If you’re scouring the world of diets, in quest of a new lifestyle change, then you’ve probably heard of the Carnivore Diet. This is not for the faint-hearted, tofu-loving, lettuce-nibbling folks, no-no! This one is for the die-hard meat lovers, those people who wink at a T-bone steak, whose hearts pounce at the sight of bacon, and who dream of chicken thighs. Can it be true? A diet where red meat isn’t the bad guy? Fasten your seatbelts (might want to loosen them later), as we delve into the sizzling hot topic of the Carnivore Diet in this blog post.
A Carni-Whaaaat?
Pretty simple – the Carnivore Diet involves you eating only meat and animal products, and cutting out anything else. It’s hardcore Atkins, dieting on steroids, the peak of the food chain living. If you think about it, it’s pretty prehistoric actually, back when ‘grocery shopping’ involved spears and impressive running abilities.
What can you eat on a Carnivore Diet?
If it once mooed, clucked, baa’d, or, well, you get the picture, you can eat it. Beef, chicken, pork, fish – if it’s meat, it’s on the menu. Eggs and low-lactose dairy like hard cheeses, butter and heavy cream are also allowed. As for drinks, water, bone broth, and unsweetened black coffee or tea are your go-tos. But remember kids, not a carb in sight. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, seeds, nuts and grains are strictly off the menu.
What are the benefits?
Despite the lack of fruit and veg, followers of this flesh-feasting diet have reported a number of benefits, such as weight loss, improved mood, better digestive health and mental clarity. They claim to feel energized due to the high protein intake and even see improvements in conditions like arthritis and diabetes. However, it’s essential to mention that these reports are largely anecdotal, and we’re not sure if the advantages are due to the absence of refined carbs, or this diet’s magical power to transform you into a lean, mean, food-craving-suppressing machine.
What does science say about the Carnivore Diet?
Well, science is doing its ‘meh’ shoulder shrug thing. Nutrition scientists advocate a balanced diet and although there are anecdotal stories of thriving on this diet, there’s no concrete research on the carnivore lifestyle. Plus, science misses its buddy Fiber, who seems to have been brutally kicked out from this diet party. Long-term effects of such a high-protein, zero-carb diet are unknown and caution should be exercised.
So, should you do it?
Well, that’s like asking if you should get the band back together or whether putting pineapple on pizza is acceptable or not. What is clear though, is that the Carnivore Diet offers a simplified way of eating that cuts out many of the problematic foods we face in modern diets. However, it demands a serious commitment and the long haul effects? Well, honestly folks, jury’s still out on that one.
At the end of the day, if the idea of bidding adieu to crunchy salad, steamy bread, sweet fruits, and oh-so-delicious chocolate brings you to tears, this diet is probably not for you. But, if you’ve been dreaming about wrestling a mammoth for your dinner, or going all-out caveman style, you might have just found your culinary El Dorado.
Parting Thoughts
Bear in mind, the best diet for you is the one you can stick to and fits your lifestyle, while ensuring a balanced intake of required nutrients. Before you hop on the meat-wagon of the carnivore diet (or any diet), it could be a smart move to check in with a dietitian or health professional. Because, after all, isn’t good health the ultimate goal?