Carnivore Diet
An all-animal-products diet that eliminates plant foods entirely. Controversial but gaining followers.
What Is It?
The carnivore diet consists exclusively of animal products — primarily meat, fish, and eggs. Some followers include dairy. All plant foods, including vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes, are eliminated. It's among the most restrictive diets and remains highly controversial in the nutrition community.
How It Works
Proponents argue that animal foods provide all necessary nutrients and that plant foods contain anti-nutrients (lectins, oxalates, phytates) that can cause inflammation and digestive issues. By eliminating all plant matter, the theory goes, you remove potential irritants and allow the body to heal.
Benefits
- Extreme simplicity — no meal planning complexity
- High protein intake supports satiety
- Some report reduced autoimmune symptoms
- Elimination of processed foods
- Anecdotal improvements in mental clarity
- May help identify plant food sensitivities
✅ Foods to Eat
- •Beef, lamb, pork, and other red meats
- •Poultry
- •Fish and seafood
- •Eggs
- •Bone broth
- •Animal fats (tallow, lard, butter)
- •Some include dairy (cheese, cream)
🚫 Foods to Avoid
- •All vegetables
- •All fruits
- •Grains and legumes
- •Nuts and seeds
- •Plant oils
- •Sugar and sweeteners
- •All processed foods
Sample Day
🔬 Scientific Evidence
There is virtually no long-term clinical evidence supporting an all-meat diet. Short-term case studies and surveys report improvements in autoimmune conditions and body composition. However, the elimination of fiber, vitamin C, and thousands of beneficial plant compounds raises serious concerns among most nutrition researchers. Long-term effects on gut health, cardiovascular risk, and cancer risk are unknown.