Carnivore Diet Food List

Before we move on to looking at the carnivore diet food list, let’s first talk about the diet itself…

What is the Carnivore Diet?

Generally, the Carnivore diet, also known as the meat diet or the zero-carb diet, excludes all plant-based foods, vegetables or fruit, as will as processed carbs (likes cereals and grains).

The first 30 days of the diet are known as the experimental phase. During this phase, high levels of protein will be consumed, which has both benefits and risks.

The carnivore diet, like the Keto diet, essentially aims to change the emphasis of your nutritional intake, from relying heavily on sugar for energy, to relying on other macronutrients. 

Where the Keto diet looks to transform your body into a fat-burner, we might say that the Carnivore diet seeks to transform you into a protein burner.

Benefits of the Carnivore Diet

Benefits reported by carnivore dieters range from digestive health and decreased inflammation to stabilized energy levels and mood improvement. These benefits are generally based on testimonials or other anecdotal evidence and have not been scientifically proven in a larger population.

A carnivore diet might provide the benefits below, but it’s unlikely to work for everyone.

Work with your healthcare provider if you plan major changes to your diet, such as going full carnivore.

Here is a deep dive into the 5 most commonly reported health benefits of the Carnivore Diet.

Weight Loss

The Carnivore Diet is a high protein, low carbohydrate diet. Studies have shown that this diet can promote weight loss (*). Low carb diets believe that reduced blood sugar levels push the body into a state of ketosis, that's will frequently lead to weight loss (although it doesn’t work for everyone).

Additionally, a protein diet contributes to satiety, which translates into reduced calorie intake and possible weight loss (*). The Carnivore Diet is an extremely high protein diet. Due to the high protein at every meat, most Carnivore Dieters report feeling fuller longer and requiring less meals. For this reason, you might find yourself less likely to mindlessly snack while on the carnivore diet.

Clearer Mind

Many carnivore diet enthusiasts claim that meat sharpens their minds. Meat contains nutrients known to help brain function, such as B12, Iron, and Zinc. Not only that, many claim their mental health improved while following the diet for a sustained period of time.

Without blood sugar crashes, your energy and mental stamina will improve. In addition, the majority of people will notice improvements in mental clarity, and greater focus while in ketosis.

Reducing Inflammation

According to one study, low-carb, high-fat diets can help prevent the composition of inflammation-causing fatty acids (*). For some, the Carnivore Diet can reduce inflammation in the digestive system and throughout the body.

Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Because the average American diet relies so heavily on carbohydrates and sugar, many of us battle blood sugar spikes and energy fallout on a daily basis. 

With the carnivore diet essentially eliminating sugar intake, blood sugar levels tend to even out. This helps to stabilize energy throughout the day.

Calmer Gut

Fiber, while generally beneficial, can cause bloat and gas, and other digestive related issues in some people.

Contrary to common belief, some studies show that the elimination of foods that are high in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, and grains can reduce digestive issues in certain people. One study indicates that stopping or reducing dietary fiber intake can reduce constipation and associated symptoms (*).

By eliminating plant-based foods, you may find you experience fewer gastrointestinal issues. 

Keep in mind that a major diet change like this will probably cause digestive side effects at first.

Carnivore Diet Food List: What to Eat and Avoid

We know that starting a new diet is daunting, let alone radically changing how you approach food. Our Carnivore Diet Food List is therefore designed to be treated as a shopping list: what you need to immediately get started on the Carnivore Diet!

Foods to Eat on the Carnivore Diet

Here’s what you’ll be eating :

• Meat: beef, lamb, pork, game, chicken, turkey, etc.
• Animal Products: eggs, bone marrow, lard, bone broth, etc.
• Fish: salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, crab meat, etc. 
• Low-lactose dairy products (in small amounts): butter, heavy cream, hard cheese, etc.  
• Seasonings (with no carbs): salt, black pepper, etc. 
• Sauces or gravies, provided they are made only with meat drippings mixed with butter or ghee and no binders such as flour
• Water

Foods That May Be Okay on the Carnivore Diet

Foods that might be acceptable, as some people interpret the “comes from an animal” part of the carnivore diet include:

• Milk
• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Coffee and tea: These are plant-based, but some people keep these in their diet.

(Green tea contains ​many antioxidants that will help your digestion, metabolism and immune system as well.)

Foods to Avoid in Carnivore Diet

• Fruits: apples, oranges, bananas, berries, etc.
• Vegetables: asparagus, mushrooms, broccoli, peppers, etc. 
• Legumes: beans, lentils, etc. 
• Nuts and seeds: walnuts, almonds, pistachios, sunflower seeds, etc.
• Grains: oatmeal, wheat, bread, rice, quinoa, etc.
• Alcohol: beer, wine, liquor, etc.
• Sugars: white sugar, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, etc.
• Beverages were other than water: soda, juice, etc.

Anything else that isn’t meat, poultry, or fish, or derived from one of those, is not allowed on the carnivore diet.