The carnivore diet got popular a few years ago, and its notoriety on the internet has not slowed down since! It's a favourite of body builders, gym fanatics, and dads, but it's a whole lot more than just eating steak for every meal.

It's similar to other restrictive diets which have grown in popularity in recent years, including the keto, paleo and AIP. 

The carnivore diet, just like the paleo diet, is based on the idea that early humans lived as hunter-gatherers who primarily consumed animal products with far less of the health problems we experience today; and that to return to good health, modern humans should follow a similar diet. The carnivore diet isn't just about what to eat (animal based products, including meat, dairy and eggs), but what to avoid, too. 

People on the carnivore diet eliminate all sources of carbohydrates, including common carbs like wheat, grains and nuts, which is why it is also known as the no-carb diet. This means that they eliminate all sources of carbohydrates, including complex carbohydrates — complex carbohydrates include those found in starchy vegetables and fruits containing simple sugars. In addition to cutting plant-based foods, people on the carnivore diet also avoid processed foods, such as baked goods, snack foods, and sugary drinks, as well as most condiments and sauces, which may contain added sugars or other non-carnivorous ingredients. 

For some, the carnivore diet includes organ meats and bone broth, or avoiding dairy if they're predisposed to lactose intolerance.

The carnivore diet has many reported benefits which make it a desirable diet for some. 

Major benefits people attribute to the carnivore diet include weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and decreased inflammation, though other fans of the diet claim it helps to:

Improved digestion by eliminating fiber and other indigestible carbohydrates
Increased energy levels due to the diet's high protein and fat content, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and provide sustained energy. 
Clearer skin due to the reduction of inflammation.
Better mental clarity with the elimination of processed foods and carbohydrates, which can lead to brain fog and fatigue. 

All of these potential benefits are especially helpful for those who struggle with chronic conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and multiple sclerosis. 

It's important to note that even though many people report amazing benefits and it might suit some, the diet is an extremely restrictive. Even the Inuit of Alaska would eat seasonally and enjoy some level of fibrous and carby foods including berries, tubers and grasses in the warmer months. This provided their body with the vitamins and nutrients missed the rest of the year. If a modern human in a subtropical, tropical environment eats a strict carnivore diet, supplemental vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and magnesium might be required.

As with all restrictive diets, nutrition is very personal and what's right for one person may not be right for others. If you're considering attempting the carnivore diet, do your own research and discuss the possible benefits and side effects of the diet with a trusted health professional.

Have you tried the carnivore diet?