The Holistic Guide to Starting a Carnivore Diet
When I first heard about the carnivore diet, I thought it sounded extreme. An all-meat lifestyle? No vegetables, no grains, no snacks? But the more I learned, the more it made sense. For many people, it works as the ultimate elimination diet. By eating only foods from the animal kingdom, you give your body a chance to heal without the constant stress of hidden triggers, inflammatory foods, or blood sugar spikes.
What the Carnivore Diet Is
At its core, the carnivore diet means eating meat, animal fat, eggs, and sometimes dairy if tolerated. Some people keep it very simple with beef and water only. Others include fish, pork, lamb, poultry, and even bone broth. Think of it as a spectrum. The right version is the one that keeps you consistent and feeling your best.
Why People Try It
Relief from autoimmune conditions and inflammation
Weight stalls after keto or low-carb
Cravings and mood swings tied to sugar or processed foods
Gut issues like bloating, constipation, or diarrhea
The benefits often go beyond weight loss. People report steady energy, deeper sleep, fewer cravings, and a calmer relationship with food.
How Much to Eat
One of the biggest questions is about protein and fat ratios. A good starting point is 0.8–1 gram of protein per pound of ideal body weight. For example, someone aiming for 130 pounds would eat 105–130 grams of protein daily, which equals roughly 20 ounces of ribeye. Fat usually makes up 70–80% of calories. That might mean adding butter or tallow to leaner cuts until you feel satisfied.
To put this into perspective, if you eat a ribeye steak and 2–3 eggs twice a day, you will comfortably reach the 130 grams of protein needed for that goal weight. A single large ribeye contains around 60–65 grams of protein, and each egg adds about 6–7 grams. Two meals built around ribeye and eggs meet your protein needs while naturally providing the fat needed for energy and satiety.
Common Variations
Meat + Water: strict elimination with beef and water only
Nose-to-Tail: includes organ meats, though some prefer to limit liver because of vitamin A concerns
Zero Carb Carnivore: all animal foods, flexible with cuts and cooking styles
Keto-Carnivore: mixes in low-carb sweeteners or dairy, but cravings may stick around
What About Plants?
This is where carnivore differs from every other eating plan. Plants come with antinutrients like phytates and oxalates that block mineral absorption and irritate the gut. While some tolerate them, others don’t. By removing plants for 30–90 days, you get a clear picture of how your body feels without them. You can always reintroduce one at a time later.
Plants do have their place when it comes to medicinal purposes. Herbs, teas, and certain compounds can be supportive in small, targeted ways. But as fruits and vegetables consumed daily in large amounts, they may create more problems than benefits for some people. Often the very foods we are told are “essential” contribute to bloating, digestive discomfort, or even nutrient deficiencies. The only way to know if your symptoms are food-related is to try an elimination diet like carnivore and see what changes when plants are removed.
Tips for Success
Stay hydrated and don’t skip salt. Electrolytes matter.
Eat until satisfied. Undereating causes hormone issues and stalls progress.
Track mood, digestion, and sleep for the first month.
Give your body time. Healing doesn’t happen overnight.
Why It Works
Meat is the most nutrient-dense and bioavailable food available. There is no essential carbohydrate. Your body can make glucose when needed, but it can’t replace the protein and fat you get from animal foods. Removing processed carbs, sugars, and vegetable oils allows your body to stabilize hormones, repair the gut, and reduce inflammation.
The carnivore diet is not about restriction. It’s about simplification and healing. If you’ve tried low-carb, keto, or other diets without lasting results, this may be worth exploring. Commit to 30 days and see how you feel. Your body will tell you more than any chart or calculator ever could.
Disclaimer: The content shared here is for informational and educational purposes only and should never be taken as medical advice.
In writing this blog post, my goal is to distill research findings into a clear, approachable format that encourages critical thinking and empowers you to make informed decisions about your health.
