The carnivore diet excludes all plant foods except meat, eggs, and small amounts of low-lactose dairy products. It’s a zero-carb eating plan that forces the body to burn fat for fuel.
It may be a good way to lose weight in the short term, but it’s not a healthy lifestyle long-term. It can put undue stress on the kidneys and lead to disordered eating behaviors, says Kelly Schmidt, RD.
Besides, protein helps the body break down fats and increase your metabolic rate, which will help you burn calories more efficiently. But excessive protein in high-fat meals can also kick you out of ketosis, which is the state in which your body burns fat for fuel, explains Schmidt.
A diet high in red meats and processed meats has been linked to an increased risk of gastric cancer, according to a report in the New York Times. Plus, it can reduce your intake of fiber and other nutrients, like calcium and magnesium, which are critical for bone health.
