Who should not try the carnivore diet? See below what a main proponent of this eating lifestyle and doctor responded to that question.
The carnivore diet, a regimen steeped in controversy and curiosity, strips eating habits down to the most basic form of animal-based food consumption. It’s a dietary approach where enthusiasts consume almost exclusively meat, with a staunch avoidance of plant-based foods.
Dr. Shawn Baker, a leading proponent of this diet, elucidates the potential benefits and drawbacks of adopting such a radical nutritional plan. The information for this article is largely based on a conversation he had with Thomas DeLauer, a celebrity trainer and health author. His YouTube Channel has more than 3.5 million subscribers and he has been on the cover of numerous international magazines.
This diet, Baker argues, is not universally applicable, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic intervention rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
In exploring who might benefit from or be hindered by such a diet, Dr. Baker provides insights that challenge the conventional dietary conversation and opens up a dialogue on the needs of our bodies in relation to food.
What is the Carnivore Diet
The carnivore diet is a restrictive dietary regime that involves consuming almost exclusively animal products—primarily meat, fish, and other animal foods like eggs and certain dairy products. This diet excludes all forms of plant-based foods, meaning no fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, or grains are consumed. It is an elimination diet that reduces food intake to the simplest form of dietary fat and protein.
Key Characteristics of the Carnivore Diet:
- Animal-Based Foods Only: The core principle of the carnivore diet is to eat only meat and animal products. This includes beef, pork, lamb, poultry, fish, and seafood. Organ meats, which are particularly nutrient-dense, are also encouraged.
- No Plant-Based Foods: Unlike other low-carb diets like the ketogenic diet, which includes vegetables and other plant-based foods, the carnivore diet completely eliminates these, arguing that they are not necessary for health and may even contribute to certain health issues due to anti-nutrients and inflammatory compounds they can contain.
- High in Fat and Protein: The diet is naturally high in protein and fat, with proportions varying depending on the types of meat consumed. Leaner cuts will provide more protein, while fattier cuts increase the fat intake.
- Very Low to Zero Carbohydrate: Since it excludes plants, the carnivore diet contains minimal to no carbohydrates. This can put the body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel in the absence of carbs.
- Simplicity and Restrictiveness: The diet is simple in terms of food choices, which some followers believe makes it easier to manage in terms of shopping, meal planning, and cooking. However, it is also one of the most restrictive diets, which can make social situations and dining out more challenging.
Related: Is Red Meat That Bad For You?
Potential Benefits and Controversies:
- Benefits: Proponents of the carnivore diet report improvements in a range of health issues such as autoimmune diseases, inflammatory conditions, weight loss, and mental health disorders. They attribute these benefits to the elimination of sugar, processed foods, and potential irritants and allergens found in plant foods.
- Controversies: Critics argue that the diet may lead to nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of fiber and certain vitamins and minerals that are primarily found in plant foods. There are also concerns about the long-term health impacts of consuming a high amount of red meat, which has been linked in some studies to increased risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
- Scientific Backing: Currently, there is limited scientific research on the carnivore diet. Much of the evidence supporting its benefits is anecdotal, and more rigorous, long-term studies are needed to understand its health impacts fully.
In summary, the carnivore diet is a highly restrictive regimen that prioritizes animal products and excludes all plant foods. While some individuals report significant health improvements on this diet, it remains controversial and is typically recommended to proceed with caution and potentially under medical supervision.
Related: What Happens To Your Body if You Only Eat Meat for 30 Days?
Doctor Explains Who Should NOT Try the Carnivore Diet
1. Non-Meat Lovers
The carnivore diet, as the name suggests, is heavy on meats and animal products, excluding all forms of plant-based nutrients. For individuals who do not enjoy the taste of meat or have ethical reservations about animal consumption, this diet poses a significant challenge. It relies exclusively on animal flesh, offal, and at times dairy, which can be unpalatable or unacceptable for some, making adherence both difficult and undesirable.
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2. High-Performance Athletes Using High-Carbohydrate Diets
Athletes, particularly those in high-endurance sports, often rely on a carbohydrate-rich diet to provide the quick, accessible energy needed for their activities. Dr. Baker points out that athletes well-adapted to carbohydrate utilization might not see improved performance on a carnivore diet. In fact, the abrupt withdrawal from carbohydrates could lead to decreased performance, energy dips, and a longer adaptation period that may hinder athletic objectives.
3. Residents in Regions with Limited Access to Affordable Meat
In many parts of the world, consistent access to affordable meat is not a reality. Economic factors play a crucial role in diet planning, and for individuals in regions where meat is expensive and scarce, the carnivore diet is not only impractical but also economically burdensome. This limitation can prevent adherence to the diet, making it an unrealistic option for many outside affluent contexts.
4. Children
Children are in a rapid phase of growth and development, requiring a balanced intake of vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients from a variety of food sources. While Dr. Baker acknowledges the importance of meat and animal products in children’s diets, he does not advocate for a strict carnivore diet unless specific health conditions warrant it. The potential restrictions on nutrient variety and the unknown long-term impacts on a child’s development make this diet a risky choice for young ones.
5. Individuals Who Are Already Healthy and Satisfied with Their Diet
For those who are healthy, happy, and well-nourished within their current dietary framework, Dr. Baker sees no practical reason to switch to a carnivore diet. The philosophy of ‘if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it’ applies here, suggesting that the diet is unnecessary for those without health issues related to their current way of eating.
5 Basic Principles to Optimise Your Nutrition
The carnivore diet, steeped in its simplicity and radical approach, offers a unique perspective on eating that may benefit certain individuals, particularly those with specific health conditions that have not responded well to conventional dietary treatments. However, as Dr. Shawn Baker articulates, it’s not a universal solution nor a dietary panacea. Its suitability varies based on personal health, dietary preferences, economic factors, and lifestyle.
In an age where dietary dogma often seems rigid and prescriptive, understanding the nuanced needs of our bodies becomes crucial. The carnivore diet underscores a fundamental principle in nutrition: the best diet is the one that aligns with an individual’s unique health needs, preferences, and circumstances. For some, it might just be a meat-centric plate; for others, a diverse mix of foods. Each path holds validity in the pursuit of health and wellbeing.
Watch the video below to see Dr. Shawn Baker discussing with Thomas DeLauer who should not try the carnivore diet and to get a better glimpse of everything you need to know about this diet.
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image sources
- Veggies: Maarten van den Heuvel
- Meat (1): Los Muertos Crew on Pexels
