Exploring different variations of the carnivore diet
The ‘Carnivore Diet’ comes in a variety of different flavours, some strict and some more relaxed with differing food options available.
Below I will go through each type of variation including what food types are allowed and which diet may suit different people better depending on their goals.
- Strict Carnivore Diet (AKA Lion Diet): Consists exclusively of ruminant animal-based foods. Used as an elimination diet.
- Classic Carnivore Diet: Emphasises meat including fish, but also includes eggs and some dairy.
- Animal-Based Carnivore Diet: Prioritises high-quality, ethically sourced animal products with the addition of some fruits, and honey and is higher in carbohydrates.
- Keto Carnivore Diet: Not a true carnivore diet, however, it still focuses on high-fat foods primarily from meat with the aim of maintaining a ketogenic approach, but still allowing minimal low-carb vegetables and some other foods.
Strict Carnivore Diet (AKA The Lion Diet)
The Strict Carnivore diet, also referred to as the Lion Diet, takes the concept of carnivory to the extreme. This approach exclusively consists of ruminant animal-based meat and animal fats with the addition of salt and water.
One of the concepts behind eating a Strict Carnivore diet is that it is an ‘elimination diet’, eliminating all other food types that could potentially be the cause of irritability, inflammation and other health problems, whilst still providing a high level of nutrition, good fat and proteins.
Strict Carnivore excludes all other food types including fish, all plant-based foods including vegetables and fruits as well as eggs and dairy. Of course, all processed foods are also excluded.
The primary focus and likeness to the diet of a lion (hence the nickname Lion Diet) is achieved through consuming whole animal products in their natural form, much like how a lion in the wild primarily consumes meat.
Most people who eat Strict Carnivore focus purely on red meat, salt and water only. This is a great way to identify if any other food types are causing problems and is the choice of people wanting to improve health conditions.
The Strict Carnivore diet is zero carbohydrate, meaning the body will switch from using glucose as it’s primary fuel source and will instead use fat. This process is also referred to as ketosis which has been proven to have many health benefits.
The results of eating this way have been incredibly beneficial for many people around the world with all kinds of health conditions clearing up very quickly and reports of massive improvement to both physical and mental health conditions.
Classic Carnivore Diet
The Classic Carnivore diet is the most popular of the carnivore diets, consisting of a very low carbohydrate intake with fat and protein being prioritised, primarily from ruminant animals. Unlike Strict Carbivore, the Classic Carnivore version allows all types of meat and fish (although some meats and fish are better than others), organ meat, eggs, as well as some dairy such as cheese and many choose to consume tea and coffee, also.
Ensuring carbohydrates are kept to a minimum and excluding all fruits, vegetables and plant-based food items. Make sure to watch out for hidden sugars and carbohydrates in some foods such as milk which contains lactose.
The Classic Carnivore diet is the most popular of carnivore diets and as it includes a wider variety of foods, is much more sustainable.
it is important to understand that whilst there are no set limits for your fat and protein intake, some people do better with differing amounts of fats and proteins and it is a good idea to experiment to see what works best for you, in terms of energy, weight loss/maintenance.
Animal-Based Carnivore Diet
Keto Carnivore Diet
What version of the carnivore diet is best for you?
That all depends on your goals. The Strict aka Lion Diet is best suited for anyone looking to heal chronic disease, and/or identify if there are any issues with any particular food types, such as dairy, or grains, both of which can be inflammatory and cause problems for many.