Why People Are Trying Carnivore

The carnivore diet is exactly what it sounds like: all animal products, no plants. That means red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and sometimes dairy, while eliminating fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

Why it appeals to many:

• Digestive relief. By cutting fermentable carbs (FODMAPs), some people report less bloating and gas.
• Simplicity. No calorie counting, no complicated food rules—just meat.
• Viral testimonials. From Jordan Peterson to Joe Rogan, high-profile advocates credit carnivore with dramatic improvements in mood, energy, and autoimmune symptoms.
• Weight loss. Protein and fat tend to be filling, which naturally reduces calorie intake.

A 2021 survey of over 2,000 people on the diet found that many reported less bloating, better mood, and stable blood sugar (Lennerz et al., 2021). For individuals struggling with food sensitivities, carnivore can act like a blunt-force elimination diet, stripping everything back to the basics.

Why Experts Are Concerned

Despite the testimonials, nutrition researchers raise real concerns:

• Nutrient gaps. Carnivore eliminates fibre, vitamin C, folate, and plant-based antioxidants.
• Gut health risks. Fibre is the primary fuel for healthy gut bacteria. Without it, the microbiome may shrink in diversity.
• Heart health. High intake of saturated fats, paired with no protective plant compounds, may increase cholesterol and long-term cardiovascular risk.
• Mental health toll. Restrictive eating can heighten anxiety around food, limit social experiences, and, in some cases, trigger disordered eating patterns.

As gastroenterologist Dr. Shilpa Ravella notes, “Eliminating plants removes the very foods we know protect against chronic disease. Any short-term benefits don’t outweigh long-term risks” (O’Connor, 2019).

My Analysis

Here’s where I land: the carnivore diet is trending because people are desperate for solutions. If you’ve battled bloating, fatigue, or autoimmune flares, the promise of quick relief is powerful. And in some cases, under medical supervision, a short trial might provide insight.

But for me, the risks were clear. My practitioner suggested it as a short-term experiment, but I knew my mental health couldn’t withstand the intensity of such a restrictive diet. The absence of variety, the social limitations, and the stress of eliminating every plant-based food felt unsustainable.

In short, I see why some are tempted by carnivore, and I understand the curiosity. But my analysis is that the potential downsides, for gut health, nutrient balance, and mental well-being far outweigh the possible benefits.

A Carnivore-Inspired Meal

To understand what carnivore eating looks like, here’s a simple example, not a recommendation, just context:

Carnivore Breakfast Bowl 2 eggs, scrambled in butter 4 oz grass-fed ground beef, seasoned with sea salt 2 strips of nitrate-free bacon Optional: sprinkle of hard cheese (if tolerated)

It’s filling and protein-packed, but also a clear reminder of what’s missing: the freshness of fruit, the fiber of vegetables, the variety of a balanced plate.

Final Thoughts

The carnivore diet represents both the promise and the problem of viral health trends. For some, it provides relief from bloating or inflammation. For others, it poses serious nutritional and psychological risks.

Personally, I chose not to try it. Instead, I’m exploring gentler, evidence-based approaches, like low-FODMAP adjustments, probiotics, and mindful eating, that support both my gut and my mental well-being.

P.S. I am not a nutritionist or dietitian. I’m a journalist and writer who explores health and nutrition topics. This article reflects my personal analysis and a review of current evidence, and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes.