The Carnivore Diet - What You Need to Know

This is not meant to be a longterm plan, but rather a limited jumpstart. And if it wasn't obvious I'm not a doctor, so consider your own health before proceeding.

What is the Carnivore Diet?

It’s exactly what it sounds like: an all-meat, animal-based diet. You eat animals. You skip plants. You make your ancestors proud. It’s strict, it’s simple, and if you do it right, it might just change how you feel, think, and look. Here are some general rules:

1. Eat animal products only.
Meat, eggs, fish, and some dairy. That’s your kingdom.

2. No plants.
That means no fruit, no veggies, no grains, no legumes. Leaf it out (get it?).

3. Embrace fat.
Don’t fear fat—fat is fuel. Choose fatty cuts and don’t trim the good stuff.

4. Drink water.
Hydration is key. Black coffee and plain tea might be OK for some, but the purists will give you side-eye.

5. Salt is not the enemy.
Salt your food. You’re not getting it from processed junk anymore, and for God's sake you want it to taste good.

The Do’s

• Do choose nose-to-tail when possible — think liver, heart, marrow.
• Do eat until you’re full. No calorie counting.
• Do stick with it for at least 30 days before judging.
• Do source the best quality you can afford: grass-fed, wild-caught, etc.
• Do listen to your body. If something feels off, adjust.

The Don’ts

• Don’t eat processed garbage — no hot dogs with 17 ingredients.
• Don’t sneak in sauces, dressings, or plant-based oils (we see you, canola).
• Don’t obsess over variety. Simplicity is kind of the point.
• Don’t expect instant miracles. Some people feel weird before they feel great.
• Don’t argue with vegans. Just eat your steak and smile.

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What Can You Actually Eat - Here’s my list of what’s fair game:

Meats:

• Beef - Ribeye, sirloin, chuck roast, ribs, ground beef
• Chicken - all
• Turkey - it's not just for Thanksgiving anymore
• Pork - belly, pork chops, BACON (ideally sugar-free)
• Lamb - all
• Organ meats (liver, heart, kidney) I have chicken livers in my fridge right now

Fish & Seafood:

• Salmon, sardines, mackerel
• Shrimp, scallops, crab
• Tuna (fresh > canned)

Eggs:

• Whole eggs, cooked however you like
• Duck, quail, or chicken—your call

Fats:

• Beef tallow
• Ghee
• Butter
• Bone marrow, yummmm

Dairy:

• Hard cheeses (cheddar, parm)
• Heavy cream
• Greek yogurt (full fat, no sugar)

Extras:

• Salt, pepper
• Bone broth

NOTE: I'm ok with seasonings, ie garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs (not strictly allowed but who cares), and bbq seasonings for me are cool as long as they don't include sugars, which many do.

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And if you're the type that likes to read up, here's some real info - remember, I'm not a doctor.

• Cleveland Clinic: "What Is the Carnivore Diet and Is It Healthy?"
  https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-carnivore-diet
• National Library of Medicine – Research Article:
  Clinical and subjective effects of a carnivore diet

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