The carnivore diet involves consuming only animal products, excluding plant-based foods. Followers primarily eat meat, fish, and animal fats while avoiding carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables.
Carnivore diet proponents, including some doctors, claim it can alleviate skin issues, facilitate weight loss, and mitigate autoimmune diseases. Reports suggest reduced inflammation and improved symptoms. Many individuals on the carnivore diet report improved mental well-being, increased focus, and enhanced cognitive function.
On the carnivore diet, the absence of carbohydrates prompts the body to enter ketosis. In ketosis, the liver produces ketones from fats, which become the primary energy source. Despite anecdotal benefits, scientific studies on the long-term effects of the carnivore diet are limited.
Foods Allowed on Carnivore Diet:
- Meat (beef, poultry, pork, lamb)
- Fish and seafood
- Eggs
- Some dairy products
Foods Restricted or Avoided:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Grains
- Legumes
- Sugars and sweets
- Processed foods
The absence of carbohydrates in the carnivore diet may pose challenges for muscle building, as carbohydrates play a role in muscle glycogen storage, which is essential for sustained physical efforts. However, muscle breakdown is thought to be uncommon on the carnivore diet due to the consumption of high-quality, complete proteins. Building muscle on a carnivore diet requires further research.