s on your plate. Anything else? Not so much. Unlike our beloved omnivore, vegan, or vegetarian diets that provide a smorgasbord of choices, the Carnivore Diet restricts you to the meat of the matter, quite literally.
Grass-fed or Lab-made: The Carnivore Choice
To be an elite Carnivore Dieter, you are to populate your plate with grass-fed, organic meats. If you’re a more casual carnivore – the lab-made, amino-acid spiked, protein shake is your go-to. Boiled down to essentials, the Carnivore Diet advocates for all things protein – be it a steak on your plate, or a shake in your glass.
Benefits of the Carnivore Diet: Meat-ing Expectations?
With your fridge now resembling a meat locker, what do you gain? Proponents swear by improved focus, weight loss, and stabilized blood sugar levels. Some claims even point towards alleviating autoimmune diseases, reducing inflammation, and enhancing mood. Right now, the stakes are high for the steak diet. But do keep in mind, like anything else, it’s not all sizzle without a goodbye to your carbohydrate cravings.
Carnivore Controversy: The Other Side of the Porterhouse
Just as a T-Bone comes with a Porterhouse, the Carnivore Diet has its fair share of controversies. The lack of long-term research studies provides a breeding ground for uncertainty. And, let’s face it, any diet that so e-radic-all-ly banishes fruits, legumes, grains, and vegetables is bound to raise a few eyebrows and heart rates.
Walking With Our Ancestors: A Paleo Comparison
If the Carnivore Diet and Paleo Diet were to have a standoff, it would be a fiercely protein-packed battle. While both diets trace their lineage back to our ancestors, the Paleo Diet loosens the reins a touch – allowing for fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds on the menu.
Protein Power: Too Much Of A Good Thing?
The Carnivore Diet goes all out in its protein prow-ess. But remember, there’s always the risk of tipping the balance. Overconsumption of protein can potentially stress the kidneys, and high intakes of red and processed meats are linked to certain cancers. So, while you might enjoy the carnivorous conquest, it might be wise to maintain a balanced diet.
Should You Take a Bite From The Carnivore Diet?
My final cut on the Carnivore Diet? Proceed with caution and a fork in hand. It may be an effective means to shed a few pounds, gain muscle, and stabilize blood sugar. But it’s also severely restrictive, potentially unsustainable, and yet to be fully researched in the long term.
The Carnivore Diet is not for the faint-hearted, veggie-loving, carbohydrate-craving among us. So, if your spirit animal is more bunny than T-Rex, my advice is to hop, skip, and jump in the opposite direction.