The Carnivore Diet: What it is & its Associated Risks
In recent years, more and more people have been talking about the carnivore diet. While many individuals claim to experience various benefits from following this diet, there is little scientific evidence to support these claims, and there are important concerns to be aware of. Here's my take on the carnivore diet.
What is the Carnivore Diet?
The carnivore diet is a type of ketogenic (keto) diet, designed to promote fat burning by reducing carbohydrate intake. The premise is that by consuming more fat and protein while minimizing carbs, the body shifts into ketosis, using fat to create ketones for energy (1). The diet primarily allows for the consumption of animal-based products such as meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, fish, and some dairy, alongside water. Vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, seeds, and nuts are excluded, and foods are typically cooked in butter, tallow, or ghee (1).
Are There Any Alterations to the Carnivore Diet?
While the strict version of the carnivore diet focuses solely on animal-based foods, several variations exist to make the diet more accessible or sustainable for individuals: