Have you wondered if doing an all meat diet (going carnivore) or even just doing a 30 day Carnivore challenge has any benefits? How exactly does going Carnivore benefit women?
The Benefits of the Carnivore Diet for Women
When I first started low carb and then keto about 10 years ago, keto was mostly about men and body builders. It was the reason I started this blog! I wanted women to hear and see the benefits for women.
Now it’s the same with Carnivore. It’s not all about the men, we women can derive great benefits from going carnivore!
Not sure what the Carnivore Diet is exactly?
If you have been already following a Ketogenic Diet, then you are almost there! The Carnivore diet goes quite a bit further and eliminates many of the foods that cause inflammation and other issues for most people.
It sounds like a restrictive diet, but within the animal foods that are included on Carnivore, the sky is the limit. Animal foods include all meat, dairy, poultry, seafood, organ meats. Anything from the animal kingdom can be included. If it comes from an animal it is fair game!
Carnivore is sometimes called the Zero Carb diet but it’s important to note that the goal is not zero carbs. After all, eggs, cheese and even some animal protein do have carbs. The goal is animal foods only, although I see that many carnivores do use seasonings and coffee.
Generally, other than some low oxalate seasonings and maybe coffee for some, no other plant foods are consumed on a carnivorous diet.
What Can You Eat on the Carnivore Diet?
The Carnivore Diet includes only animal products and excludes all other foods. The focus is on red meat, especially from ruminants.
Here are the foods commonly eaten on Carnivore:
- Animal Meat: beef, chicken or turkey, turkey, lamb, pork, etc.
- Organs: from all animals
- Fish: salmon, mackerel, sardines, shrimps, crab, lobster, tilapia, herring, etc.
- Other animal products: eggs from all fowl, lard and fat from animals and fowl, bone marrow, bone broth, etc.
- Dairy products : heavy cream, hard cheese, butter or ghee, raw or grass fed where possible.
- Water
Many people do add salt and other seasonings, coffee and tea, minimal condiments.
Carnivore Diet Food Pyramid
(Credit: Judy Cho author of The Carnivore Cure)
I have read Judy’s book Carnivore Cure and it is chock full of excellent nutritional information about following a meat based diet. Judy Cho’s book is available on Amazon here.
Here are some of the great benefits of reducing all the things that are eliminated on a carnivore program!
1. Eliminates Sugars and Sweeteners
I listed this one first because it was the scariest one for me to actually implement.
I had already given up sugar of course, but giving up even natural keto sweeteners when I did my first carnivore challenge seemed impossible!
By the time I had finished my first 30 days I was drinking my coffee black and sweeteners have been once in awhile treats and not every day items for me!
Read my personal experience and results of my first 30 day Carnivore Challenge here
What are the benefits of eliminating sugar and sugar like substances?
- Increased energy
- Weight loss – excess sugar is eventually stored as fat in our bodies
- Better mood and focus
- Reduced inflammation
- Solves craving issues – once you lose the taste for sweetness, that makes a keto or carnivore lifestyle so much easier!
NOTE: There is one sweetener that some carnivore dieters find acceptable. It is actually not even a sweetener, it is an amino acid supplement called Glycine, that happens to taste sweet.
This is not to say that you should be using this as a sweetener every day! It’s an option for that occasional time when you need a cake for a celebration or to bring something. A rare treat, not a daily thing!
Addiction to sweet foods is a thing and if eating something sweet, even once in awhile cause cravings, then it’s important to just not do it. I feel like this is such a gray area even for myself. Sometimes I can have a keto dessert and then move on. Other times I cannot and I can literally feel myself being pulled back into those carb cravings again. So proceed with caution on any foods that taste sweet, no matter how they are sweetened!
I made a carnivore cheesecake using glycine here
2. Eliminates grains, gluten, vegetable and seed oils
These items are linked to leaky gut and free radical damage, all of which lead to inflammation.
Many doctors say that inflammation is the root of all disease.
Read more about the dietary causes of inflammation here
3. Helps to improve insulin resistance
Losing body fat and gaining lean muscle mass is one of the best natural ways to improve blood sugar and reverse insulin resistance.
Insulin resistance is linked to conditions such as excema, obesity, gum disease, brittle bones, all of these things are of concern to women!
Good health for women as we age should be a top priority to prevent future health issues. Low-carb diets, the keto diet and now the carnivore diet are all ways to help us manage this process. Some people also combine these diets with intermittent fasting to further reduce insulin resistance.
Have a listen to this video:
4. Nutrients are more bio-available
Animal proteins are very nutrient dense and they are more bioavailable which just means that our bodies do a better job of absorbing those nutrients!
Many people worry about missing out on the nutrients from vegetables when doing carnivore. Well guess what?! The carnivore diet provides all the vitamins and minerals your body needs!
That said, I do make sure to keep my electrolytes up by taking a magnesium supplement and being super liberal with my sea salt!
5. Provides More Collagen
When you eat a meat based diet with a variety of fatty meat, red meat and other animal meat, you will naturally consume more collagen.
Drinking bone broth daily can boost that intake even further.
Collagen is another supplement that is of great benefit to women, carnivore or otherwise. If you are not able to get bone broth every day, then by all means supplement with a daily scoop of collagen.
Collagen for women has these health benefits:
- prevents hair loss and strengthens your hair and nails
- prevents bone loss, a huge benefit to mid life women!
- improves joint pain and joint health for flexibility
- helps with skin elasticity which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and skin aging.
- helps with the appearance of cellulite
So go make that bone broth, or buy it or take collagen!
6. Simplifies our lives
This one is big for me. As a working Mom, I remember all the rushed dinners, all the last minute takeout, the planning and the recipes.
What if for 30 days all you did was eat meat? How would that simplify your life? We are talking one pan, one pot meal prep!
Check out my Youtube Carnivore Playlist where I make lots of simple one meat, one pan meals
I know some of you are cooking for a family. They can eat the other stuff while you eat your fill of meat. What I have done in the past is make large pots of chili and casseroles for other family members so they can help themselves to those meals.
The other thing that makes it easier is that on carnivore there is no tracking of macros necessary. If you are eating only animal products, you are eating pretty close to zero carbs! Eggs and dairy will have some carbs but pure fats and protein are zero carbs.
7. Carnivore Can Provide Weight Loss
Yes, women lose weight on Carnivore! The very first time I ever did a carnivore challenge I lost 12 lbs the first week and 25 lbs for the 30 days!
I was much heavier back then. If I do a Carnivore challenge now I can expect to lose 5-10lbs. But for me I see it as a reset of my keto plan when I go off the rails or maybe feeling that inflammation after being on vacation.
Each time I do a Carnivore Challenge, my regular keto program becomes cleaner and tighter. I can see a time where I might just naturally evolve to all or mostly carnivore.
I hope I have given you something to think about and maybe a few reasons to give Carnivore a try!
Here are some Carnivore Meal Ideas
Recipes and Meal Ideas for Carnivore and Zero Carb
These recipes can all be used if you are considering trying zero carb or carnivore. Keep in mind that Carnivores focus on food from the animal kingdom. Some of these are relaxed Carnivore plan so feel free to omit any non animal ingredients.
Carnivore Friendly Lemon Cheesecake
You can eat this cheesecake when doing Carnivore! It is sweetener optional. Make it as is and then serve with various topping options that guests can put on while you stay on your Carnivore diet plan! Crockpot and Instant Pot instructions.
Carnivore Pizza Crust
My favorite crispy thin crust pizza is Keto, Carnivore, Dairy Free, Gluten free, flour free and zero carb!
Make the crust and choose your toppings depending on your own Keto or Carnivore goals!
Easy Keto Maui Ribs Recipe | Low Carb and Gluten Free!
Maui Ribs are a summer time tradition in my backyard! Easy to make, bursting with a sweet and salty flavor and fast to grill, these thin slices of beef heaven will become a favorite in your grilling rotation! If it rains, these Maui style beef short ribs are just as easy to cook in the oven.
Savory Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Soup
There are few soups as satisfying as a good hamburger soup! This keto bacon cheeseburger soup is low carb comfort food at it's best. Leave out the cauliflower to make it Carnivore! A perfect family dinner on a cold winter night.
Keto Slow Cooked Oven Brisket
Nothing gets the men in my family over to my house faster than hearing I am making a brisket! You will please any crowd with this slow cooked oven brisket that is truly melt in your mouth! And it's soooo easy to get perfect results every time!
Keto Carnivore Pasta Noodles
If you are missing pasta on Carnivore then these will help! You can use them in soups and sauces and make some fun Carnivore meals to add variety to your menus!
Carnivore Ham and Cheese Noodle Soup
A Carnivore recipe that is a true comfort food! Hearty Ham and Cheese soup topped with bacon and even optional noodles! Makes a warm Keto or Carnivore meal.
Carnivore Skillet Pepperoni Pizza
This cast iron skillet pepperoni pizza recipe is good for both Keto as well as relaxed Carnivore. If you are doing a Carnivore challenge, you don't have to miss pizza night! Serve with wings on the side!
Keto Egg Drop Soup with Egg Fast version
Keto Egg Drop soup is one of the fastest and easiest low carb meals you can make! Yet it's so good for keto flu as well as the Egg Fast or Carnivore.
Keto and Carnivore Bone Broth
Bone Broth is perfect for people doing Keto and Carnivore, but did you know that there are incredible health benefits for women? Make your own and have a daily cup!
Keto Carnivore Waffles
These keto carnivore waffles are going to surprise you because they don't really taste like the list of ingredients! These are perfect for taking along to lunch for work or a quick snack.
Juicy Keto Baby Back Ribs (Crockpot or Instant Pot Prep)
This is the very best way to make ribs! So juicy and tender they fall off the bone, no need for sauce at all!
Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Crispy Pork Belly Crack
The best carnivore snack or breakfast or anytime!
I love this recipe. That is all.
Easy Keto Rack of Lamb with Herbs and Garlic
Rack of Lamb is so easy to make even on a week night and makes a perfect carnivore dinner! Who needs vegetables?
Oven Cooked Bacon Recipe Perfect and Crisp!
Bacon is staple when doing carnivore and so I meal prep it in large quantities and this is the best way to do it!
Crispy Keto Tuna Melt Chaffles for Carnivore or Low Carb
What!? I know this doesn't look like it would be Carnivore but it's all from the animal kingdom! Tuna, cheese, eggs. Yup a Chaffle Tuna melt!
Keto Staples - Herb and Garlic Whole Roasted Chicken
Nothing like an entire roast chicken to get a Carnivore's heart to flutter!
Hi, I worry about the fat/cholesterol content. I know your body uses the fat for energy but what about cholesterol? Also, isn’t this type of diet hard on your organs? Liver/kidneys?
Well I’m not a doctor. But I’ve been to my doctor and she is amazed at how healthy I am now! I go over my last lab results here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=326Q0xvxFac
Hi Kim,
Dr Stephen Phinney from Virta Health covers off on many cholesterol and other FAQS related to ketosis in this link: https://www.virtahealth.com/faq/ketosis-ketogenic-diet-faq
Hi, I have started carnivore for a month and feel better and better. I just have some concerns for my periods. I usually have it for a maximum of five days and it has been regular for years, but after starting this diet I got my periods for second week and it’s still going on. Is this a normal passing thing?
No, I think I would be concerned about that. Are you fasting as well by any chance? I just happened to listen to a video from Anestral Healing on YT the other day and she is a young woman on carnivore but she stopped intermittent fasting because it messed with her periods. If that’s not it I would definitely check in with your doctor.
Thanks for the answer. No, I’m not fasting but am eating much less because less hungry. I will wait a couple of more weeks and get myself checked if it disent get better. I read somewhere that it’s a common thing on carnivore and wanted to confirm. But doesn’t seem to be the case.
Here is the link to that channel, she has some videos on hormones as well. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8xtU9luo1ZD1Cgx1WkOhaw
It could very well be just because you are adapting and definitely could be temporary. But I would definitely keep reading and learning!
Im really struggling with carnivore. I have been on it for a year now. Allowing special occasional treats. I am sick to my stomach alot of the time. Can too much fat be an issue for some people?
yeah it can be for some! There’s nothing wrong with a little tweaking of any way of eating. If you are adding fat to your meat then maybe stop that and see how you do. Are the special occasion treats keto? Or are we talking sugar? And how often? It could be that you have never got past the adaptation period that carnivore requires, which can be 6 months or more. SO maybe a few things to think about here, I hope this helps!
I accidentally went carnivore while trying to lose a few pounds before a family vacation. I feel great. Meals are made in a flash. No more over thinking or stressing to make dinner interesting, now it’s just delicious. I work long hours and I stand all day, I have had no negative side effects and seeing the kids and hubby eat sugar and bread isn’t a big deal anymore. My stomach feels great after 2 weeks and I finally drink enough water! I’m down 7 lbs and that’s probably because I’m not hitting the gym.
Anyways great article you helped put my mind at ease knowing I’m doing something good for myself and it’s not as dangerous as all the other articles and vegans say. ( I tried vegan and I felt bad.. everyone’s different right?)
haha, I love that ‘I accidently went carnivore’. :-) Because of carnivore, there are many days that I accidently do intermittent fasting because I’m just not hungry! I would never miss a meal on purpose, lol! Thanks for your comments and hey I was RAW vegan for 10 months and I became dangerously anemic. I have never felt better. Eat the meat proudly I say!
Hi there! Great article!
I tried carnivore for 2 weeks. I had been on the AIP diet for months and also very low carb version of it. I was doing this for gut health and hormones. I stopped because my 16yo daughter was diagnosed with Anorexia at the same time. I didn’t want her seeing me restrict more.
I haven’t had much luck doing more keto. I think a lot has to do with lifestyle also. I need better sleep and stress doesn’t help.
But, I’m almost 46 and I’ve been trying to lose 10lbs for over a year., along with healing my gut, etc. Something has gone wonky lately because my cystic acne has gotten worse. I have a clean diet. No sugar, dairy or gluten and keep it very simple, season with Redmond sea salt and I feel like I just can’t get to the healing and weight loss spot I need to be.
With that, I want to try carnival again, I worry about my daughter seeing me restrict more. Unless I do it during the day when she’s at school and keep dinner to a protein and light veggies? Also, I don’t think I could do dairy. I worry this will inflame me.
The carnivore feels so limited without dairy. So many good recipes I see you have listed, but a lot have dairy:(
Any thoughts on getting started and maybe doing it with avocado or broccoli at dinner?
Thanks! Megan
You are right that when I first started carnivore I did a lot of dairy and the recipes here reflect that. But have you checked out my youtube? I did a month of beef and lamb only in March and I never felt better. In April I added back in eggs, pork and some dairy but I am going back to meat only in May. I don’t feel like carnivore is restricting because you eat until full. There are young people on youtube who have healed their eating disorders and mental health issues by going carnivore and they might be good role models for your daughter as well. But you have to do what you feel is right. I just have never eaten so much and I’m at my lowest adult weight! Still have more to lose but for the first time ever I am believing I can get to my goal weight. That is something for me! Best of luck to you and your daughter! (PS I’m 63 and nothing has made me feel this good ever!)
Hi,
Do you mind sharing your daily menu? I’m almost 50 and feel very lethargic eating any dairy or red meat so I still to all poultry and fish but never feel full on carnivore.. even after 20 oz cooked meat a day?? 😔
At first I ate 3 meals a day but I seem to have settled into a routine of twice a day, first meal around 10am and then I’m not hungry until about 4-5pm.
In the beginning you should eat until full (not stuffed, just comfortable). And if that is 2 or 3 or 4 times a day, it doesn’t really matter, just whatever meat makes you feel satisfied.
Typically now I have some kind of beef for dinner,from 8 oz all the way to over a pound depending on my hunger. The next day I eat about 3 eggs for breakfast along with about 8-12 oz beef or sometimes pork.
I’ll change it up every once in awhile with seafood or chicken, but I’ve definitely evolved to be the most satisfied with beef.
Here’s video where I kept kind of a food diary for a week of carnivore when I was trying to stick to beef and lamb: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oyb1zRK4xM
Hope that helps!