Carnivore Diet FAQs: All Your Questions About Health, Benefits, and Side Effects Answered

A: Yes, the Carnivore Diet Can Support Postpartum Recovery

The high protein and fat content of the carnivore diet are ideal for tissue repair, hormone balancing, and restoring energy after childbirth. Protein supports muscle recovery, while healthy fats help with overall healing and hormone regulation. The anti-inflammatory effects of the diet can also promote a quicker recovery from childbirth, allowing your body to get back to its optimal state.

Now, how much protein should you actually be eating? Simple: eat until you’re full, but make sure you’re getting enough. By eating until your body signals that it’s had enough, you’re allowing it to naturally adjust to how much protein it requires.

For instance, I weigh 55kg, so I need around 117–147g of pure protein a day, depending on how active I am. If I’m just maintaining, I go for the lower end. If I’m aiming to lose fat and build muscle, I hit the higher end.

Quick Hack to Estimate Protein Intake

Here’s a quick hack for estimating your protein intake: take the weight of your meat and divide it by 5. So, if your steak weighs 700g, you’re looking at around 140g of protein. My average steaks weigh about 700g, so that’s a solid 140g of pure protein per meal. Not bad, right?

What Happens If You Don’t Get Enough Protein?

If you’re not getting enough protein, expect muscle loss, hair thinning, fatigue, and slower recovery. Protein is crucial for maintaining lean muscle mass and supporting your metabolism, which is key to staying in top shape.

Bottom Line: Don’t Skip the Protein

Bottom line? Listen to your body—it knows when you’ve had enough. But don’t skimp on the protein—it’s your ticket to feeling and looking your best!

No need to stress about counting calories or obsessing over macros while on the carnivore diet. This way of eating is all about listening to your body, not worrying about numbers. Eat when you’re hungry, stop when you’re satisfied, and let your body guide you. It’s that simple.

Meat Choice: Pick What You Enjoy

When it comes to choosing your meat, don’t worry about the fat-to-protein ratio. Whether it’s a thick, juicy steak, crispy chicken, or a beautifully fatty ribeye, pick what you enjoy. Fat is your friend here, and most meats naturally have the right amount to keep you fuelled. No need to cut back on fat or go adding extra—you’re already getting what you need.

Relax and Enjoy the Process

This isn’t about complicated numbers or stress; it’s about eating nourishing, animal-based foods and truly satisfying your hunger. So relax, enjoy your meals, and leave the numbers to someone else. You’ve got this!

A: The Carnivore Diet Can Enhance Milk Supply

The carnivore diet is rich in fats and proteins, both of which are necessary for producing high-quality breast milk. Animal fats, especially from meat and eggs, play a vital role in milk production. Additionally, the hormone-regulating properties of the carnivore diet can support optimal milk supply. When you nourish your body with nutrient-dense animal products, you’re ensuring that both you and your baby get the nutrients needed for healthy breastfeeding.

A: The Carnivore Diet Provides Essential Nutrients

When followed correctly, the carnivore diet offers all the key nutrients necessary for a healthy pregnancy and breastfeeding. Meat, eggs, and seafood provide vitamins A, D, E, and K, B vitamins, iron, calcium, and magnesium. As long as you focus on a variety of high-quality animal products, you are less likely to suffer from deficiencies. If you have concerns, consulting a holistic healthcare provider for possible supplementation may be beneficial.

Meat is the king when it comes to building muscle. It’s packed with everything your body needs to grow and repair those muscles.

Meat + Exercise = Muscle Growth

Adding meat alone will cause you to gain muscle mass, but incorporating weight-bearing exercises is highly beneficial and will spur on muscle growth faster. Now, if you really want to see the gains, don’t forget the heavy lifting part – that’s where the magic happens.

Get Ready to Watch Your Muscles Grow

So, load up on the meat, hit the gym, and watch your muscles do their thing. Simple as that.

A: Yes, Breastfeeding Moms Can Thrive on the Carnivore Diet

Breastfeeding mothers have increased nutritional needs, and the carnivore diet can meet those needs by providing nutrient-dense foods that support milk production and overall health. The diet is rich in protein, fats, and vitamins that are essential for nourishing both mother and baby. As long as you ensure you’re getting enough calories and hydration, the carnivore diet can be a great choice for breastfeeding.

A: Carnivore Diet Offers Essential Nutrients for Pregnancy

The carnivore diet is packed with bioavailable nutrients that your body can easily absorb. Protein is essential for tissue growth and repair, while iron from red meat helps prevent anemia—a common concern during pregnancy. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish, like salmon, are key for the baby’s brain and eye development. By eliminating processed foods, the carnivore diet also helps reduce inflammation, offering additional health benefits for the pregnancy.

Yes, you absolutely can lose weight on the carnivore diet, and it’s not some magical fairy tale—it’s backed by solid science and biology. Here’s the deal: when you cut out carbs and focus purely on animal-based foods, your body switches gears and taps into its natural fat-burning abilities. Fat becomes your primary fuel source, and that’s when the weight starts to drop.

How It Works: Fat as Fuel

Your body is designed to run on fat, not sugar. When you remove carbs, insulin levels plummet. This gives your body the green light to break down stored fat for energy. And let’s not forget, the carnivore diet is also about detoxing. With fewer toxins from processed foods, your system can finally focus on shedding not just weight, but all the junk it’s been hanging onto.

The Benefits: More Than Just Fat Loss

But here’s the kicker: the results speak for themselves. You won’t just be lighter on the scale, you’ll feel more energetic, sharper, and less inflamed. Don’t believe me? Well, let your own experience on the carnivore diet do the talking.

No Gimmicks, Just Real Results

No gimmicks. No fads. Just you, some high-quality meat, and your body doing exactly what it’s meant to do. It’s about time you start shedding that excess weight and those toxins, right? Give the carnivore diet a go—you won’t look back!

A: Yes, the Carnivore Diet Can Be Safe During Pregnancy

The carnivore diet can be safe and supportive during pregnancy, providing essential nutrients needed for both mother and baby. Animal-based foods, like meat, eggs, and seafood, are rich in key nutrients such as protein, iron, B12, and DHA, which are crucial for fetal development and the mother’s health. However, it’s always recommended to consult your holistic healthcare provider before making any major dietary changes to ensure it’s right for your specific needs.

Here’s the deal: fat is essential on the carnivore diet. If you’re not eating enough of it, you’re setting yourself up for some real problems.

Fat Is Your Primary Energy Source

The carnivore diet is zero-carb, so fat becomes your primary energy source. If you’re skimping on it, your body will start relying too much on protein, which can lead to digestive issues like bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Not ideal.

Lack of Fat Means More Hunger and Carb Cravings

Without enough fat, your body also misses out on a nutrient that’s incredibly satiating. This means you’ll feel hungrier more often, and those sneaky carb cravings will hit hard, especially when you’re still adjusting to the carnivore lifestyle. If you’re not getting enough fat to stay full, you might find yourself tempted by carbs.

Make Fat Your Friend

So, if you want to thrive on the carnivore diet, make sure you’re eating plenty of fatty cuts of meat, and don’t be afraid to include butter, tallow, or lard. Your body will thank you, and you’ll feel a lot better for it.

We’ve all been told that carbs, low-fat diets, and processed “health” foods are the way to fix our hormones. Spoiler: they’re not. In fact, they could be making things worse.

Enter the Carnivore Diet – the no-nonsense, meat-based approach that’s as close to nature as you can get. We’re talking meat, fish, eggs, and salt. No gimmicks, just real food. And it’s not just another trend – it’s backed by science and is a game-changer for hormones and libido.

Hormones: Time for a Reset

When your hormones are out of balance, life feels like a battlefield. Enter the carnivore diet. By cutting out sugar and processed junk, you’re giving your body the chance to reset. Protein and fats from animal foods stabilise hormones like progesterone, oestrogen, and cortisol, bringing your body back to its natural rhythm. Goodbye mood swings, hello balance.

Libido: Get Your Spark Back

Let’s talk libido. Because who doesn’t want to feel on fire? When your hormones are working properly, your sex drive follows. Animal fats and proteins help your body produce key hormones like testosterone and oestrogen, which play a massive role in desire. Once you ditch the sugar and refuel with real nutrients, your body remembers what it’s like to be passionate and energetic – in more ways than one.

The Bottom Line

If you’re tired of feeling moody, sluggish, and disconnected, the carnivore diet is your answer. Real, nutrient-dense food brings your hormones back into balance and boosts your libido. It’s not a quick fix – it’s a long-term lifestyle that nourishes your body inside and out.

So stop overthinking, trust your body, and get back to eating real food. You’ve got this!

Oh, you bet it can! The Carnivore Diet isn’t just about building muscle and shedding fat – it’s a game changer for male sexual health too. Forget the nonsense that’s been shoved down your throat for years – high-quality protein and healthy fats from meat aren’t just good for your body; they’re basically rocket fuel for your libido and testosterone production.

Say Goodbye to Carbs, Hello to Mojo

If you want to feel like a real stallion (in every sense of the word), cutting out the carbs and processed junk might be your best move. Many men on the Carnivore Diet report feeling like they’ve rediscovered their mojo – higher energy, better performance, and a libido that’s on fire.

Get Your Carnivore On – You Won’t Regret It

So, if you’re looking to feel like the man you were born to be, get your carnivore on. You’ll be glad you did… and so will your partner. ????

Absolutely! You don’t need to break the bank to go carnivore. Focus on budget-friendly options like lean mince, eggs, chicken, and cheaper cuts of meat that still pack a punch in protein.

Smart Choices for Smart Spending

With a little planning, you can eat like a king without emptying your wallet. It’s all about making smart choices, and trust me – your health (and your wallet) will thank you!

Not necessarily. While many people who see health improvements with the Carnivore Diet choose to stick with it long-term, some go Carnivore Adjacent – meaning they keep the core principles but allow a little flexibility (like adding dairy or occasional veggies).

Finding What Works for You

If it works for you, great! The key is finding a sustainable way to eat that aligns with your goals. Carnivore isn’t about perfection; it’s about what makes your body feel its best, for the long run.

It’s simple: Eat meat when you’re hungry, stop when you’re full. There’s no need to stress about intermittent fasting or counting meals, especially when you’re just starting out. The key is to listen to your body. Eating when you’re genuinely hungry and stopping when you’re satisfied ensures that you’re properly nourishing your body without overcomplicating things.

Is Intermittent Fasting a Good Idea on Carnivore?

That being said, intermittent fasting can be incredibly beneficial. Methods like OMAD (one meal a day), two meals a day, or the 16:8 (fasting for 16 hours, eating within an 8-hour window) are excellent for giving your body time to rest, digest, and repair. These practices can kickstart fat-burning, improve mental clarity, and regulate hunger hormones.

Finding Your Rhythm

Ultimately, it’s all about finding a rhythm that works for your body – no need to obsess, just trust the process.

Forget everything you’ve been told about traditional fat-loss diets. PSMF (Protein Sparing Modified Fast), or as I like to call it, MSMF (Muscle Sparing Modified Fast – makes more sense as you’re preserving muscle), is the real game-changer when you want to burn fat fast without sacrificing muscle. Why? Because it makes more sense than the traditional PSMF, and it’s especially effective when you’re on a carnivore diet.

How MSMF Works: The Basics

Here’s how it works: you cut your calories by slashing carbs and fats to the bare minimum, but you keep your protein intake high to preserve muscle mass. The result? Your body burns fat for fuel while your muscles remain intact.

What You’re Eating on MSMF

On MSMF, you’re typically consuming about 800-1000 calories a day, with the bulk coming from high-quality animal protein sources like beef, chicken, and fish. No carbs, no extra fats—just protein to keep those muscles in check and your fat-burning engine running.

Carnivore-Friendly Example: How Much Protein to Eat

Now, let’s break it down with a carnivore-friendly example: Imagine you’re sitting down to a 400g steak, which gives you around 80g of pure protein (to get the pure protein content of a steak, divide its weight by 5). That’s a meal that will keep your muscles happy while your body burns fat for energy. No need for anything extra—just solid, protein-packed meat to fuel your day. For men, I recommend a 600-700g steak, giving you approximately 135g of pure protein.

The Catch: MSMF Isn’t for the Long-Term

But here’s the thing—MSMF isn’t meant for the long haul. This is a short-term, rapid fat-loss strategy. Limit this approach to 1 or 2 non-consecutive days per week. It’s perfect when you need to drop fat fast, but once you’ve hit your goal, it’s time to transition to a more sustainable eating plan.

Here’s the truth: you’ll start noticing changes within a few days to a few weeks. Once your body adjusts, expect a noticeable boost in energy, better sleep, improved mood, smoother digestion, clearer skin, and much more.

The Adjustment Phase

Yes, the first few days may feel like an adjustment phase, but once you’re through that, the results will speak for themselves.

Stay the Course

So, hang in there—your body’s about to thrive! Keep pushing forward, and those benefits will roll in faster than you think.

During the adaptation phase, it’s all about taking care of your body. Make sure you’re eating enough food and getting plenty of rest. Consider adding extra salt, electrolytes, or bone broth to help replenish those important minerals. And if you’re thinking of hitting the gym hard, hold off for a bit—intense exercise can be tough on your body while it’s adjusting. As you settle in, your energy will rise, and exercise will get easier.

Common Bumps Along the Way

Now, don’t be surprised if you hit a few bumps along the way. Common issues include fatigue, headaches, irritability, insomnia, increased thirst or urination, digestive changes (hello, constipation or diarrhoea), joint pain, and even some random rashes. It’s your body adjusting, and it’s temporary.

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

Most of these symptoms will clear up in a few days to weeks. After that, you’ll start feeling the benefits: more energy, better sleep, improved digestion, and less inflammation.

Need Support? We’ve Got You

Need help navigating the transition? Our coaches have got your back to make the shift smoother. You’ve got this—just stick with it!

Starting a carnivore diet is pretty straightforward, but how you dive in depends on your current eating habits. Some people can jump straight into it with no issues, while others might find a gradual transition works better.

Listen to Your Body

The key is listening to your body—if you’re used to a more carb-heavy diet, easing in might help you avoid any discomfort. Try cutting out carbs gradually over a week or two to allow your body to adjust without throwing you into a full-on detox. This approach can help ease you into the meat-based lifestyle without triggering the dreaded “keto flu” symptoms like headaches or fatigue.

Plan Your Meals

Prep ahead! Stock up on fatty cuts of meat (think ribeyes, chicken thighs, or ground beef) to make sure you’re getting enough calories and fat to keep you full and satisfied. Don’t forget the essentials—salt and electrolytes to help manage any potential mineral imbalances as your body adapts.

Start Slow with Fats

While you’ll be focusing on eating mostly animal products, be mindful of fat intake. Start slow with fats like butter, tallow, and cream until your digestive system adjusts. Too much fat too quickly can cause some initial digestive discomfort, so ease into it.

Stay Hydrated and Get Enough Sleep

Hydration is key! Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water and consider adding bone broth for an extra boost of electrolytes. Sleep is also crucial during the transition—your body needs time to repair and adapt, so aim for a solid 7-8 hours of rest each night.

Get Ready to Dig In

Either way, the meat’s calling, so get ready to dig in! Embrace the change, trust the process, and know that as your body adjusts, the rewards will be well worth it. Keep your meals simple, focus on nutrient-dense foods, and take it one step at a time!

Debunking the Myth: Does Red Meat Cause Cancer?

Let’s debunk this one: the studies linking red meat to colon cancer are mostly observational, meaning they show an extremely weak potential connection—nothing concrete. There’s no solid proof from randomised controlled trials that red meat directly increases your risk of colon cancer or any other type of cancer.

The “Red Meat Causes Cancer” Myth

The whole “red meat causes cancer” idea? It’s a myth that’s never been proven—and probably never will be. So, go ahead and enjoy that steak without the guilt!

Let’s clear the air: no study has ever proven that saturated fat or cholesterol cause heart disease, clogged arteries, or high blood pressure. In fact, people on a carnivore diet often experience fewer heart attacks than those on a typical Western or plant-based diet. The idea that saturated fat is the bad guy? Pure myth, not science.

Cholesterol: Not Your Enemy

Cholesterol? Not the enemy. Your body needs it for brain function and hormone production. As for saturated fats, they’re crucial for energy, joint health, and even absorbing vitamins. On a carnivore diet, you’re munching on nutrient-packed animal products, full of healthy saturated fats that can actually improve your cholesterol and support heart health.

Pass the Steak and Butter!

So, let go of the myths. Pass the steak and butter—your body will thank you!

The main difference is that carnivore is a stricter, lower carbohydrate diet than keto. While keto can offer benefits, some people may not see all the results they want until they reduce their carbohydrate intake further to near zero, which is the carnivore approach.

When to Try Carnivore Over Keto

If you find that keto isn’t working as well, a 90-day carnivore challenge may be the next step before deciding whether to return to keto or try a more flexible option. The stricter, zero-carb nature of carnivore could unlock new results that keto may not have been able to deliver for you.

You need it! The carnivore diet can flush out excess water from your body, so it’s important to get enough salt to avoid feeling like a dried-out raisin.

How to Hydrate Effectively

A great way to hydrate more effectively is by putting a little salt under your tongue and keeping it there for about 30 seconds before drinking water. This allows the salt to be absorbed directly into your bloodstream, helping to retain hydration and balance electrolytes more efficiently.

Choose the Right Salt

When it comes to salt, Celtic sea salt, Himalayan salt, or desert salt are ideal choices because they contain a variety of trace minerals that help with hydration and overall health. These salts are unrefined, unlike table salt, which is stripped of beneficial minerals and often contains additives like anti-caking agents. Opting for natural salts helps maintain the body’s mineral balance and supports better hydration.

Switching to a carnivore diet can bring some serious benefits. Many people have seen reductions—or even complete reversals—of issues like diabetes, gut problems, joint pain, skin conditions, hormonal imbalances, inflammation, and high blood pressure.

Improved Body Composition and Performance

But it’s not just about health; you’ll likely notice improvements in body composition too—think fat loss, muscle gain, increased strength, and better performance and endurance. Plus, a lot of people have even managed to reduce or ditch their prescription meds altogether.

It’s About Feeling and Living Better

In short, a carnivore diet isn’t just about eating meat—it’s about feeling better and living better. Ready to make the change?

Let’s not beat around the bush – the answer isn’t black and white. Some people can tolerate dairy just fine, while others end up feeling bloated or uncomfortable. If dairy causes you bloating or starts affecting your weight, it’s probably best to cut it out.

My Dairy Experience

When I do include dairy in my diet, I stick to raw milk and raw cheese. They’re easier to digest, but even then, I still see some weight gain. Your experience may differ, though – everyone’s body reacts differently.

The Bottom Line

Bottom line? If dairy doesn’t sit well with you, get rid of it. If it works for you, enjoy it while it lasts. It’s all about finding what works best for you.

Technically, coffee’s a plant, so it’s not exactly part of the carnivore diet. But let’s be real—many people still drink it and do just fine. Personally, I like my black, organic coffee after meals to avoid spiking cortisol levels, which can interfere with fat loss. Timing matters here—if you drink it on an empty stomach, you could trigger a cortisol surge, and that’s not ideal for fat burning.

Taking a Break from Coffee

Every few months, I also take a week off from coffee. Why? Because I like to give my body a break from caffeine. The withdrawal symptoms aren’t fun—think a day-long headache—but I push through it. After a few days, I’m back to feeling better than ever.

Coffee on the Carnivore Diet: The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, coffee isn’t a necessity on the carnivore diet, but if it’s something you enjoy, just be mindful of when and how you drink it. Drink it wisely, not mindlessly!

Let’s be real—alcohol isn’t just a bunch of empty calories, it’s actually a toxin that your body prioritises metabolising over everything else. When you consume alcohol, your liver shifts gears to break it down, temporarily putting fat burning on pause. In other words, instead of torching stored fat for fuel, your body focuses on processing alcohol first. This can seriously slow down fat loss.

How Alcohol Affects Your Health

But that’s not all. Alcohol messes with hormone regulation, boosts cortisol (hello, fat storage), disrupts sleep, and even impairs muscle recovery. On top of that, it damages your gut lining and sparks systemic inflammation, which is the last thing you want if you’re serious about health and well-being.

Alcohol and My Health Choices

For these reasons, I’ve chosen to save alcohol for special occasions. My health is my top priority, and I know that alcohol isn’t supporting my best life. If you do decide to drink, though, clear spirits like vodka or tequila are your best bet. Beer and wine? Essentially liquid bread, loaded with sugars and inflammatory compounds—not something you want on your plate (or in your glass).

Bottom Line: Alcohol and Your Goals

Bottom line? If you’re aiming for optimal health and fat loss, alcohol’s best left on the sidelines. But hey, life’s about balance—just make sure you’re making choices that truly support your goals!