What Is the Carnivore Diet

The carnivore diet is an animal based eating approach that focuses exclusively on foods derived from animals. In its strictest form, the diet excludes all plant foods and centres meals around meat, seafood, eggs and other animal products.

Interest in the carnivore diet has grown significantly in recent years, with supporters often highlighting its simplicity and focus on whole foods. While there are different variations of the diet, the core principle remains the same: prioritising animal sourced foods while eliminating plant based foods.

Let’s get into what the carnivore diet is, what foods are typically included and how it compares to other popular eating approaches.

What Is the Carnivore Diet?

The carnivore diet is a dietary approach built around animal based foods. Unlike many eating plans that include a combination of meat, vegetables, fruits and grains, the carnivore diet focuses exclusively on foods sourced from animals. This often includes beef, lamb, pork, poultry, seafood and eggs, although the exact foods consumed can vary from person to person.

Some people follow a strict carnivore diet that includes only meat, salt and water, while others take a broader approach that incorporates a wider range of animal products.

At its core, the carnivore diet removes plant foods and centres daily meals around animal sourced nutrition.

What Foods Can You Eat on the Carnivore Diet?

Foods commonly included on the carnivore diet include:

Many people following the diet focus heavily on muscle meats such as steaks, roasts, mince and chops, while others also include organ meats as part of a nose to tail approach to eating.

Seafood and eggs are also commonly consumed and can provide variety within the diet.

What Foods Are Not Allowed on the Carnivore Diet?

The carnivore diet excludes foods that come from plants.

Foods typically excluded include:

• Fruit
• Vegetables
• Grains
• Legumes
• Nuts and seeds
• Beans
• Rice
• Pasta
• Bread
• Most plant based oils

Because of these exclusions, the carnivore diet is often described as one of the most restrictive dietary approaches.

Why Do People Follow the Carnivore Diet?

People choose to follow the carnivore diet for a variety of reasons. Some are attracted to the simplicity of building meals around animal based foods, while others prefer the structured nature of the diet and its clear food choices. The carnivore diet is also sometimes discussed as a type of elimination diet because it removes many foods commonly found in modern diets.

For others, the appeal lies in consuming nutrient dense animal products and following an eating approach that prioritises meat, seafood and eggs.

Individual motivations vary considerably, and experiences often differ from person to person.

Is the Carnivore Diet the Same as Keto?

The carnivore diet and ketogenic diet share some similarities, but they are not the same.

Both approaches typically involve low carbohydrate intake and often place a strong emphasis on animal based foods. However, keto allows many plant foods that are not typically consumed on a carnivore diet.

While some people move between the two approaches, they are generally considered separate dietary strategies.

What Does a Typical Carnivore Diet Food List Look Like?

A typical day on the carnivore diet may include a range of animal based foods.

Breakfast could include eggs and bacon, lunch might consist of beef mince or steak, while dinner could feature lamb chops, seafood or another meat based meal. Some people also include organ meats as part of their weekly food choices.

The exact foods vary depending on personal preference, but the common theme is a focus on animal products and the exclusion of plant foods.

Choosing Quality Animal Based Foods

Whatever dietary approach someone follows, quality ingredients remain important.

Our Cow works with Australian farmers and producers to provide quality beef, lamb, pork, chicken and seafood, giving customers access to a wide range of animal based foods.

Whether you're exploring the carnivore diet or simply looking to enjoy premium Australian meat and seafood, taste the difference of locally sourced Australian grass fed meat and wild caught seafood Our Cow has to offer. Build your meat box today!