The CARNIVORE DIET 1YEAR UPDAT

It's been over a year since I started on the Carnivore diet... let me tell you what happened. - Woodward

The CARNIVORE DIET 1YEAR UPDATE

The carnivore diet is a highly restrictive eating plan that involves consuming only animal products — primarily meat, fish, eggs, and animal fats — while completely eliminating plant-based foods. Often described as a zero-carb or all-meat diet, it is considered an extreme version of low-carb eating, positioned on the far end of the spectrum beyond ketogenic or paleo diets.

Advocates of the carnivore diet claim it can lead to significant health benefits, including reduced inflammation, improved mental clarity, stable blood sugar, and even relief from autoimmune conditions and digestive disorders. Some high-profile proponents, such as psychologist Jordan Peterson and his daughter Mikhaila, credit the diet with transformative health changes, particularly in managing depression, fatigue, and chronic pain.

The rationale behind the diet is rooted in the belief that human beings evolved primarily as meat eaters and that many modern health issues stem from overconsumption of processed carbohydrates, sugars, and plant anti-nutrients. Proponents argue that animal-based nutrition provides complete protein, essential fatty acids, and bioavailable vitamins and minerals without the digestive complications that some people experience from fiber or certain plant compounds like lectins, oxalates, and phytates.

Typical meals on the carnivore diet might include ribeye steaks, ground beef, liver, eggs, salmon, bone broth, and animal fats like tallow or butter. Some adherents include dairy (especially if it’s low-lactose) while others go stricter and stick to only red meat and water.

Critics of the diet, particularly from mainstream medical and nutrition communities, raise concerns about nutrient deficiencies, long-term cardiovascular risks, and the lack of fiber. They caution that eliminating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may deprive the body of antioxidants and phytochemicals that are thought to play protective roles in disease prevention. Additionally, long-term studies on the health effects of a strict carnivore diet are lacking, so most conclusions are based on anecdotal evidence rather than rigorous clinical research.

Despite the skepticism, the carnivore diet has gained popularity within the low-carb and ancestral health movements, especially among those who feel underserved or disillusioned by conventional dietary advice. For individuals who suffer from autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammation, or metabolic disorders, some report that the simplicity and elimination aspect of the carnivore approach helps them identify food triggers and achieve symptom relief.

Still, it's generally recommended that anyone considering the carnivore diet consult with a healthcare professional, especially if they have underlying conditions or are taking medications that could be impacted by major dietary changes. The diet remains controversial, yet it continues to attract followers looking for radical solutions to chronic health challenges.

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