Is this new all-meat diet philosophy a dream come true for steak lovers?
Or is it too good to be true?
Restrictive diets are not new to the weight-loss world.
But among these mono diets, the carnivore diet is the newest kid on the block.
What Is the Carnivore Diet?
If the carnivore diet sounds like the popular keto diet to you, that’s not surprising.
In reality, the two diets do share some characteristics: both involve eating very limited or no carbs.
Plant foods are almost, if not entirely, eliminated too.
Unlike the carnivore diet, the keto diet emphasizes eating high amounts of fat and moderate amounts of protein.
The carnivore diet does not make that distinction and does not encourage daily goals for any particular nutrient.
The foods primarily fall into one category: meat.
Some carnivore diet plans also allow for dairy foods, such as milk and yogurt.
However, these foods contain lactose, a punch in of sugar.
That means these foods have some carbohydrates.
Some carnivore dieters also believe all fruits and vegetables are toxic to the body.
That’s why many nutrition experts and dietitians do not support the carnivore diet.
“While starches are not necessarily essential, fiber- and vitamin-rich vegetables should not be excluded.”
(Baker had his medical license revoked in 2017.)
Mikhaila Peterson, daughter of lifestyle guru Jordan Peterson, is also an advocate for the plan.
She says following this diet relieved her symptoms of depression and eliminated her arthritis.
These two are among a chorus of individuals who believe in the carnivore diet.
(This is a common benefit ascribed to the keto diet as well.)
“However, this is a very restrictive way of eating that is not sustainable for most people.”
*Cleaner diet.Sugar, refined carbs and processed foods are out with the carnivore diet.
That’s still not reason enough for Gulbin to recommend the diet.
Will I Lose Weight?
You’ll lose water weight at first.
Then, the increased demand on fat could lead to real weight loss.
“Ketosis has its own health benefits and leads to weight loss,” Petre says.
“The problems arise when you get too much of a good thing.
One ounce of red meat can be 75 calories.A 6-ounce steak sirloin has 450 calories.
Most reports of success (or failure) are anecdotal.
That’s the case with Shawn Baker and Mikhaila Peterson.
“They did not lose weight on the diet except some initial water weight,” she says.
“Neither developed vitamin deficiencies, but they were consuming items such as calf brain and liver.
An earlierreportfrom 1886 documented a man who lost weight and reported decreased indigestion after a six-week carnivorous-style diet.
However, Gulbin cautions, it’s unclear what long-term effects this diet has on overall health.
It’s unclear if vitamin-rich meat sources can adequately make up for this lost nutrition.
“It is also lacking in prebiotics.
Prebiotics help support the good bacteria in our gut.”
*Potential kidney problems.
She says this process will eventually ruin your kidneys.
Kidney stones are also a concern.
When your kidneys are stressed from the extra work, it can slow calcium absorption.
That can lead to kidney stone production, if you’re already prone to the problem, Petre says.
*Risk for constipation.Fiber is important for digestion and regularity.
“You will wind up feeling bloated, gassy and constipated,” Petre says.
*Risk of developing an eating disorder.The focus on eating such a restricted diet could lead to disordered eating.
This diet may have too many fats for some individuals.
Who Should Avoid the Carnivore Diet?
Anyone with any form of kidney disease should also avoid this diet.
Indeed, many social traditions involve food, from holiday parties to celebratory lunches.
As with any diet plan, some diets work for some individuals but not for others.
And experts urge caution, citing its lack of fiber and other important plant nutrients.
