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As a fitness and wellness practitioner, I understand the growing interest in the carnivore diet and its ability to impact health – but like most restrictive dietary regimes there are pros and cons. Here are five things to keep in mind when exploring this unique dietary approach:
1) Simplifying Nutrition
The carnivore diet focuses entirely on animal products while excluding plant-based foods. This means eating meat, fish, eggs and animal fats (e.g. lard and tallow) with small amounts of low lactose dairy such as butter.
This works in a similar way to an elimination diet – removing many of the common food allergens such as gluten, dairy and soy, as well as restricting FODMAPS (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols, which are short-chain carbohydrates (sugars) that the small intestine absorbs poorly. Some people experience digestive distress after eating them which many people are sensitive to. The carnivore diet also removes highly processed foods – all of which can lead to reduced inflammation and improved digestion, offering potential benefits for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially during travel. This is why some people do feel better (at least for an initial period of time)… the challenge is maintaining it long term.
2) Nutrient-Rich Choices
Animal products are packed with essential nutrients such as high-quality protein, iron, B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids. Ensuring a diverse selection of animal products is essential for obtaining a broad spectrum of nutrients, supporting sustained energy levels during active travel pursuits. That said, it also leaves out the wealth of vitamins and minerals contained in plant based foods such as vegetables, fruit and wholegrains (not to mention fibre – essential for optimal digestion and gut health!) It is also far more enticing and sustainable to eat a colourful and varied plate of food than one with simply one main ingredient!
3) Health Implications
Advocates of the carnivore diet often report improvements in weight management, mental clarity, and certain health conditions. That said it can be difficult to follow long term, difficult to navigate in social settings and lacks a lot of the key nutrients necessary for optimal health. There are less extreme and more manageable ways to eat well without eliminating major food groups.
4) Travel Considerations
Travelling while following the carnivore diet can present challenges, particularly in areas with limited access to a wide variety of animal products. Proper planning and research into local food options can help maintain dietary requirements while exploring new destinations. The issue with travelling is that you can’t lean on standard healthy snacks like nuts, fruits, and protein bars. So, you’ll need to be prepared!
5) Long-Term Viability
The long-term sustainability of the carnivore diet is a hot topic in the fitness, biohacking, and wellness communities. While short-term experimentation can provide insights into personal health and well-being, it's important to consider the diet's potential impact on social interactions and overall enjoyment of travel experiences – not to mention ensuring the full spectrum of nutrients necessary for optimal health.
If you’re considering the carnivore diet, I advise approaching this diet with careful consideration, seeking professional guidance, and maintaining flexibility to ensure a balanced and enjoyable approach to nutrition, both at home and while travelling.