Non-dairy diet, water diet, calorie deficit diet, keto diet and what not!
Every day I hear about new diet plans claiming to instantly reduce body weight.
For me, dieting has never been my piece of cake! (see me use food as reference to make a point).
Coming from a very desi family I could never resist the mouthwatering, tasty desi cuisine lathered in oil.
But after I moved to Bradford, I could eat less oily, low calorie food without my grandmother tutting in disapproval.
Fortunately, husband has been an anchor in the journey. Just like me, he loves to read new researches on health and nutrition.
Every now and then, we discuss new diets or techniques in the market that claim to reduce body fat.
The other day we were talking about our day over evening tea, and I don't know how we got into the carnivore diet discussion.
Amidst the whole conversation, we decided to give the carnivore diet plan a shot. Before starting I decided to do a deep over doctor Google for all the pros and cons of the diet.
I came up with immense knowledge and reviews regarding the diet. With the graciousness of my heart, I decided to share all my findings with my gentle readers!
What is a Carnivore Diet and Why It's Gaining Popularity?
The carnivore diet is an exciting and unique approach to eating that focuses solely on animal products!
This diet eliminates consuming carbs of any kind and completely relies on protein. It also removes all plant-based food from the diet, encouraging enthusiasts to indulge in the rich flavours of meat, fish, eggs, and some dairy.
The beauty of the carnivore diet lies in its simplicity. With no need to count calories, followers can enjoy their meals without the stress of complicated meal planning.
Plus, many people report feeling more energised and satisfied with their meals when they embrace this meaty lifestyle!
Fitness influencers have rated the carnivore diet as the weight loss winner, as it significantly cuts down fat weight.
Whether you’re curious about trying it out or simply want to learn more about this fascinating way of eating, the carnivore diet promises a joyful adventure centred around your favourite animal-based foods.
Benefits of the Carnivore Diet
As the carnivore diet is currently a new trend, proper research is still pending to state the authentic benefits.
Here are some benefits explained by experienced fitness freaks;
Eliminates Sugary Food
The best thing about the carnivore diet is that it removes extra sweet treats. It limits the consumption of carbs or sugary items like cookies, cakes, biscuits, and pastries.
Due to this, the diet followers limit their sugar intake, leading to maintained sugar levels in the blood.
High sugary foods are life threatening for diabetic patients hence if diabetic patients follow this diet it will be beneficial for them. However, complete dependency on meat is not preferred in diabetic people but healthy carbs are encouraged alongside.
Improved Skin & Hair
The protein levels in the blood are highly increased when on carnivore diet, which plays a role in contributing to hair and skin health. The high levels of protein helps in the regrowth of hair and improves the texture of the locks.
Skin also requires proteins to rejuvenate, the high content of protein removes marks and tightens the skin.
Heart Health
These diets eliminate highly processed carbohydrates which can improve blood pressure. The addition of protein makes the body feel fuller so it might take down some inches of belly fat.
It may improve cardiovascular health as well but it's still not clear whether these benefits are long lasting or not as research based backup is not present.
Warnings To Know Before Starting Carnivore Diet
The carnivore diet, exclusively depends on animal products hence can have several downsides.
Here are some potential concerns:
Nutritional Deficiencies
This diet lacks many essential nutrients found in plant foods, such as fibre, vitamins (like vitamin C and certain B vitamins), and minerals (like magnesium and potassium).
This can lead to problems or disease related to nutrient deficiencies like Vitamin C deficiency can cause scurvy, Vitamin B deficiency can cause beri beri and mineral deficiencies can lead to lower energy.
Gut Health Issues
The absence of dietary fibre can cause digestive problems, including constipation and changes in gut microbiota, which may affect overall health.
The lack of variety can make it hard to stick to the diet long-term and may lead to boredom or cravings for other foods.
Heart & Kidney Health Risks
High intake of saturated fats and cholesterol from animal products may increase the risk of heart disease for some individuals.
A high-protein diet can put additional strain on the kidneys, particularly in those with pre-existing kidney conditions.
Lifestyle Challenges
Following a strict carnivore diet can make dining out or socialising difficult, as many restaurants and gatherings offer limited options.
Long-term adherence can be challenging due to cost, availability of foods, and the need for meal planning.
The restrictive nature of the diet may contribute to unhealthy relationships with food or exacerbate disordered eating patterns.
What is Included in Carnivore Diet Plan
The carnivore diet strictly consists of primary animal products. Here’s what’s typically included:
- Meat: Beef, pork, lamb, and poultry are staples. Cuts can include steaks, roasts, ground meat, and organ meats.
- Fish and Seafood: Options like salmon, sardines, shrimp, and other fish are included.
- Animal Fats: Beef tallow, lard, and duck fat are often used for cooking or added for additional fat.
- Eggs: Whole eggs are commonly consumed.
- Dairy (optional): Some versions allow for certain dairy products like cheese and heavy cream, though many strict adherents avoid dairy.
- Bone Broth: A nutritious option that provides minerals and collagen.
Take Away
If you know me by now, I am big on soups and broths. Any week, I prepare meals based on soups and broths only for at least two dinner nights.
Meanwhile, I was already cutting down on carbs for breakfast. I was only eating eggs with the side of sauteed vegetables.
The diet has been proving good for my health. While I take lentils soups for lunch, I plan on consulting my GP before I continue with this diet for the long term.
