Locations:
Search IconSearch

The Carnivore Diet: Can You Have Too Much Meat?

Yes — yes you can!

A pile of various kinds of raw meat and poultry

Diet programs come in all shapes and sizes, and one trending diet is the carnivore diet. Although it might boast success in helping you lose a few pounds (maybe gained during quarantine?), you may wonder if it’s safe to eat nothing but meat. And how is the carnivore diet different from other carb-limiting meal plans, such as the ketogenic (keto) diet?

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Dietitian Kate Patton, MEd, RD, CSSD, LD explains what the carnivore diet is and if it’s possible to indulge in too much meat.

What is the carnivore diet?

The carnivore diet might seem like just the ticket if you love meat enough to eat it for every meal (hello, Ron Swanson). In this diet plan, you do just that: eat meat or animal products for every meal. Unlike keto, which limits carbs to a certain number per day, the carnivore diet aims for zero carbs per day. You eat only meat, fish, eggs and some animal products; you exclude all other food groups — including vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds.

The carnivore diet boasts weight loss, improved mood, as well as blood sugar regulation. It was founded on the belief that high-carb diets are the cause of chronic disease. However, there are drawbacks to eating nothing but animal protein and zero carbs.

Carbs get a bad rap. When you digest carbs, your body turns them into glucose to be used for energy. But if you’re not exercising regularly to burn those carbs, they can quickly turn into fat. Therefore, too many carbs can pack on the pounds quickly.

“Carbohydrates are your body’s preferred energy source — what it’s accustomed to using for energy,” says Patton. “But if you don’t eat carbs, your next resort is burning fat. And that comes from burning fat in foods you eat or your own body fat.” She says people tend to feel good once they’re off carbs because they don’t have any wild swings in blood sugar, and eating meat is not as inflammatory. But she warns: Too much animal fat can cause inflammation too.

Advertisement

According to Patton, the absence of carbohydrates is what leads to the weight loss associated with the carnivore diet, but carbs are your body’s preferred energy source. And you can have some serious side effects living off a meat-only diet.

Not all carbs are equal (or bad)

Carbs in their basic form provide fuel for your body. And there are a lot of good-for-you carbohydrates that are loaded with fiber, vitamins and minerals. The best carbs are the ones that most closely resemble how they occur in nature — not processed or refined. Some to consider are:

  • Fruits, such as apples, pineapple, strawberries.
  • Vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes and beets.
  • Whole grains, such as quinoa and whole wheat bread.

Simple carbs — desserts, sugary candies, cakes and pies — are the ones to avoid. These are typically full of preservatives, white sugar and flour and are notorious for causing inflammation and weight gain — especially around your middle. These carbs are also known contributors to many adverse health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes (thus, the flux in blood sugar), obesity and high blood pressure. So of course if you cut them out of your diet, you’ll feel better with less weight and fluctuations in glucose levels. But you don’t need to omit all carbs for health benefits. In fact, you can do real damage to your body in doing so.

What are the risks of the carnivore diet?

The carnivore diet at its core is extremely restrictive. And when you omit entire food groups from your diet, there’s bound to be consequences.

“The carnivore diet is super low in fiber, which will cause a lot of constipation,” says Patton. And the risks become much more serious than a failure to poop.

“If you have a pre-existing chronic condition, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, any history of stroke or other cardiovascular diseases, you should definitely not try this diet,” Patton says pointedly. “Even if you have digestive issues, this diet can make things worse with all that protein and fat, which takes a lot longer to digest.”

The carnivore diet is high in saturated fats which can cause elevated LDL or bad cholesterol and put you at risk for heart disease. What’s more, many different kinds of processed meats like bacon and some lunch meats are loaded with sodium and have been linked to certain types of cancer. And a diet high in sodium can cause kidney problems and high blood pressure.

Should you consider the carnivore diet?

Patton doesn’t mince words when it comes to this question.

“In my opinion, no.”

If you’re a believer in everything in moderation, this diet isn’t for you. The best diet is one that’s balanced and includes a variety of different foods from several food groups.

Advertisement

“It really is about finding a balance in what’s right for you.”

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Person in kitchen holding placard with six foods containing calcium, like tofu, broccoli and almonds
September 6, 2024/Nutrition
Food for Your Bones: How To Follow the Osteoporosis Diet

Eating enough dairy, fish and leafy greens is a good way to help keep your bones strong

Tofu and vegetables in enamel serving skillet
August 27, 2024/Nutrition
What You Need To Know About the Ornish Diet

This low-fat, plant-based eating plan includes lifestyle changes, such as exercise, stress management and social support

Hands scooping pomegranate seeds from bowl onto fruit bowl
August 22, 2024/Nutrition
Is a Whole Foods, Plant-Based Diet Right for You?

Eating foods derived from plants can lower your risks of heart disease, diabetes and obesity

Food placed on plate like a clock
August 9, 2024/Nutrition
Intermittent Fasting Explained: Benefits and How To Do It Safely

There are different ways to alternate between eating and fasting

Person holding up and pointing to bowl of tofu, with assorted protein foods floating around
July 25, 2024/Nutrition
What Iron Does for Your Body

The benefits of iron span your whole body, from your blood and your brain to your immune system and more

Plate with beef, eggs, avocado, leafy greens and apricots, with multi-grain bread, walnuts, sweet potato and yogurt
July 11, 2024/Women's Health
What To Eat and Foods To Avoid While Breastfeeding

A well-balanced diet of whole grains, salmon, leafy greens and more can help maintain energy and increase milk supply

Person holding a plate of veggies and rice on their lap
July 3, 2024/Nutrition
Is a Vegan Diet Healthy?

Eating a totally plant-based diet can be healthy, but eating a well-balanced diet no matter what eating style you choose is important

Person pouring packet of sugar subsitute in cup of coffee, cell phone on table, spoon in hand
June 28, 2024/Nutrition
Stevia Is Sweet — But Is It Good for You?

Studies and the FDA say this herbaceous alternative is safe in moderation, so go ahead and sprinkle away!

Trending Topics

Female and friend jogging outside
How To Increase Your Metabolism for Weight Loss

Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress

stovetop with stainless steel cookware and glassware
5 Ways Forever Chemicals (PFAS) May Affect Your Health

PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body

jar of rice water and brush, with rice scattered around table
Could Rice Water Be the Secret To Healthier Hair?

While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims

Ad