What does it mean to be a CARNIVORE?
Like all animals, humans not only instinctively knew what to eat but they were shaped by their environment and their diet. After all, if there were no media and nobody to tell you what to eat, and the only foods available to you were local, natural and non processed, what would you eat?
To date, all of the anecdote and research suggests we became a primarily carnivorous species that uses plants during times of famine, for supplementation and medication. That means eating like our ancestors, more red meat, more animal fats, more eggs and plants in moderation.
In its most basic definition, the carnivore diet is an elimination diet. It's a nutrition strategy that focuses almost exclusively on eating animal produce such as meat, organs, fish, dairy and eggs. Usually to fix autoimmune or metabolic issues.
The carnivore diet in its most strict form excludes all other foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and grains at least for some time. It also involves limiting the consumption of hard cheeses and other dairy products that have low lactose levels while removing milk intake entirely.
WHY CARNIVORE??
In many ways, the carnivore diet shares many attributes with other popular low-carb diets such as keto and paleo diets. The main difference is that the carnivore diet aims to completely eliminate carbs and plants rather than merely restrict them.
Excess carbohydrate and processed seed oil consumption has strong ties to many metabolic disease which eventually lead to issues like diabetes, anxiety, heart disease and Alzheimers.
Furthermore, plants contain plant toxins as a defense mechanism and those plant toxins can wreak havoc on some individuals, especially those with gut issues like IBS or leaky gut.
Eliminating all plant foods for some time has been shown to be extremely beneficial for sufferers of autoimmune disease and has even reversed some diseases completely.
Another key component to consider is the timing of eating foods. While some individuals may want to count calories, the carnivore diet focuses on the simple idea of eating when you’re hungry and stopping when you feel satisfied. Listening to your body’s natural responses is the key to managing meal times and portion sizes.
Simple food timing and food choices are likely one of the reasons the carnivore diet works so well for many people.
WHAT TO EAT ON A CARNIVORE DIET
The carnivore diet (like most nutrition plans) focuses on the food that you eat. While there are no set rules on calories, the restrictions on where you can get those calories from are very significant. Building a comprehensive strategy that appreciates what to eat, drink, and avoid is essential.
EAT MOSTLY...
Anyone following a strict carnivore diet can eat virtually all meats including but not limited to; beef, chicken, turkey, organ meats, lamb, and pork. However, it is advised that individuals pay special attention to fatty cuts of their meat products in a bid to gain the necessary energy and calories from fat. Go-to meats include steaks, roasts, and ground beef.
Fish is included on the menu with all common fish meats accepted. Cod, salmon, sardines, crab, lobster, mackerel, etc. can all be enjoyed. Other animal products such as eggs, cheese, lard and marrow can be consumed in any quantity should you be able to tolerate them, but heavy cream, hard cheese, and butter (any low-lactose dairy) should be restricted to smaller quantities.
FOODS TO AVOID WHILE ON CARNIVORE
Virtually all other foods should be off the table, at least while you try to resolve the issues you started carnivore for in the first place. This includes fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, grains, alcohol, juices, sodas, alcohol, and sugars.
This also includes table condiments like syrups and table sugar. If you're trying to fix autoimmune issues, most will suggest that adding pepper, and sauces to meat dishes should be avoided too. At least for some time until you find out what triggers the autoimmunity.
While hard cheeses and heavy cream are OK, high-lactose dairy such as milk, yogurt, and soft cheeses should not be consumed either.
Remember: The Carnivore Diet is an elimination diet. That means it's temporary. Very few people choose to remain strict carnivore long term. Once health is restored and autoimmune issues are resolved, most revert to an animal based/relaxed carnivore meal plan.
If you would like help devising a meal plan for 1 month, 6 months or even 1 year (With a FREE 3 day trial) just click the button below!
Fish is included on the menu with all common fish meats accepted. Cod, salmon, sardines, crab, lobster, mackerel, etc. can all be enjoyed. Other animal products such as eggs, cheese, lard and marrow can be consumed in any quantity should you be able to tolerate them, but heavy cream, hard cheese, and butter (any low-lactose dairy) should be restricted to smaller quantities.
FOODS TO AVOID WHILE ON CARNIVORE
Virtually all other foods should be off the table, at least while you try to resolve the issues you started carnivore for in the first place. This includes fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, grains, alcohol, juices, sodas, alcohol, and sugars.
This also includes table condiments like syrups and table sugar. If you're trying to fix autoimmune issues, most will suggest that adding pepper, and sauces to meat dishes should be avoided too. At least for some time until you find out what triggers the autoimmunity.
While hard cheeses and heavy cream are OK, high-lactose dairy such as milk, yogurt, and soft cheeses should not be consumed either.
Remember: The Carnivore Diet is an elimination diet. That means it's temporary. Very few people choose to remain strict carnivore long term. Once health is restored and autoimmune issues are resolved, most revert to an animal based/relaxed carnivore meal plan.
If you would like help devising a meal plan for 1 month, 6 months or even 1 year (With a FREE 3 day trial) just click the button below!