Should You Go Full Carnivore? The Pros And Cons Of Eating Nothing But Meat.

Have you ever ever considered going full-on carnivore?

It’s a life-style that has picked up increasingly more steam over the previous few years, particularly amongst well being lovers who typically begin out by simply reducing out sugar and refined carbohydrates, however sooner or later determine to go all in on MEAT.

On the one hand, it makes life fairly easy, whenever you’re consuming nothing however meat and butter.

However is it actually sustainable? And extra importantly, is it really good for you, particularly long run?

That’s precisely what we’re going to speak about right this moment.

If that is your first time studying the Thinlicious® weblog, then you definitely must also know that I’m just about obsessive about one factor—serving to ladies over 40 create FREEDOM of their lives by remodeling their well being. I like to think about it as beginning a HEALTH REVOLUTION, and that’s actually what this weblog is all about.

It’s in regards to the freedom to really feel your greatest. The liberty to NOT be managed by meals addictions ever once more. And the liberty to confidently pursue all of your massive objectives and desires as a result of your well being and weight points are not holding you again.

And if that will get you excited, then you definitely’ll most likely prefer it right here! We’re well being REBELS, and we’re not afraid to query the established order or do issues just a little otherwise. We’re not searching for a fast repair, however an actual, sustainable way of life change that can really work for the lengthy haul.

And if that’s your aim, then you definitely’re in the correct place. So thanks for being right here.

However the actuality is that there are literally a whole lot of completely different approaches to reaching that aim of well being transformation, which, at its most simple degree, actually comes down to three issues—reversing insulin resistance, therapeutic your intestine, and balancing your hormone.

If you wish to be wholesome, if you wish to lose the surplus weight and really feel good and remove irritation in your physique and have tons of power, that’s the reply.

Reverse insulin resistance.

Heal your intestine.

Steadiness your hormones.

That’s it.

If you do this. You’ll really feel higher. You’ll look higher. You may be wholesome. You may be radiant. Your immune system might be robust. All that freedom I simply talked about might be yours.

And whereas conventional drugs and Large Pharma desires you to imagine that treatment is the reply, the one factor I can let you know with out ANY hesitation is that prescription drugs are NOT the way in which to heal your physique.

As a result of trendy drugs shouldn’t be designed to HEAL you. It’s created to handle your signs.

Should you ACTUALLY need to reverse insulin resistance, heal your intestine, and steadiness your hormones, the ONLY means to try this is by altering what you eat. It’s a must to remove the surplus of sugar and processed crap in your weight-reduction plan, as a result of that’s what has straight prompted the issue. Our Normal American Food regimen is principally loaded with rubbish and poisonous chemical substances which have wreaked havoc on our well being—prompted rampant insulin resistance and destroyed our intestine biomes, which in flip has thrown all of our hormones out of whack.

So it’s utterly fixable, with the correct way of life modifications.

However inside these way of life modifications, there are undoubtedly some completely different approaches.

I suppose you would virtually name it a continuum.

On the one aspect of the continuum, you could have a extra reasonable method—an method that requires reducing out refined sugar and processed meals, however nonetheless permits for a big number of complete meals—fruit and veggies and dairy and meat, and even some starches like rice and potatoes and sourdough bread, no less than sparsely.

It’s the method that advocates for metabolic flexibility and believes our our bodies are designed to eat a wide range of meals, and that when you’ve really healed your physique—you’ve reversed insulin resistance and healed your intestine and balanced your hormones—that there’s no purpose you shouldn’t get pleasure from a various weight-reduction plan that is filled with nutrient-dense complete meals and wholesome fats.

Should you’ve been studying this weblog for some time, you most likely already know that that is principally my method, and that is the aim of my TAS program—that can assist you heal your physique and create metabolic flexibility in an effort to in the end get pleasure from all kinds of meals, figuring out that your physique can deal with it. And that’s additionally why my program is cut up into completely different phases, as a result of therapeutic your physique takes time.

However on the opposite finish of this continuum is the Carnivore weight-reduction plan.

A way of life the place you actually eat nothing however MEAT and FAT—principally animal fats, like butter, lard, and beef tallow—and possibly a couple of eggs.

And if that sounds excessive, it’s.

However proponents of the carnivore weight-reduction plan make a whole lot of good arguments for why it’s value it.

And so right this moment I needed to discover it just a little extra—to weigh the professionals and cons so you’ll be able to determine for your self whether or not going full carnivore is perhaps an choice you’d prefer to attempt.

However earlier than we dive in, there ‘s one thing I’d like to say actually rapidly.

It’s that in case you are new to this weblog and also you need to know extra about how my TAS program works, and whether or not or not it is perhaps an excellent match for you, and also you need to map out an precise 12 month plan for remodeling your well being, then I’ve put collectively a extremely nice on-demand coaching video which you can watch referred to as “Completely satisfied, Wholesome & Free” It’s actually good, and it’s completely free, and you may watch it by going to HERE.

So undoubtedly go do this when you haven’t already.

Okay, so with all of that out of the way in which, let’s go forward and dive into every thing you must know in regards to the carnivore weight-reduction plan, and whether or not it could possibly be best for you.

My Personal Carnivore Journey

And I’ll be trustworthy, when you had advised me 5 years in the past that I might be writing a weblog put up speaking about whether or not or not it is best to eat nothing however MEAT, I most likely would have laughed in your face.

As a result of I used to be a vegetarian for a VERY very long time—28 years to be actual—earlier than I began consuming meat once more.

And in all that point I wasn’t consuming meat, I had no thought simply how devastating that plant-based weight-reduction plan was for my well being. How I used to be so poor in protein and iron and important b nutritional vitamins. How I used to be consuming SO a lot sugar and carbohydrates and a lot soy that was wreaking havoc on my hormones. I couldn’t determine why it was so arduous to drop some weight as a result of I truthfully thought that what I used to be consuming was HEALTHY.

But it surely was not.

And once I began consuming meat, I felt SO significantly better.

Truthfully, I joked I felt like Bella on the finish of these Twilight films, the place she wakes up and she or he’s a vampire and all the sudden she’s so robust and highly effective.

It was loopy.

However having been a vegetarian for all these years, I’ve to additionally say—I actually LIKE greens. Like, a LOT. And I like meals generally. I prefer to cook dinner. Should you observe me on Instagram, you recognize I’m always sharing the recipes I develop in my very own kitchen—more healthy, extra hormone pleasant variations of all my favourite issues.

So I don’t know that I might ever give that up, no less than not long run. I’d be too bored.

However my sister is completely completely different. She doesn’t like to cook dinner and hates grocery procuring. Her children are grown, so it’s simply her and her husband, and so when she began studying extra in regards to the carnivore weight-reduction plan, it completely appealed to her as a result of it was so easy.

So, a couple of months in the past, she determined to attempt it. And she or he beloved it. And she or he began seeing big enhancements in her well being. She misplaced weight. She began sleeping higher. She had extra power.

And I’m SO glad and excited for her! I believe EVERYONE ought to determine a life-style that works for YOU. And if that’s what works for her, then that’s a extremely good factor.

And as she began diving into the carnivore world, and discovering folks to observe on-line, she got here throughout a physician who was internet hosting a Carnivore Cruise, so she requested my husband and I to associate with her and her husband.

And I’m not an enormous cruise particular person to be trustworthy, it’s not my favourite. However my husband LOVES cruising, so he was all for it, so we determined to go. Now clearly it’s a giant ship and never everybody on the ship was a part of this Carnivore group, so there was loads of meals obtainable that wasn’t simply carnivore, however I made a decision that if I used to be going, I might attempt it for every week—to eat nothing however meat.

And truthfully, it was really very easy to stay to. It was tremendous easy. It eradicated a whole lot of determination fatigue. For breakfast each morning, I principally simply ate 3 eggs that I requested to have cooked in butter somewhat than the conventional seed oils they use, together with a couple of pork sausage hyperlinks.

And that was tremendous filling. That meant for lunch, I used to be by no means very hungry, which was good as a result of truthfully the buffet lunches on this specific ship weren’t very appetizing. Even when I had been consuming every thing, I don’t know that there was a lot I might have even needed to eat.

However most days, I simply did a burger patty. That they had these burgers of the day that had completely different sorts of cheese on them—someday was a french onion burger, one other was a fiesta burger. I simply ate the burger and cheese with no bun and that was straightforward.

After which at dinner, I principally ate crimson meat and fish. The cool factor about cruises is which you can order a number of entrees—there’s no restrict—so on the night time we had beef tenderloin, I believe I ordered 3 servings. Different nights I had filet and the big apple strip and salmon and lobster.

However like I mentioned, it was tremendous straightforward. I used to be by no means hungry. And I didn’t actually really feel like I used to be lacking out. However I did really feel just like the meals general on the ship was simply okay. It wasn’t superb. I believe that’s the issue with liking to cook dinner. I actually like my OWN meals and I used to be prepared to come back residence and eat my very own good meals once more.

And regardless that I ate a TON of meals on our week lengthy cruise—and was most likely shut to three,000 or 4,000 energy a day—I didn’t achieve a single pound on the journey. So simply from that perspective, it was a win.

However what I did miss was greens. And berries. And sauces and flavors. I LOVE sauce. All of it felt very monotonous. Very boring. And for some folks I believe that will be okay. My sister loves it. However I don’t assume it might be sustainable for me long run.

In order that’s my very own private expertise.

However I’m only one particular person, and each physique is completely different. And simply because I’ve realized carnivore most likely isn’t the correct match for ME, doesn’t imply it wouldn’t be an excellent match for you, and even one thing that you could be need to attempt for some time.

What’s Carnivore?

So what precisely IS carnivore? Is it simply consuming nothing however steak all day, each day?

Properly, that’s undoubtedly one option to do it. However the normal premise is that you’re following a weight-reduction plan that consists principally of animal merchandise—so meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and a few dairy. And normally with this comes a restriction on plant-based meals like greens and fruits.

It tends to be VERY excessive in protein—typically as a lot as 200 grams a day or extra, which I suppose isn’t that stunning when you’re consuming nothing however meat—and most carnivores additionally are inclined to eat a whole lot of animal-based fats as properly. Some carnivores will even eat sticks of butter!

However there are completely different variations of carnivore as properly. Some folks enable for sure kinds of greens or low-sugar fruits in small quantities. Others might incorporate bone broth and organ meats into their weight-reduction plan.

In the end, the aim is to remove processed meals and concentrate on complete, nutrient-dense sources of animal protein.

Potential Advantages

So why would somebody select to observe a carnivore weight-reduction plan? Properly, there are many advantages which have been reported by those that observe it. These embrace weight reduction, improved digestion and intestine well being, elevated power ranges, higher sleep, and even aid from sure well being circumstances comparable to autoimmune issues.

These advantages all come in the end from reversing insulin resistance, therapeutic your intestine, and balancing your hormones, which is what is going to occur whenever you remove sugar and processed meals out of your weight-reduction plan and as an alternative concentrate on protein and wholesome fats.

However like I discuss on this weblog on a regular basis, all of these advantages can be achieved by taking a extra reasonable method—by simply reducing out sugar and processed meals and specializing in a VARIETY complete meals, whereas together with numerous meals which can be wealthy in nutrient dense protein and wholesome fats. You don’t really must ONLY eat nothing however meat to see these sort of outcomes.

So why would you need to take it to such an excessive?

Properly, from what I can inform, there are a couple of advantages that will come from a strictly carnivore weight-reduction plan.

Eliminating Plant Primarily based Toxins

One of many primary arguments for going strict carnivore is the concept some vegetation include pure toxins that may be dangerous to sure folks. These toxins, like lectins, oxalates, and phytates, are basically vegetation’ protection mechanisms to guard themselves from being eaten. Whereas most individuals can deal with these in small quantities with none points, others might discover they trigger digestive issues, irritation, and even exacerbate autoimmune circumstances.

For instance, those that are delicate to oxalates, that are present in meals like spinach, almonds, and candy potatoes, would possibly expertise joint ache or kidney stone formation. Slicing out plant-based meals fully might alleviate these issues for these people. By eradicating vegetation from the equation, you give your physique an opportunity to reset and doubtlessly heal from years of irritation attributable to these compounds.

Now, does that imply everybody goes to thrive with out vegetation? No. I personally do exactly nice consuming them (the truth is, I MISS them!), however for some folks, eliminating them is perhaps precisely what they should really feel higher. Once more, it’s all about discovering what works greatest in your physique.

Simpler Digestion & Intestine Perform

One other touted good thing about the carnivore weight-reduction plan is that it may be simpler on digestion for some folks.

Actually, there are some arguments that our human digestion system is rather more outfitted to digest meat than vegetation.

When you concentrate on it, meat is fairly simple in your physique to interrupt down and make the most of, particularly in comparison with sure fibrous or starchy plant meals. For people with delicate stomachs, circumstances like IBS, or meals intolerances, reducing out tricky-to-digest plant fibers would possibly deliver some much-needed aid.

I’ve heard tales from individuals who say their bloating and gasoline disappeared fully as soon as they went carnivore—like, puffiness gone, flat abdomen sort of magic. (Are you able to think about? Miracle pants day each day!) The speculation is that since animal protein and fats don’t ferment within the intestine the way in which sure carbohydrates do, you’re much less prone to find yourself feeling like a human scorching air balloon.

That being mentioned, it’s necessary to recollect not all digestive techniques are created equal. Whereas some folks thrive on a no-fiber weight-reduction plan, your bestie would possibly find yourself, properly, just a little caught. (I believe you recognize what I imply.) Plus, many people really depend on fiber to gasoline these pretty little bugs in our intestine microbiome. Should you’re going carnivore, you would possibly miss out on a few of that useful fermentation motion that helps intestine well being.

However hey, if fiber has been your nemesis, carnivore could possibly be the break your digestion has been craving. Simply ensure you’re listening to how your physique reacts—as a result of belief me, your intestine will let you know what it thinks. Generally loudly. Very, very loudly.

Minimizing Meals Allergic reactions & Sensitivities

One other compelling purpose some folks go all-in on carnivore is to attenuate meals allergy symptoms and sensitivities. The concept is that by stripping your weight-reduction plan all the way down to just some fundamental meals—meat, eggs, and animal-based merchandise—it’s a lot simpler to determine and remove potential triggers. Consider it like resetting your physique to manufacturing unit settings. Should you’ve been battling mysterious pores and skin rashes, upset stomachs, or random complications that come out of nowhere, a carnivore weight-reduction plan would possibly assist you determine what’s been inflicting the drama.

For instance, some of us don’t even notice they’ve gentle intolerances to issues like gluten, dairy, or soy till they lower them out utterly. By simplifying your weight-reduction plan to the fundamentals, you’re principally giving your system a clear slate. And when you begin reintroducing meals (assuming you don’t plan on consuming ribeye perpetually), you’ll be able to simply pinpoint what works for you and what sends your physique into full-on revolt.

To me, that is truthfully the perfect argument for going full-on carnivore, no less than for some time. Should you’re actually battling persistent well being points and may’t appear to search out aid it doesn’t matter what, it is perhaps value a shot. Or, when you’ve already tried eliminating sugar and processed meals, however you’re nonetheless struggling to drop some weight, it could possibly be that there’s one thing nonetheless in your weight-reduction plan that your physique isn’t agreeing with, which is preserving you caught. Going full carnivore might provide help to break by means of that plateau and discover out what’s that your physique doesn’t deal with properly.

Simplicity

One of many underrated perks of the carnivore weight-reduction plan is simply how darn easy it may be. No extra agonizing over meal prep or spending half an hour studying labels to determine if one thing matches your macros or your “guidelines.” On carnivore, you don’t must query, “Is that this okay to eat?” If it comes from an animal, you’re golden. Steak? Yep. Bacon? Completely. Cheese? Convey it on (until you’re going hardcore, dairy-free carnivore—however hey, that’s next-level). It’s like giving your mind a trip from determination fatigue.

Plus, grocery procuring turns into hilariously fast. You’ll be able to skip 90% of the shop and head straight for the meat part like a bounty hunter on a mission. Overlook about spending quarter-hour debating between kale or spinach—your solely determination is ribeye or sirloin. And meal planning? It’s principally only a rotation of various cuts of meat (presumably with some eggs or butter thrown in for pizzazz). It’s so easy you virtually really feel such as you’re dishonest at life.

On the flip aspect, simplicity would possibly begin to really feel, properly, monotonous over time. If the considered consuming one more burger patty makes you need to cry into your bone broth, it is perhaps an indication that carnivore isn’t a perpetually weight-reduction plan for you. However for many who genuinely love the meals allowed and thrive on routine, the simplicity could be a main stress-reliever in a world filled with too many decisions.

Weight Loss & Physique Composition

Ah, weight reduction—one of many largest causes folks get drawn to carnivore within the first place. And sure, for a lot of, it really works like a allure. Why? Properly, for starters, you’re routinely ditching carbs, which implies your physique begins burning fats for gasoline (hiya, ketosis). Plus, animal-based meals are naturally satiating, so that you’re much less prone to overeat. I imply, have you ever tried to binge on steak? Good luck with that. A few ribeyes in, and your physique is waving the white flag.

One more reason carnivore might help with weight reduction is that it eliminates all these sneaky meals that may journey you up—issues like “wholesome” granola bars loaded with sugar or that dairy-free ice cream that, oops, you ended up consuming the entire pint of. If you’re consuming simply meat, eggs, and animal-based fat, there aren’t many alternatives to go off the rails. It’s sort of foolproof that means.

But it surely’s not nearly shedding pounds—folks on carnivore additionally report main enhancements in physique composition. They’ll say issues like, “I didn’t simply drop some weight—I lastly began seeing precise muscle definition.” A part of that is perhaps as a result of excessive protein consumption, which helps muscle progress and restoration. Or possibly it’s simply that whenever you lower out inflammation-triggering meals, your physique can lastly concentrate on feeling and looking its greatest. Regardless of the case, carnivore appears to be a stable choice for these seeking to tone up.

That mentioned, it’s not all clean crusing for everybody. Some folks discover that whereas they drop some weight initially, they hit a plateau and even begin gaining once more if portion sizes get uncontrolled (sure, even on an all-meat weight-reduction plan, energy nonetheless depend sooner or later). Others would possibly discover the shortage of selection makes it robust to stay to long-term, which might ultimately derail progress.

Is it Price It?

On the finish of the day, the carnivore weight-reduction plan is like that one weight-reduction plan on the market that sounds each utterly wild and oddly interesting on the identical time. Do you must go full carnivore to be wholesome? Completely not. Many individuals thrive on a extra balanced weight-reduction plan that features vegetation, protein, and wholesome fat. However when you’re somebody who’s been battling persistent well being points, meals sensitivities, or plateaus regardless of doing all of the “proper” issues, it is perhaps value experimenting with.

On the flip aspect, when you love a wide range of meals like I do, it may not be essentially the most sustainable choice for you, particularly not long run. The monotony received to me after only a week, however for different folks it may not be a giant deal in any respect. Solely you’ll be capable of determine that out for your self. However I believe one different factor to contemplate is that being on such a restrictive weight-reduction plan could make journey and even socializing really feel an entire lot more durable. And that’s not a sacrifice I’m prepared to make both.

The important thing, as with every weight-reduction plan, is listening to your physique and being versatile. Should you attempt full carnivore and really feel superb, nice—keep it up. Should you’re every week in and dreaming about avocados or chocolate, possibly it’s time to loosen the reins and modify to one thing extra sustainable. There’s no one-size-fits-all method in relation to well being and diet. It truly is all about determining what works for you.