BLOG 508 CARNIVORE DIET6

BLOG 508 CARNIVORE DIET 

The meat eaters dream come true. This is a meat only lifestyle and it is one of the new diet trends. Those who have found the standard nutritional advice to not work, have sought a new approach. Those who have done it have attributed their relief from depression, fatigue, and immune conditions to this type of eating. However, there is of course plenty of controversy, especially since most dietitians agree that 40% of calories should come from carbohydrates. The target macronutrients for this type of eating include 40% protein, 60% fat, and 0% carbohydrates. Many people transition from the ketogenic diet (20% protein, 75% fat, 5% carbs) to the carnivore diet.

The truth is that you will lose a lot of weight. Since other foods, specifically carbohydrates, are completely cut out, eating meat only will reduce total calorie intake per day. Protein helps you feel fuller too. However, just because a diet helps you lose weight, doesn’t mean it is entirely healthy.

Many vitamins and nutrients will be missing. Ninety percent of vitamin C comes from fruits and vegetables which are nowhere to be found with this eating. When the body misses out on vitamin C, it becomes at risk for scurvy. Fiber is also absent. Fiber is of course known for digestive help, but it also helps reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Gut health is extremely important.

Eating only meat can also raise cholesterol levels and put the kidneys at risk having to break down so much protein. The human body did not evolve to only eat meat. There are a wide variety of diets available, but anything to the extreme puts the body at risk. Our digestive system is set up to be an omnivore, therefore, we are not meant to be just meat eaters. However, advocates claim weight loss and have found benefits to their mental wellbeing as well. Eating only meat can cause constipation since there is little fiber to aid with digestion.

The most uncontroversial diet consists of 30% protein, 30% fat, and 40% carbohydrates. The brain and body do need carbohydrates, but not in excess. The problem with today’s eating world is that items are presented in excess then consumed in excess. Knowing what one portion actually looks like has been far removed from our way of thinking. We are served more and extra and then don’t have the willpower to leave food on the plate. Not only that, but the food that is served is high in sugar and fat, not to mention it has become highly processed. The body needs balance, and eating only meat, weight loss effective or not, isn’t the answer to long term goals for a better body.