One of the most popular topics on social media is meat-free diets, especially among those who follow a plant-based diet (veganism). The hashtag #meatfreechallenge has generated over 2.2 million views on TikTok, and similar challenges have popped up on TikTok and Instagram, including #veganchallenge, #drumstickchallenge, and #chickenpantschallenge.
These challenges indicate that people are exploring the unknown aspects of plant-based and vegan diets, as well as the culture surrounding these diets. Many people have wondered if there is any evidence that supports the theory that a carnivore diet is best suited for human health. If you’re looking for answers to this question, continue reading below.
What Exactly Is a Carnivore Diet?
Carnivore diets feature animals that were originally wild and meant to be eaten, such as fish, birds, and small mammals. Humans tend to have adapted these diets to include what we can eat, such as red meats, eggs, and dairy products. In other words, people on a carnivore diet consume foods that are most commonly associated with animals in a state of nature.
This dietary approach has been around since the 17th century, when people figured out how to farm meats like beef, pork, and lamb. Today, people who follow a carnivore diet are referred to as “carnivores” or “carnivore foods.” Some popular brands that sell goods for the carnivore lifestyle include:
- Venice Beach
- Patagonia
- Under Armour
- Nike
- Quiksilver
- Roxy
- Sea Breeze
Consumers have become enamored with the idea of following a carnivore diet mainly because these diets promise weight loss. Several studies have shown that eating more animal proteins can help people maintain a healthy weight. However, as you’ll see below, not all studies on carnivore diets are created equal, and there is a lot of evidence that suggests this dietary approach isn’t suitable for everyone.
Why Is the Carnivore Diet Considered Unhealthy?
Many people consider the carnivore diet to be unhealthy because it’s high in saturated fats, cholesterol, and calories. In addition, it doesn’t include any fruits or vegetables, so people on a carnivore diet face an array of nutrients that they’re missing out on. There is also some concern that eating too many animal proteins might pose a risk for those with heart disease or diabetes. However, the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association, and the National Institutes of Health all categorically state that there is no evidence to support these claims.
To be clear, a carnivore diet is not necessarily unhealthy. It all depends on what you put into it and how you feel after eating it. If you’re worried about your health, it might not be the best choice, as you’ll end up denying yourself of essential nutrients. However, if you’re looking for a way to lose weight, the carnivore diet might be your best bet. It’s always a good idea to consult with a nutritionist or a doctor if you’re not sure whether a diet is suitable for you.
Is The Carnivore Diet Worth It For Those Who Are Looking For Weight Loss?
Some people have speculated that the carnivore diet might not be the best choice if you’re trying to lose weight. After all, it doesn’t include many complex carbohydrates, which are the starches and sugars that most people who are trying to lose weight are aiming to include in their diet. However, as discussed above, there is evidence that points to the fact that eating more animal proteins can result in weight loss for those who follow it.
For those who are looking for a quick fix, the carnivore diet might be the answer they’re looking for. There are several peer-reviewed studies that have shown that following a carnivore diet can result in weight loss, especially in the short term. For instance, a study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that obese women who consumed fewer than three servings of red meat per week had a greater reduction in their body mass than those who ate the recommended amount of red meat (more than three servings per week). After one year, the women who consumed the least amount of red meat still had significantly reduced body masses compared to those who ate the recommended amount.
Another study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, looked at three groups of overweight and obese women who were instructed to follow one of three dietary patterns: the vegetarian diet, the ovo-lacto-vegetarian diet, or the semi-vegetarian diet.
The women who followed the vegetarian diet and the ovo-lacto-vegetarian diet maintained their body weights significantly better than those who followed the semi-vegetarian diet. It should be noted that all of the women in this study were consuming the same number of calories; thus, the better performance on weight loss indicates that some foods are more successful at keeping off excess pounds than others. This brings us to our next point.
Which Foods Are Most Suitable For Those Who Are On A Carnivore Diet?
There is a reason why people have begun to follow the carnivore diet in the first place: the abundance of meats and fats that are featured in the diet are known to aid in weight loss. Red meats, such as beef, pork, and lamb, are the best sources of nutrients and amino acids that your body needs to function optimally. Ovo-lacto vegetarians, who consume dairy products as well as meat, have also seen their weight decline as a result of following the dietary approach. However, it should be noted that not all proteins are created equal. Some research has shown that certain types of proteins, such as eggs and dairy products, might not be the best for those who are on a carnivore diet.
It is widely accepted that eggs are an excellent source of protein for those who are following a meatless diet. One small egg has about six grams of protein and contains several essential nutrients, including vitamin B12, which is particularly important for those who are following a carnivore diet. If you are not getting adequate amounts of any of the nutrients in food, it might be a good idea to supplement your diet with vitamins or minerals, such as Vitamin B12.
Dairy products, such as milk and cheese, are also excellent sources of protein for those who are on a carnivore diet. In fact, many vegan diets include dairy products as a part of their regimen because of their high protein content. You might not want to completely remove dairy products from your diet if you’re already consuming them, as this could have unintended consequences for your health.
When Is The Best Time To Begin A Carnivore Diet?
You might be asking yourself when is the best time to begin a carnivore diet to lose weight. The short answer is: now! Eating more meat-based foods now will result in better weight loss than eating them later, even if you’re following a healthy diet all along. The reason behind this is that your body does not store nutrients well, and it will not be able to use any of the food you eat now, if you don’t eat it now. This means that you will continue to lose weight, regardless of what you eat.
Some people choose to begin a carnivore diet when they’re already following a healthy diet and just want to add some protein to their regimen. That’s perfectly fine, but you should not expect to lose weight if you begin a carnivore diet without making some lifestyle changes first. If you want to lose weight, the best time to begin a carnivore diet is now!
The Pros And Cons Of The Carnivore Diet
People who follow the carnivore diet often cite the advantages of this diet. One of the chief advantages is the fact that it’s high in protein and low in carbohydrates. This makes it ideal for those who want to lose weight. Another advantage is that it’s extremely easy to adhere to. You don’t need to count calories or fat grams, and it’s extremely easy to satisfy your daily protein requirements with a single meal, such as a beef burger. The only con that people mention about the carnivore diet is that it doesn’t contain many fruits and veggies, which most people consider to be healthy. However, it should be noted that there are some fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants and other nutrients that are quite beneficial for human health. For instance, strawberries and dark leafy greens, such as kale and collard greens, are two excellent sources of vitamins K and C, respectively. These vitamins help to maintain strong bones and teeth, as well as reduce the risk of chronic diseases.