Are You Beefy Enough For The Carnivore Diet?
Looking to take your primal instincts to the next level? Then let me introduce you to the most radical diet trend since…well, forever: The Carnivore Diet. This meat-sweats-inducing way of eating is not for the faint of heart (or the stopped-up of arteries). But if you’re ready to connect with your inner caveman (or cavewoman), keep reading as we explore this beefy phenomenon.
What Is The Carnivore Diet?
In case you haven’t picked up what this diet is putting down, let me spell it out: The Carnivore Diet is pretty much just eating animal products. We’re talking meat, eggs, and maybe some other animal-based foods if you’re feeling frisky. But plants? Fugghedaboutit. This way of eating takes “plant-based” and does a 180, running as far away from fruits and veggies as possible.
Steak Your Claim: Potential Benefits
While shocking to many, the Carnivore Diet does seem to have some advantages for certain people. Anecdotal evidence suggests it can help with issues like:
- Autoimmune conditions
- Food allergies/intolerances
- Mental health issues
- Obesity and diabetes
The theory is that by eliminating all plant foods, you avoid a whole bunch of potential gut irritants and anti-nutrients. Of course, always talk to your doctor before going full-carnivore.
Unsavory Side Effects?
Like any extreme diet, the Carnivore way of life comes with some potential downsides too. Obvious ones are lack of fiber (hello constipation!) and missing out on all those plant-based vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. There are also concerns about long-term effects on heart health from all that sat-fat and cholesterol.
How To Tackle This Diet
If you’re ready to take the Carnivore Diet for a spin, ease in slowly rather than going zero to 100 overnight. Start by cutting out plant foods one by one, letting your body adjust. When you’re ready for full carnivore mode, stock up on:
- Fatty meat: Think ribeyes, bacon, and skin-on poultry
- Fatty fish: Salmon, sardines, etc.
- Eggs
- Animal fats for cooking like tallow, lard, butter
You’ll also want to prioritize nose-to-tail eating by incorporating offal like liver, heart, and tongue. These nutrient-dense cuts provide vitamins and minerals lacking in muscle meat alone.
Will It Stick To Your Ribs?
At the end of the day, the Carnivore Diet is extremely restrictive and likely not sustainable for most people long-term. But if you’re looking for a short-term reset to identify food intolerances or beat a weight plateau, this meat-fest could be worth a try. Just don’t be surprised if you start feeling like a woolly mammoth after week two.
As always, check with your doctor before starting any extreme diet or lifestyle change. And if you do take the carnivore plunge? May the (meat) force be with you!