Carnivore Diet Glossary: Terms You Need to Know

Zero Carb (ZC) is exactly what it sounds like—a strict approach to the carnivore diet that eliminates all sources of carbohydrates, including even trace amounts from animal products. The focus is purely on protein and fat from high-quality animal foods like meat, fish, eggs, and certain animal fats. By cutting out all carbs, ZC, as part of the carnivore diet, aims to help you achieve better health, maintain stable blood sugar levels, and harness the fat-burning potential of your body. This approach is perfect for those who want to experience maximum mental clarity, improved energy, and optimal fat loss while embracing a simpler, purer way of eating.

Ketones are molecules produced by your liver when your body burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. This process occurs during ketosis, which is a common state for those following the carnivore diet or other low-carb, high-fat eating plans. When carbs are restricted or eliminated, the body turns to its fat stores and breaks them down into three main types of ketones: acetoacetate, acetone, and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). These ketones are then used as an alternative fuel source for your brain, muscles, and organs. This process is known for supporting fat loss, enhancing mental clarity, and stabilising blood sugar levels. For carnivore dieters, ketones are a sign that your body is optimally burning fat and thriving on a diet based on animal foods.

Ketosis is a metabolic state where your body shifts from burning carbohydrates for fuel to burning fat instead. This is a key process in the carnivore diet and other low-carb lifestyles. When your body runs low on carbs, it starts breaking down fats into molecules called ketones, which become its primary energy source. Ketosis is celebrated for its potential to help with fat loss, improve mental clarity, and stabilise blood sugar levels. For those on the carnivore diet, it’s a natural result of consuming mostly animal-based foods, where your body thrives on fat and protein while avoiding carbs completely.

OMAD (One Meal a Day) is a popular intermittent fasting approach where you eat all of your daily food in a single meal within a one-hour window and fast for the remaining 23 hours. This method is often adopted by those following the carnivore diet as a way to simplify eating and enhance fat burning. By reducing the eating window, your body has more time to enter a state of fat-burning ketosis and utilise stored fat for energy. OMAD helps control hunger, supports mental clarity, and can lead to weight loss and improved health. Whether you’re looking to improve metabolic health, increase energy, or boost fat loss, OMAD offers a powerful, efficient way to fuel your body on your terms.

Oxalates are naturally occurring compounds found in many plant-based foods, such as spinach, kale, and nuts. These compounds can bind to minerals like calcium, forming calcium oxalate crystals that can lead to the formation of painful kidney stones. For those following the carnivore diet, oxalates are not a concern, as the diet eliminates all plant-based foods, focusing solely on animal-based products. By cutting out oxalate-rich foods, the carnivore diet helps reduce the risk of kidney stones and supports overall health. For those sensitive to oxalates, a diet centred on meat, fish, and animal fats can provide relief from joint pain, inflammation, and other symptoms associated with oxalate sensitivity.

Macronutrients (Macros) are the essential nutrients your body needs in large quantities to function properly. They consist of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. On the carnivore diet, the focus is primarily on protein and fat, as carbohydrates are either minimal or entirely eliminated. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, while fat provides the body with long-lasting energy and supports hormonal balance. For those on the carnivore diet, adjusting your macronutrient intake ensures you’re getting the right balance of animal-based fats and proteins to optimise health, mental clarity, and fat loss. Understanding and tracking your macros can help you achieve your health goals by ensuring that you’re fuelling your body with the right nutrients.

Protein is one of the three macronutrients that your body needs in large amounts to function optimally. It plays a crucial role in building and repairing tissues, producing enzymes and hormones, and supporting muscle growth. On the carnivore diet, protein is the cornerstone of your daily intake, as it comes from animal-based foods like beef, pork, chicken, fish, and eggs. Unlike plant-based sources, animal protein is highly bioavailable, meaning your body can absorb and use it more effectively. By prioritising protein, the carnivore diet helps maintain muscle mass, supports fat loss, and promotes satiety. Whether you’re looking to enhance your athletic performance, improve health, or simply feel fuller for longer, protein is your body’s building block for success.

Fat is one of the essential macronutrients your body requires to function properly, and it’s a key component of the carnivore diet. Unlike the carb-heavy diets promoted by mainstream nutrition, the carnivore diet encourages the consumption of healthy animal fats from sources like beef, lamb, pork, and fish. Fat provides a long-lasting source of energy, helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, and supports hormonal health. On the carnivore diet, fat also plays a vital role in promoting satiety and reducing hunger, making it easier to maintain a sustainable eating pattern. The carnivore diet’s high-fat, low-carb approach helps shift the body into fat-burning ketosis, enabling improved mental clarity, fat loss, and overall well-being.

Carbs (short for carbohydrates) are one of the three primary macronutrients that provide energy to the body. However, on the carnivore diet, carbs are eliminated completely, as the diet focuses solely on animal-based foods. Unlike the traditional high-carb diets, the carnivore diet advocates for a high protein and fat intake, allowing the body to shift from burning carbs for fuel to burning fat instead. Carbs are found in plant-based foods like grains, vegetables, and fruits, and can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes. By cutting out carbs, the carnivore diet helps stabilise blood sugar levels, improve mental clarity, and promote fat loss through a process known as ketosis, where the body uses fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.

Electrolytes are minerals in your body that carry an electric charge, essential for maintaining hydration, muscle function, and nerve signalling. Key electrolytes include sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. When following the carnivore diet, where carbohydrates are significantly reduced or eliminated, your body tends to excrete more sodium and water, which can lead to an electrolyte imbalance. This is especially common during the transition phase to ketosis, known as carnivore flu. To prevent symptoms like headaches, cramps, or fatigue, it’s crucial to replenish your electrolyte levels by consuming electrolyte-rich foods like bone broth, meat, and organ meats, or by using electrolyte supplements. Proper electrolyte balance helps maintain muscle function, supports hydration, and ensures your body runs smoothly while thriving on the carnivore diet.

Beef, Butter, Bacon, and Eggs (BBBE) is a popular, simplified eating pattern within the carnivore diet, focusing on the four core animal-based foods. This approach provides a nutrient-dense, high-fat, high-protein foundation that supports sustained energy, fat loss, and muscle maintenance. Beef offers a rich source of protein and iron, while butter provides healthy fats and vitamins. Bacon, with its crispy texture and rich flavour, delivers saturated fat and protein, and eggs are an excellent source of healthy fats and high-quality protein. Together, these four foods supply all the essential nutrients needed for optimal health and can help transition your body into a fat-burning state, promoting mental clarity and supporting ketosis. The BBBE approach is simple, satisfying, and highly effective for those committed to thriving on the carnivore diet.

Animal-Based Foods are the cornerstone of the carnivore diet, consisting of meat, fish, eggs, and animal fats. These foods are rich in high-quality protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, which are essential for optimal health. Unlike plant-based foods, animal-based foods provide all nine essential amino acids, supporting muscle growth, repair, and overall body function. Beef, lamb, chicken, and fish are excellent sources of protein, while butter, lard, and tallow provide healthy fats that fuel the body and support hormonal health. For those following the carnivore diet, animal-based foods are the perfect choice for sustaining energy, maintaining mental clarity, and achieving fat loss while nourishing the body with its most bioavailable nutrients.

Grass-Fed refers to animals, particularly cattle, that are raised on a natural diet of grass and forage rather than grain-based feed. Grass-fed beef is a healthier choice for those following the carnivore diet, as it contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) compared to conventionally raised, grain-fed beef. These nutrients promote heart health, reduced inflammation, and fat burning. Additionally, grass-fed meat tends to be leaner, with a better fatty acid profile, making it an excellent source of protein and healthy fats for those seeking to optimise their health. By choosing grass-fed products, you ensure that you’re getting more nutrient-dense and ethically raised animal foods while supporting your journey towards a sustainable and nutrient-rich carnivore diet.

Grass-Finished refers to livestock that are raised on a grass-only diet throughout their entire life, from birth to slaughter. Unlike grain-fed or even grain-finished animals, grass-finished animals are never fed grains or processed feeds, which means their meat is naturally leaner and more nutrient-dense. For those following the carnivore diet, grass-finished beef provides higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and fat-burning benefits. By choosing grass-finished meat, you are ensuring that you consume healthier and more ethically raised animal products, which contribute to optimal health, hormonal balance, and improved mental clarity while on the carnivore diet.

Organs (or organ meats) refer to the internal organs of animals, such as the liver, heart, kidneys, and spleen. Often considered superfoods on the carnivore diet, organ meats are packed with high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals that are more nutrient-dense than muscle meat. Liver, for example, is a rich source of vitamin A, iron, and folate, while heart is full of coenzyme Q10 and B vitamins, both essential for energy production and cardiovascular health. Consuming organ meats ensures that you’re getting the full spectrum of nutrients that animals offer, helping to support immune function, detoxification, and overall well-being on the carnivore diet. These nutrient-dense foods also help fill the nutritional gaps that may exist when focusing primarily on muscle meat, making them a vital part of any carnivore diet plan.

Tallow is a type of animal fat that is rendered from beef or lamb fat. It’s a key component in the carnivore diet due to its high fat content, making it an excellent source of sustained energy. Unlike vegetable oils, which can be inflammatory, tallow is packed with healthy saturated fats that are beneficial for hormonal health, fat burning, and immune function. This nutrient-dense fat also contains omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and vitamin D, all of which support overall health and well-being. Whether used for cooking or as an ingredient in carnivore diet recipes, tallow is an essential fat source for those prioritising animal-based foods and seeking to maintain mental clarity, energy levels, and optimal health on the carnivore diet.

Lard is a type of animal fat derived from pigs, commonly used in cooking and baking. On the carnivore diet, lard is a valuable source of healthy fats, offering a rich profile of monounsaturated and saturated fats that support energy levels, hormonal balance, and overall health. It’s a versatile fat that can be used for frying, roasting, and even as an ingredient in carnivore diet recipes. Unlike vegetable oils, which can cause inflammation, lard is nutrient-dense, providing essential fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K2. By incorporating lard into your meals, you can enjoy a sustainable source of fat that fuels the body, promotes fat burning, and helps maintain mental clarity while following the carnivore diet.

Ruminant Meat refers to the meat from animals that have a four-chambered stomach and digest food through a process called rumination. Common examples include beef, lamb, and venison. For those following the carnivore diet, ruminant meat is a highly nutrient-dense food, packed with high-quality protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. These meats are particularly rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which are vital for muscle growth, immune function, and energy production. Ruminant meat is also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, especially when sourced from grass-fed animals. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking to support fat burning, mental clarity, and overall health on the carnivore diet.

Carnivore-Friendly refers to foods, products, or ingredients that are fully compatible with the carnivore diet, meaning they are animal-based and contain no plant ingredients. These include meat, fish, eggs, cheese, and animal fats. For those following a strict carnivore diet, choosing carnivore-friendly options ensures that you’re nourishing your body with high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients without the interference of carbohydrates or plant-based foods. Whether you’re looking for carnivore-friendly snacks or cooking oils, this term helps you identify what aligns with your carnivore lifestyle, supporting muscle growth, fat burning, and mental clarity while avoiding unnecessary additives or sugars.

Exogenous Ketones are ketone bodies that are externally sourced, typically in the form of supplements, to support the body’s natural ketosis process. While the body usually produces ketones during fat-burning or when following a low-carb or carnivore diet, exogenous ketones can be consumed to enhance energy, mental clarity, and fat loss more rapidly. These ketones provide the body with an immediate source of fuel, promoting sustained energy for both physical and mental performance, especially during the transition into ketosis. For those following a carnivore diet or ketogenic lifestyle, exogenous ketones can help maintain ketosis, reduce cravings, and boost mental focus without needing to rely on carbs for energy. They’re an ideal addition for athletes, weight-loss seekers, and anyone looking to optimise their fat-burning potential.

Re-feeding refers to the process of reintroducing food after a period of fasting or calorie restriction. In the context of the carnivore diet, re-feeding typically involves consuming nutrient-dense, animal-based foods to restore energy levels and provide the body with high-quality protein and healthy fats. After a fast or modified protein-sparing fast (MSMF), re-feeding helps replenish glycogen stores, supports muscle recovery, and kickstarts metabolism. It’s important to focus on whole, unprocessed animal products during the re-feeding phase to avoid disrupting the body’s state of ketosis or fat burning. For those looking to optimise their carnivore diet experience, re-feeding can be a powerful tool to balance energy, hormonal levels, and overall health without compromising weight loss goals or mental clarity.

Being Fat Adapted means your body has successfully transitioned from relying on carbohydrates for energy to using fat as its primary fuel source. This metabolic shift is a key goal for those following the carnivore diet, where the body burns fat—both dietary and stored fat—more efficiently. Once fat adapted, you’ll experience more stable energy levels, improved mental clarity, and better fat-burning potential without the energy crashes that often come from carb-heavy diets. This adaptation typically takes a few weeks, during which the body adjusts to producing ketones for energy, making the carnivore diet an ideal pathway to becoming fat adapted. Achieving this state helps to stabilise hormones, support weight loss, and optimise physical performance.

Glycogen is the stored form of carbohydrates in the body, found primarily in the liver and muscles. When following a carnivore diet, glycogen levels tend to be low due to the low-carb nature of the diet. This forces the body to shift from burning glucose to fat as its main source of energy. However, some glycogen is still needed for certain functions, such as muscle contraction and brain function. The body’s ability to store glycogen is significantly reduced on a carnivore diet, but the process of burning fat for fuel instead helps stabilise energy levels, improve mental clarity, and increase fat burning. For those following the carnivore diet, understanding glycogen helps explain how the body adapts to using ketones as the primary energy source while maintaining optimal performance.

Autophagy is the body’s natural process of self-repair, where it breaks down and recycles damaged cells, proteins, and other components. This process is crucial for maintaining cellular health, reducing inflammation, and supporting optimal functioning. When following a carnivore diet, autophagy is often enhanced, especially during fasting periods or protein-sparing fasts (MSMF). By cutting out processed foods and focusing on nutrient-dense, animal-based foods, the body can enter a state where it efficiently burns fat and repairs cells, leading to improved skin health, better muscle recovery, and enhanced mental clarity. Autophagy is one of the reasons why many people experience significant health benefits on the carnivore diet, such as increased longevity, improved immune function, and reduced risk of chronic disease.

Insulin Sensitivity refers to how effectively the body responds to insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. The more insulin sensitive you are, the better your body can manage carbs and convert them into energy rather than storing them as fat. On the carnivore diet, insulin sensitivity can significantly improve due to the low-carb, high-protein, and healthy fat intake, which helps stabilise blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance. By reducing the consumption of refined sugars and carbohydrates, you can enhance your body’s ability to burn fat efficiently, reduce inflammation, and even lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Improved insulin sensitivity on the carnivore diet also promotes weight loss, better energy levels, and hormonal balance, contributing to overall well-being.

Blood Glucose is the amount of sugar (glucose) circulating in your bloodstream, used by the body for energy—especially when consuming carbohydrates. On a carnivore diet, where carbs are virtually eliminated, blood glucose levels naturally stabilise and remain low. This shift reduces insulin spikes, improves energy regulation, and helps prevent metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. Maintaining steady blood glucose supports mental clarity, mood stability, and sustained fat burning. By prioritising animal-based foods, the carnivore lifestyle helps your body thrive without the blood sugar rollercoaster caused by processed, carb-heavy meals. Understanding blood glucose is key to unlocking better hormonal balance, weight control, and metabolic health.

Saturated Fat is a type of natural fat found in animal-based foods like meat, butter, eggs, and tallow. For decades, it was unfairly demonised, but modern science is finally setting the record straight. On the carnivore diet, saturated fat plays a crucial role in supporting hormone production, brain function, and long-lasting energy. It’s a clean-burning fuel that keeps you satiated, helps stabilise blood sugar, and powers your metabolism without the inflammatory effects of seed oils or processed carbs. When you eat a species-appropriate diet rich in saturated fat, you’re giving your body the tools it needs to heal, thrive, and operate at peak performance. It’s not the enemy—it’s the ancestral nutrition we were designed for.

Omega-6 Fatty Acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat found in seed oils, grains, and processed foods. While the body does need a small amount, modern diets are dangerously overloaded with omega-6s—leading to chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalance, and increased risk of disease. One of the many benefits of the carnivore diet is that it naturally eliminates these pro-inflammatory oils, helping to restore a healthy omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. By cutting out vegetable oils like canola, sunflower, and soybean oil, you reduce oxidative stress and give your body the chance to heal on a cellular level. The truth? Omega-6s in excess are a silent saboteur of health—and the animal-based lifestyle corrects this imbalance with ease.

Gut Health refers to the balance and function of your digestive system, which impacts everything from your immune response to your mental well-being. While mainstream advice often pushes fibre and fermented plants, the carnivore diet takes a radically different—and far more effective—approach: by removing inflammatory plant compounds, gut irritants, and excessive carbs, it allows the digestive tract to heal and return to its natural state. Many people experience dramatic relief from bloating, IBS, acid reflux, and even autoimmune issues when they switch to an animal-based way of eating. A strong, resilient gut doesn’t require more fibre—it needs less irritation. On the carnivore diet, gut health is rebuilt from the inside out, using the foods we evolved to digest effortlessly.

Inflammation is the body’s natural defence mechanism—a short-term response to injury or infection. But when it becomes chronic, it turns into a silent saboteur, fuelling conditions like arthritis, autoimmune disease, heart issues, and even weight gain. A major driver? Modern diets overloaded with seed oils, sugar, and ultra-processed foods. The carnivore diet offers powerful relief by removing inflammatory triggers and replacing them with nutrient-dense, animal-based foods that calm the immune system, reduce gut irritation, and lower systemic inflammation. Many people experience less joint pain, clearer skin, and sharper focus simply by eliminating the very foods that kept them inflamed. Inflammation may be common—but it’s not normal.

Leptin Sensitivity refers to how well your body responds to leptin—a hormone that tells your brain you’re full and helps regulate energy balance. When you become leptin resistant (often due to overeating, chronic carbs, and processed foods), the signal gets blocked, leading to constant hunger, fat storage, and a broken metabolism. The carnivore diet, rich in satiating animal proteins and fats, helps restore leptin sensitivity by stabilising insulin, lowering inflammation, and eliminating the foods that disrupt hormonal communication. When leptin works as it should, you naturally eat less, burn more fat, and reclaim control over your appetite and bodyweight. This is hormonal intelligence—powered by ancestral nutrition.

Hyperinsulinemia is a condition where the body produces too much insulin—the hormone responsible for storing sugar in the cells. It’s a red flag that often appears long before type 2 diabetes, yet it remains widely overlooked. This excess insulin traps fat in the body, promotes weight gain, drives inflammation, and messes with hormonal balance. And what causes it? A constant barrage of refined carbs, sugary foods, and frequent snacking. The carnivore diet helps correct hyperinsulinemia by eliminating glucose-spiking foods and prioritising protein-rich, low-carb, animal-based nutrition. As insulin levels drop, the body finally learns to burn fat for fuel, hunger normalises, and metabolic health is restored.

Hyperinsulinemia isn’t just about blood sugar—it’s a root cause of modern illness. And the solution is simpler than you’ve been told.

Insulin Resistance happens when your cells stop responding properly to insulin—the hormone that helps move sugar out of your bloodstream and into your cells for energy. When this signal breaks down, your body pumps out even more insulin to compensate, leading to chronically high insulin, stubborn weight gain, fatigue, cravings, and a greater risk for type 2 diabetes. It’s a metabolic warning sign—and it’s reversible.

The carnivore diet, with its low-carb, nutrient-dense animal foods, helps to lower insulin levels, reverse insulin resistance, and restore metabolic function. By removing processed carbs and plant toxins, your body can finally return to hormonal balance, unlocking natural fat-burning and steady energy. This is true healing—without the pharmaceutical band-aids.

Food Freedom is the liberation from obsessive calorie counting, restrictive rules, emotional eating, and the toxic food noise that dominates modern culture. On the carnivore diet, you finally break free from the rollercoaster of cravings, guilt, bingeing, and diet dogma—because you’re nourishing your body with foods it recognises and thrives on.

This isn’t about willpower—it’s about biological alignment. By eating animal-based, nutrient-dense foods, your hunger hormones stabilise, your cravings disappear, and food becomes simple again. No more mental gymnastics—just clarity, control, and peace of mind. This is what true food freedom feels like—and it’s only a steak away.

Intermittent Fasting (IF) is a time-restricted eating pattern where you cycle between periods of eating and fasting. The beauty of IF? It’s not about restricting what you eat, but rather when you eat. For those following the carnivore diet, IF pairs perfectly with a low-carb, animal-based approach—allowing the body to tap into fat stores for energy while giving your digestive system time to rest and heal.

Whether you’re fasting for health benefits, mental clarity, or weight loss, IF helps optimise insulin sensitivity, promote autophagy, and enhance hormonal balance. By syncing your eating windows with your body’s natural rhythms, you become more in tune with your hunger cues, and the endless cycle of food obsession fades away. IF isn’t a quick fix—it’s a lifestyle change that supports long-term health and vitality.

Electrolyte Imbalance occurs when your body’s levels of key minerals like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium become too high or too low. These minerals are essential for muscle function, nerve signalling, and fluid balance. For those transitioning to the carnivore diet, electrolyte imbalances can sometimes happen as your body adapts to burning fat instead of glucose—especially if you’re not getting enough salt, potassium, or magnesium.

While electrolyte imbalance is common in low-carb and ketogenic diets, it can be easily corrected by ensuring you’re getting enough salt (sodium), bone broth, and organ meats—which are naturally rich in essential minerals. Staying on top of electrolytes is key to feeling your best while on the carnivore lifestyle, helping to prevent symptoms like muscle cramps, fatigue, and headaches. With the right approach, your body will thrive on animal-based nourishment, and those pesky imbalances will become a thing of the past.

Bioavailability refers to how effectively the body can absorb and use the nutrients from food. It’s not enough just to eat nutrient-rich foods—you need to ensure your body can access and utilise those nutrients. Animal-based foods, especially those found in the carnivore diet, are known for their high bioavailability, meaning the body can easily absorb and utilise the vitamins, minerals, and proteins found in meat, fish, and organs.

For example, iron from red meat is far more bioavailable than plant-based iron, which the body struggles to absorb. Similarly, vitamin A from liver is easily absorbed, compared to the less effective conversion of plant-based precursors. The carnivore diet excels at providing the body with highly bioavailable nutrients, giving you the most bang for your nutritional buck.

The Glycemic Index (GI) measures how quickly a food raises your blood sugar levels after consumption. Foods with a high GI cause a rapid spike in blood sugar, while foods with a low GI have a slower, more gradual effect. For those on the carnivore diet, most animal-based foods, like meat, fish, and eggs, have a zero GI, meaning they don’t raise blood sugar at all, keeping you in fat-burning mode and promoting stable energy levels throughout the day.

In contrast, plant-based foods, especially those rich in carbs, can cause insulin spikes, leading to energy crashes and cravings. By following the carnivore diet, you avoid the blood sugar rollercoaster, reducing inflammation, promoting weight loss, and stabilising your hunger hormones. It’s not just about food—it’s about how food interacts with your body on a deeper level.

Protein Sparing Modified Fasting (PSMF) is a short-term, low-calorie, high-protein diet designed to preserve muscle mass while promoting fat loss. Unlike traditional fasting, PSMF focuses on maintaining optimal protein intake to prevent muscle breakdown, while drastically reducing fats and carbohydrates. This approach is particularly beneficial for those looking to accelerate weight loss while protecting lean muscle tissue.

For those following the carnivore diet, PSMF can be a powerful tool to help you achieve rapid fat loss while staying in a state of ketosis. By consuming lean animal proteins (like chicken or fish), you safeguard muscle mass while the body uses fat as its primary fuel source. PSMF isn’t a long-term eating strategy—it’s designed for short bursts of fat-burning power when needed, helping you get back to your baseline carnivore lifestyle once your fat loss goals are met.

The Lion Diet is a highly restrictive version of the carnivore diet that focuses on only three foods: beef, salt, and water. It’s a purist approach designed to eliminate all potential allergens, plant toxins, and even food sensitivities, giving the body the chance to reset and heal.

By sticking to beef, a rich source of high-quality protein and fat, the Lion Diet provides the body with the essential nutrients it needs, while the elimination of all other foods can help reduce inflammation, improve mental clarity, and promote weight loss. It’s a no-nonsense, ultra-strict protocol aimed at optimising health by simplifying the diet to the bare essentials.

Strict Carnivore refers to a 100% animal-based diet, where all food consumed comes from meat, fish, eggs, and animal fats. There are no plant-based foods, no fruits, no vegetables, and no grains—only nutrient-dense animal products that provide your body with everything it needs for optimal health.

Following a strict carnivore diet means you’re avoiding processed foods, sugars, and carbs, and focusing entirely on high-quality animal proteins and fats. This approach supports weight loss, enhances mental clarity, boosts energy levels, and promotes muscle preservation. It’s the most intense version of the carnivore lifestyle, ideal for those who want to experience the full benefits of the diet without any plant-based distractions.

Carnivore Adjacent refers to a dietary approach that is almost entirely carnivore but includes small amounts of non-animal foods, typically low-carb vegetables or healthy fats like avocado or olive oil. This is a great option for those who want to reap the benefits of the carnivore diet—such as improved energy, weight loss, and mental clarity—but aren’t ready to completely eliminate plant-based foods from their lifestyle.

By keeping the focus on animal products, those following a carnivore adjacent approach maintain the majority of their diet in line with animal-based nutrition, while still allowing for a bit of flexibility. It’s an excellent choice for people looking to reduce carbs and minimise processed foods, while still enjoying a bit of plant-based variety.

Carnivorish refers to a flexible approach to the carnivore diet, where you lean heavily on animal-based foods but occasionally include small amounts of plant-based foods. It’s the middle ground between full-on carnivore and a more balanced approach, allowing for the enjoyment of occasional non-animal foods while still prioritising meat, fish, and eggs as the foundation of your diet.

Those who follow a carnivorish approach often do so to ease into the carnivore diet or maintain some level of flexibility for social situations, personal preferences, or specific health goals. However, the aim remains to minimise carbs and avoid processed foods, keeping the majority of nutrition focused on high-quality animal products to support optimal health, weight management, and muscle preservation.

Carnivore Keto is the powerful combination of two popular diets: the carnivore diet and ketogenic (keto) principles. It focuses on eating only animal-based foods, such as meat, fish, eggs, and animal fats, while keeping carbohydrate intake extremely low—often close to zero grams of carbs per day. This forces your body to enter ketosis, a state where it burns fat for fuel instead of glucose, maximising fat loss while maintaining muscle mass.

By eliminating all plant-based foods and focusing on high-quality, nutrient-dense animal products, Carnivore Keto supports mental clarity, stable energy, and enhanced fat-burning capabilities. The benefit of this combination? You get the fat-burning power of keto, with the muscle-preserving benefits of the carnivore lifestyle, all while ensuring optimal nutrient absorption from bioavailable animal-based foods.

Carnivore Criminals is a humorous term coined by me, Stella Young, to describe those who cheat a little too often on the carnivore diet. These are the individuals who may claim to be following the carnivore lifestyle, yet regularly indulge in non-carnivore foods, leaving their diet commitment a bit questionable.

While we all know life can sometimes lead to slip-ups, Carnivore Criminals are those who can’t seem to stay away from a cheeky serving of bread or a bowl of pasta. It’s all in good fun, but staying true to the carnivore diet is key to reaping its benefits—like better mental clarity, improved energy, and weight loss.

So, next time you catch yourself nibbling on something that’s not quite carnivore-friendly, remember to avoid turning into a Carnivore Criminal—get back on track with high-quality meats, organ meats, and healthy fats for maximum health benefits.

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. They are created when the body converts calories it doesn’t immediately use into fat. These fats are stored in fat cells and can later be used for energy. However, high triglyceride levels in the blood can be a sign of insulin resistance, obesity, or a high-carb diet, which may lead to increased heart disease risk.

On the carnivore diet, triglyceride levels often improve as the body transitions from burning glucose (sugar) for energy to burning fat. By eliminating carbohydrates and focusing on animal-based foods, those on the carnivore diet typically experience lower triglyceride levels and better fat metabolism, which can reduce heart disease risk.

A high-fat, low-carb diet like carnivore also boosts HDL (good cholesterol), which helps remove excess fat from the bloodstream, further promoting cardiovascular health.

The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) is an elimination diet designed to reduce inflammation and manage autoimmune conditions by removing foods that may trigger immune system responses. It focuses on healing the gut and supporting immune health by cutting out potential food irritants, including grains, dairy, nightshades, processed foods, and refined sugars.

For those following a carnivore diet, the AIP approach is similar, as it emphasises animal-based foods that are nutrient-dense and healing for the body, while avoiding plant-based foods that may provoke inflammation. AIP allows for a strict elimination period followed by a gradual reintroduction of foods, making it a more structured approach to autoimmune health and digestive healing.

This protocol can be particularly beneficial for those with autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, or Crohn’s disease, helping to reduce symptoms and promote long-term health.

Meat-Only refers to a diet that consists solely of animal-based products, primarily meat, but can also include eggs and animal fats like tallow or lard. This approach is a more extreme version of the carnivore diet, eliminating plant-based foods entirely, including vegetables, fruits, and nuts.

For those who follow a meat-only diet, the primary focus is on high-quality protein and healthy fats that come from beef, pork, lamb, chicken, and other meats, offering the body a rich source of essential nutrients. This strict focus on animal products may help improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and support muscle growth while also promoting weight loss and mental clarity.

The meat-only approach is ideal for those who want to reap the full benefits of a no-carb, anti-inflammatory diet, without the need for any plant-based foods at all.

A Low-Inflammatory Diet focuses on foods that help reduce chronic inflammation in the body, which is linked to a wide range of health issues, from joint pain to heart disease. This diet prioritises anti-inflammatory foods like fish, lean meats, healthy fats, and non-processed animal products. It limits or avoids foods that may promote inflammation, such as sugars, refined carbs, vegetable oils, and processed foods.

For those following a carnivore diet, the low-inflammatory diet is a natural fit. The exclusion of plant-based foods and the focus on animal-based nutrition—especially fatty fish, beef, pork, and lamb—can help significantly reduce inflammation and support overall health. A low-inflammatory diet has been shown to boost immunity, improve gut health, and promote mental clarity.

Gut Flora, also known as the gut microbiota, refers to the diverse community of bacteria and other microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. These microbes play a critical role in digestion, immune function, and overall health. A healthy balance of gut flora helps break down food, absorb nutrients, and protect the body from harmful pathogens.

On a carnivore diet, the absence of plant-based foods—which can sometimes disrupt gut health due to fiber and antinutrients—may allow the gut to heal and restore balance. Animal-based foods, particularly those rich in collagen, gelatin, and saturated fats, can support gut health by reducing inflammation and nourishing the intestinal lining.

For those on a carnivore diet, focusing on high-quality animal proteins and fats can help optimise gut flora and promote better digestion, absorption of nutrients, and improved immune system function.

Leaky Gut, or intestinal permeability, is a condition where the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged, allowing undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to leak into the bloodstream. This triggers an immune response, leading to inflammation and potentially causing digestive issues, autoimmune conditions, and chronic health problems.

The carnivore diet is particularly effective for those dealing with leaky gut. By eliminating plant-based foods—which can contain antinutrients like lectins and gluten that irritate the gut—this diet helps to reduce inflammation, heal the gut lining, and improve intestinal permeability. Focused on animal-based nutrition, the carnivore diet provides collagen, amino acids, and saturated fats that support the gut lining and intestinal health, promoting overall healing.

If you’re struggling with leaky gut, the carnivore diet may be a powerful tool to restore digestive balance and support gut healing naturally.

LCHF (Low-Carb High-Fat) is a dietary approach that focuses on significantly reducing carbohydrate intake while increasing fat consumption. This way of eating encourages the body to use fat as its primary source of energy, rather than glucose from carbohydrates. By limiting carbs and increasing healthy fats, LCHF aims to balance blood sugar, improve insulin sensitivity, and support fat loss.

For those on a carnivore diet, the LCHF approach aligns naturally, as it focuses almost exclusively on animal-based fats and proteins, completely eliminating carbohydrates. The carnivore diet is inherently low-carb, and those following it often experience improved mental clarity, fat-burning, and better weight management.

By adopting LCHF principles alongside the carnivore diet, individuals can experience even more pronounced health benefits, including reduced inflammation and enhanced energy levels.

Steak and Eggs is a simple yet powerful meal, consisting of high-quality beef steak paired with eggs. This nutrient-dense combination is a popular choice for those on the carnivore diet, as it provides a perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins.

The meal is rich in amino acids, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, making it an ideal option for those seeking to fuel their body with optimal nutrition. The eggs offer healthy fats and cholesterol, which are crucial for hormone production, brain health, and energy. Meanwhile, the steak is packed with high-quality protein that supports muscle growth, recovery, and overall satiety.

For those looking to experience the full benefits of the carnivore diet, Steak and Eggs is a perfect meal, supporting muscle building, weight loss, and sustained energy levels throughout the day.

Meat-Based Omega-3s refer to the omega-3 fatty acids found in animal-based sources, particularly grass-fed meats and fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. Unlike plant-based omega-3s found in flax seeds or chia seeds, which predominantly contain ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), meat-based omega-3s are rich in EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)—the two most bioavailable forms of omega-3s for the human body.

For those following the carnivore diet, meat-based omega-3s are an essential component of a well-rounded diet, providing support for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. Grass-fed meats and wild-caught fish offer a superior omega-3 profile compared to conventionally raised animal products, which are often lower in these beneficial fats.

Incorporating meat-based omega-3s into your diet can help improve cognitive function, reduce inflammation, and support overall health while staying true to the carnivore diet principles.

Intermittent Fasting (IF) + Carnivore is a powerful combination that merges two effective health strategies—intermittent fasting and the carnivore diet. Intermittent fasting (IF) involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting, which allows the body to burn fat for fuel, enhance insulin sensitivity, and promote autophagy.

When combined with the carnivore diet, a low-carb, high-fat, animal-based approach, this combination accelerates fat burning, enhances mental clarity, and supports gut health. IF allows the body to rest and repair during fasting periods, while the carnivore diet nourishes it with nutrient-dense animal products that are rich in protein and healthy fats.

For those looking to optimise weight loss, improve energy, and boost metabolism, Intermittent Fasting (IF) + Carnivore can be an extremely effective approach to achieve sustained health and wellness.

A Carnivore Reset is a focused period where you eliminate all non-animal foods from your diet to reset your body, improve gut health, and rejuvenate your system. This approach is especially useful for individuals who have experienced digestive issues, food sensitivities, or weight plateaus while following a less strict version of the carnivore diet.

By going strict carnivore for a period of time, you give your body a chance to detoxify, reduce inflammation, and focus on healing. This reset helps to reset your metabolism, balance your blood sugar levels, and enhance your body’s natural ability to burn fat for energy. The Carnivore Reset can also help identify any foods that may have been negatively impacting your health while reintroducing them slowly.

Whether you’re looking to revitalise your health, break through weight loss stalls, or improve mental clarity, a Carnivore Reset offers a powerful reset to get you back on track.

Nutrient-Dense Foods are foods that are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients while being low in empty calories. These foods offer maximum nutritional value per serving, supporting overall health, well-being, and energy levels.

On the carnivore diet, nutrient-dense foods come from high-quality animal-based sources like grass-fed beef, organ meats, wild-caught fish, and eggs. These foods provide a rich array of proteins, healthy fats, and vital nutrients such as iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids, all essential for optimal muscle function, brain health, and immune system support.

By focusing on nutrient-dense foods, you ensure that your body gets the highest quality of nutrition possible, helping to boost energy, promote fat loss, and support longevity while staying true to the carnivore diet principles.

Sodium/Potassium/Magnesium Balance refers to the proper ratio and intake of these essential electrolytes that play a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance, muscle function, and nerve health. When following the carnivore diet, maintaining this balance is vital for hydration, muscle contractions, and preventing cramps or fatigue.

• Sodium helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance.

• Potassium is important for heart health, muscle function, and electrical signals within the body.

• Magnesium supports muscle relaxation, bone health, and nervous system function.

A proper Sodium/Potassium/Magnesium balance is often needed when transitioning to a low-carb or carnivore diet, as these diets tend to cause the body to excrete more water and electrolytes. Ensuring adequate intake of these electrolytes can help prevent electrolyte imbalances, fatigue, and cramps while optimising your overall health and performance on the carnivore diet.

Toxin-Free refers to foods or products that are free from harmful chemicals, pesticides, hormones, and toxic additives that could negatively impact your health. In the context of the carnivore diet, toxin-free foods are typically sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised, and wild-caught animals, as they tend to be free from the synthetic chemicals found in conventionally raised meats.

When following the carnivore diet, it’s crucial to choose toxin-free meats to reduce exposure to substances that could disrupt hormonal balance, contribute to inflammation, and affect overall wellness. By prioritising toxin-free sources, such as grass-fed beef, wild-caught fish, and pasture-raised eggs, you can support gut health, immune function, and long-term vitality.

Choosing toxin-free foods is a cornerstone of the carnivore diet, as it allows you to optimise your health while avoiding the harmful effects of toxins commonly found in processed and conventionally farmed foods.

Hormonal Balance refers to the optimal levels of various hormones in the body that regulate key functions such as metabolism, mood, appetite, and reproductive health. When hormones are balanced, the body operates more efficiently, leading to better energy levels, improved mental clarity, and a healthier weight.

On the carnivore diet, achieving hormonal balance is a key benefit. The diet’s focus on animal-based proteins and healthy fats provides essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and zinc, which play important roles in regulating hormones. By eliminating carbs and focusing on nutrient-dense foods, the carnivore diet helps stabilise insulin levels, improve thyroid function, and support the production of sex hormones, leading to improved overall well-being.

Balancing hormones naturally with the carnivore diet can also support weight loss, reduce inflammation, and promote mental clarity, all while ensuring your body has the right nutritional foundation for optimal health.

Liver is a powerhouse organ meat packed with essential nutrients that are often deficient in modern diets. As one of the most nutrient-dense foods, liver is a staple for anyone following the carnivore diet, offering a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Rich in vitamin A, iron, copper, B vitamins, and folate, liver supports immune function, energy levels, and blood health.

On the carnivore diet, liver is often considered one of the most important foods to eat due to its high bioavailability of essential nutrients. Consuming liver regularly provides incredible benefits such as enhanced detoxification, improved digestion, and better muscle repair. It’s the ultimate superfood for boosting your health and performance while on the carnivore diet.

Incorporating liver into your diet, whether through beef liver, chicken liver, or other varieties, ensures that you’re getting a significant dose of nutrient-dense goodness to support your overall well-being. For optimal health, make liver a key part of your nose-to-tail approach to animal-based eating.

Biltong is a traditional South African dried meat snack, made by marinating beef (or other meats) in a blend of vinegar, spices, and salt, before air-drying it to perfection. As a carnivore diet staple, biltong provides a rich, protein-packed snack that’s full of flavour and perfect for those on the go.

Unlike jerky, which often contains added sugars or preservatives, biltong is made without these unnecessary ingredients, making it an ideal, clean snack for anyone following a carnivore lifestyle. It’s high in protein, iron, and healthy fats, while being free from carbs, making it a great choice for muscle building, sustained energy, and fat burning.

On the carnivore diet, biltong serves as a delicious and convenient source of animal protein and nutrients, and can be enjoyed as a snack, meal addition, or post-workout fuel. Whether you’re in South Africa or abroad, biltong is an essential addition to your carnivore diet pantry, offering all the flavour without the unwanted extras.

Droëwors is a traditional South African dried sausage that’s packed with flavour and protein—a must-have for anyone on the carnivore diet. Made from beef (or sometimes game meats), droëwors is seasoned with a blend of spices, vinegar, and salt, and then air-dried to create a deliciously savoury snack that’s low in carbs and high in animal protein.

On the carnivore diet, droëwors makes for an excellent, nutrient-dense snack that supports muscle recovery, energy levels, and fat-burning goals. It’s perfect for those who need a quick, portable protein source that aligns with carnivore principles. Unlike some processed snacks, droëwors is typically free from added sugars and preservatives, making it an ideal choice for clean eating.

Enjoyed as a snack, meal addition, or even post-workout recovery, droëwors is a quintessential part of South African cuisine that fits seamlessly into your carnivore diet lifestyle, offering a deliciously convenient source of protein, iron, and healthy fats.

Beef Jerky is a popular dried meat snack made by marinating beef in a blend of seasonings, salt, and vinegar, before drying it to create a protein-rich, low-carb snack. While similar to biltong, beef jerky is often smoked and may contain added sugars or preservatives, so it’s important to choose jerky brands that are free from artificial ingredients if you’re following a carnivore diet.

On the carnivore diet, beef jerky can be a great snack for muscle maintenance, fat burning, and energy while on the go. It’s packed with animal protein and healthy fats—two essential components for maintaining a balanced carnivore lifestyle. Enjoy it as a quick snack between meals, a post-workout boost, or as part of your nourishing, meat-only approach to eating.

Whether you prefer traditional jerky or grass-fed beef jerky, it’s an excellent option for those following the carnivore diet and looking for a convenient, delicious way to fuel their body with clean, protein-dense food.

Processed Meats are meats that have been altered through methods such as salting, smoking, curing, or preserving to extend shelf life and enhance flavour. Common examples include sausages, bacon, hot dogs, and deli meats. While they can fit into a carnivore diet, it’s important to choose high-quality options and be mindful of additives like sugars, preservatives, and artificial flavourings that can undermine your health goals.

On the carnivore diet, it’s best to limit processed meats and opt for more whole animal foods like grass-fed beef, wild-caught fish, and organ meats. While processed meats can provide convenient protein and fat, excessive consumption of lower-quality options may contribute to inflammation, elevated sodium levels, or other health concerns. Always prioritise clean, sugar-free options when selecting processed meats for your carnivore lifestyle.

Remember, moderation is key when it comes to processed meats—they can certainly be enjoyed as part of your carnivore diet, but focus on minimally processed choices to support optimal health and well-being.

MCTs (Medium-Chain Triglycerides) are a type of fat that is quickly absorbed and converted into ketones for energy. Unlike long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), MCTs are rapidly processed by the liver and used as a quick energy source, making them a popular choice for those following a carnivore diet or a ketogenic diet.

MCTs are primarily found in coconut oil and palm kernel oil but can also be sourced from animal fats. On the carnivore diet, MCTs can help support fat adaptation, increase ketone production, and provide an energy boost without the need for carbs. They are especially beneficial for those in the early stages of carnivore adaptation when the body is learning to shift from burning glucose to fat as fuel.

Incorporating MCTs into your carnivore lifestyle can enhance mental clarity, improve energy levels, and help you stay in a state of ketosis—perfect for supporting your body’s natural fat-burning processes and achieving optimal health.

BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids) are a group of essential amino acids—leucine, isoleucine, and valine—that play a crucial role in muscle growth, repair, and energy production. These amino acids are particularly important for anyone following a carnivore diet that emphasises protein for muscle maintenance and recovery.

On the carnivore diet, you naturally consume high amounts of BCAAs from animal-based proteins like meat, fish, and eggs, which are rich in these essential amino acids. BCAAs help support muscle protein synthesis, reduce muscle breakdown, and enhance exercise performance. They are particularly beneficial for those engaging in strength training or intense physical activity, ensuring faster recovery and improved endurance.

Including adequate BCAAs in your diet ensures that your body has the necessary building blocks to stay muscle-strong, promote fat burning, and keep your metabolism firing on all cylinders. On the carnivore diet, BCAAs work in synergy with other nutrients to optimise muscle health, fat loss, and overall performance.

Leucine is an essential amino acid that plays a critical role in muscle growth and repair. As one of the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), it is especially important for those following the carnivore diet, which prioritises protein as the primary macronutrient. Leucine helps trigger the process of muscle protein synthesis, making it a key player in maintaining lean muscle mass and enhancing physical performance.

On the carnivore diet, leucine is abundant in animal-based foods, particularly in meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. This amino acid is essential for anyone looking to build muscle, burn fat, and recover from intense physical activity, supporting both strength training and overall health.

The carnivore diet, with its high protein and animal fat intake, provides ample leucine to help your body stay muscle-strong while optimising fat metabolism. As leucine is vital for maintaining energy levels and supporting metabolic function, it plays a pivotal role in your carnivore journey.

Stock is a rich, flavourful liquid made by simmering animal bones, meat scraps, and vegetables (optional, though often excluded in the carnivore diet) over a long period. The slow simmering process extracts collagen, amino acids, and minerals that are beneficial for joint health, gut health, and overall well-being.

While bone broth and stock are similar, stock is often made with a higher proportion of bones to meat, resulting in a more gel-like consistency once cooled due to its collagen content. On the carnivore diet, stock can be a nutrient-dense base for soups, stews, or simply consumed on its own as a warm, comforting drink that supports hydration and electrolyte balance.

Made from high-quality, grass-fed, or pasture-raised animals, stock is a great way to boost the nutrient density of your meals while staying true to your carnivore lifestyle. It can also aid in gut repair and support your body’s transition to fat adaptation during the early stages of the carnivore diet.

Bone Broth is a nutrient-dense liquid made by simmering animal bones (often with connective tissues) for hours to extract minerals, collagen, and amino acids. On the carnivore diet, bone broth is a powerhouse food that supports gut health, promotes joint health, and provides a rich source of collagen for skin, hair, and nails.

Rich in glycine, an amino acid that helps with detoxification and supports sleep quality, bone broth is also loaded with electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium. It can be particularly helpful for those in the early stages of the carnivore diet, offering hydration and nourishment while easing the transition into fat adaptation.

When made from high-quality, grass-fed or pasture-raised bones, bone broth provides bioavailable nutrients that support overall health and help you stay nourished and hydrated on your carnivore journey.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, playing a crucial role in skin, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. It provides structure and elasticity, making it essential for overall connective tissue health. On the carnivore diet, collagen is a key nutrient found in animal-based foods, particularly in organ meats, bone broth, and skin-on meats.

The carnivore diet is naturally rich in collagen because it emphasises nose-to-tail eating, which ensures that all parts of the animal are consumed, including the collagen-rich connective tissues. By incorporating bone broth or collagen peptides, you can enhance the health of your skin, hair, and joints while supporting gut health and inflammation reduction.

For those on the carnivore diet, collagen supports joint mobility, helps maintain skin elasticity, and promotes gut healing, making it an essential part of your well-being. As you focus on protein-rich and nutrient-dense foods, collagen ensures your body remains strong, flexible, and youthful.

Bile is a digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It plays a crucial role in breaking down fats and absorbing fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K. On the carnivore diet, where fat consumption is higher, bile helps with the digestion and absorption of animal fats, making it an essential part of your digestive process.

When you consume high-fat foods like beef, butter, or lard, your body produces more bile to help break down these fats into smaller molecules that can be absorbed. For those on the carnivore diet, adequate bile production ensures optimal digestion and helps prevent discomfort, such as bloating or indigestion, that may arise when your body is not yet accustomed to the increased fat intake.

In cases where bile production is insufficient, you may experience digestive issues. Supplementing with bile salts or consuming bile-rich foods, like organ meats, can help support digestion, especially during the early stages of transitioning to a carnivore lifestyle.

The gut microbiome refers to the vast community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and archaea, that live in the digestive tract. These microbes play a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and even mental health. On the carnivore diet, where plant-based foods are eliminated, the health of your gut microbiome may undergo a significant shift.

While the carnivore diet is often considered to reduce diversity in the gut microbiome due to its focus on animal-based foods, it can also improve gut health by reducing inflammation and digestive distress caused by plant compounds like lectins and phytates. For those transitioning to a carnivore lifestyle, the diet can help balance the microbiome by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria that thrive on animal fats and proteins.

Ensuring a healthy gut microbiome on the carnivore diet is essential for nutrient absorption, immune support, and overall well-being. Eating a variety of organ meats and bone broth can further nourish the gut, supporting its healing and balance.