The Carnivore Diet

1. Meat: The Misunderstood Superfood

Hands down, the most efficient way to meet those needs was to take down a big, fatty, energy-filled megafaunal animal.

Nutrient density. Meat is packed with essential nutrients, many of which are either absent or less bioavailable in plant-based foods. These include carnitine, creatine, taurine, heme iron, retinol, and vitamins B12, D3, and K2. These nutrients play crucial roles in energy production, muscle function, brain health, and overall well-being.

Animal-based compounds. Meat provides unique compounds that are difficult or impossible to obtain from plants. For example, carnosine, found almost exclusively in animal products, is a potent anti-glycating agent and antioxidant. Similarly, creatine, essential for muscle energy and cognitive function, is only found in meat.

Evolutionary perspective. Humans have consumed meat for millions of years, and our bodies have adapted to thrive on it. Our digestive systems, with their highly acidic stomachs, are well-suited for breaking down and absorbing nutrients from animal sources. Meat provides a complete protein source, containing all the essential amino acids our bodies need.

2. Questioning Nutritional Dogma

The biggest problem is that the vast majority of studies are not experimental, randomized designs.

Flawed research. Much of the nutritional advice we've been following for decades is based on weak or flawed research. Large-scale population studies, which rely on self-reported dietary information and struggle to control for confounding factors, often produce unreliable results. These studies need to be largely abandoned.

Challenging assumptions. Many of our long-held beliefs about nutrition, such as the need for fiber and the dangers of saturated fat, are based on untested assumptions. It's time to re-evaluate these assumptions and consider alternative hypotheses. For example:

• The idea that all humans need the same amount of vitamins and minerals regardless of diet
• The belief that plants are a tremendous source of phytonutrients and antioxidants

Re-evaluating evidence. We need to be willing to challenge conventional wisdom and consider evidence that runs counter to established beliefs. This includes examining historical accounts of populations that thrived on meat-based diets and paying attention to the experiences of individuals who have adopted a carnivore lifestyle.

3. Evolution Favors the Carnivore

Humans are the greatest predators ever to walk the earth!

Hunter-gatherer history. Humans evolved as hunters, and meat was likely a primary food source for much of our evolutionary history. Archaeological evidence, including tools designed for hunting and butchering large animals, supports this claim. The structure of our digestive systems, with a relatively small large intestine and highly acidic stomach, reflects a diet rich in animal protein.

Brain development. The growth of the human brain, particularly during the Homo sapiens era, coincided with increased meat consumption. Meat provided the concentrated calories and nutrients necessary to fuel our energy-hungry brains.

Adaptations for meat consumption. Humans possess unique adaptations for consuming meat, including:

• Highly acidic stomach pH, comparable to that of scavengers
• Relatively small large intestine, indicating a limited capacity for fermenting plant fiber
• Ability to extract nutrition from meat more efficiently than from plants

4. Addressing Common Concerns

People make many assumptions about nutrition that are more firmly rooted in belief than in sound evidence.

Vitamin deficiencies. The fear of vitamin deficiencies, particularly vitamin C deficiency (scurvy), is a common concern about the carnivore diet. However, fresh meat contains small amounts of vitamin C, and the absence of carbohydrates in the diet enhances vitamin C absorption.

Cholesterol myths. High cholesterol is often seen as a major risk factor for heart disease. However, the relationship between dietary cholesterol and heart disease is complex and not fully understood. Other factors, such as inflammation and insulin resistance, may play a more significant role.

Fiber fallacy. The belief that fiber is essential for healthy bowel movements is another common misconception. Many people on the carnivore diet report improved digestion and regular bowel movements despite the absence of fiber.

5. The Downside of Plant-Based Diets

Plants get pissed off when we destroy those particular parts of their anatomy; therefore, they protect those areas with toxic and bitter-tasting chemicals.

Plant toxins. Plants contain a variety of chemical compounds that can be toxic or irritating to humans. These compounds, such as oxalates, lectins, and glycoalkaloids, are designed to protect plants from being eaten.

Nutrient deficiencies. Vegan diets can be difficult to sustain long-term due to the risk of nutrient deficiencies. Vitamin B12, heme iron, and certain essential amino acids are primarily found in animal products.

Misleading marketing. Many processed foods are marketed as "plant-based" or "vegan," even though they are high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats. These foods can contribute to weight gain, inflammation, and other health problems.

6. Carnivore Diet for Healing

Let food be thy medicine and other heresy.

Autoimmune conditions. Many people with autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis, have reported significant improvements on the carnivore diet. The elimination of plant toxins and potential allergens may help to reduce inflammation and gut permeability.

Mental health. The carnivore diet has also been shown to improve mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. The diet's impact on gut health, inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies may contribute to these benefits.

Metabolic disorders. The carnivore diet can be effective for managing metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. The diet's low-carbohydrate content helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and promote weight loss.

7. Getting Started with Carnivore

Base your decisions on your needs rather than what your family, friends, doctor, or society as a whole wants for you.

Simplicity is key. The carnivore diet is remarkably simple: eat meat, drink water, and repeat when hungry. There's no need to track macros, count calories, or weigh food.

Listen to your body. Pay attention to your body's signals and eat enough to satisfy your hunger. Don't restrict calories or try to force yourself into a specific eating schedule.

Transition strategies. There are several ways to transition to the carnivore diet, including:

• Hard-core carnivore: A direct and immediate switch to meat and water
• Carb step-down: Gradually reducing carbohydrate intake over time
• Gradual elimination: Slowly removing plant foods from your diet

8. The Carnivore Diet is Not Just About Weight Loss

You’re the one who has to walk around and sleep in the only body you will ever own.

Nutrition first. The primary goal of the carnivore diet is to improve nutrition and overall health, not just to lose weight. Weight loss is often a side effect of improved metabolic function and reduced inflammation.

Beyond aesthetics. Focus on how you feel, not just how you look. Pay attention to your energy levels, mood, sleep quality, and joint pain.

Long-term sustainability. The carnivore diet is not a quick fix. It's a long-term lifestyle choice that requires commitment and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom.

Last updated: March 28, 2025