Is Carnivore Safe to Do Long Term? We Take a Look

Most diets are only meant to be followed for a short time.

But what about Carnivore? Is it safe long term, or is it just a quick weight loss strategy? 

The problem with weight loss diets

Many weight loss plans (fads) are not meant to be followed very long because they are deficient in two ways: calories and macronutrients. 

Calories 

Although calories in/calories out does not work for lasting weight loss, calories are still important. 

A calorie is a basic unit of energy. 

We all have a certain amount of calories we need a day for our body to function at even a rested state.

That’s called our Basic Metabolic Rate. 

It varies from person to person, with things like gender, age, height/weight, and activity level factoring in. 

But the thing to know is that most diets drop your calories way down below that rate. 

Of course you lose weight. But it’s not sustainable and it’s not healthy. 

And I hear you: so why is Extended Fasting safe then? Extended Fasting cuts out all calories! 

Extended Fasting is different because of the absence of insulin. Remember no food is not the same as very little food. 

You can read more about that here. Extended Fasting Guide (EF) for Beginners – Nutri-Align 

Macronutrients 

A macronutrient is defined as a type of food required by the body in large amounts. 

There are generally three macronutrients (but not really): fat, protein, and carbohydrates. 

We say “not really” because carbohydrates are not required by the body, despite what you’ve probably been told all your life. 

So the two we are left with are fat and protein. 

Most diets are not sustainable because you’re not able to meet daily fat and protein requirements. 

Given enough time, you would start to feel unwell. 

And you could also begin to experience muscle loss, hair loss, and serious health issues. 

Carnivore is different 

It should be easy to see why Carnivore is so different. 

First of all, calories are not limited on the Carnivore diet. You can eat as much as you need to, as long as it’s animal products. 

That doesn’t mean that Carnivore gives you a license to binge. But generally, you don’t have to cut calories. 

And since we know the only two essential macronutrients are fat and protein, that’s also not an issue on Carnivore. 

Animal products are the primary source of healthy fats and protein. 

So eating a Carnivore diet does not limit your calories and does not limit your fat and protein. 

Which is why, for most people, Carnivore is safe to do long term. 

Think about it, our ancestors were primarily Carnivore. If it were not safe long term, how did humans survive?

A google search will find you plenty of people who have been Carnivore for years, some decades, with only positive results. 

And there are no controlled, scientific studies (that we are aware of) to indicate that the Carnivore diet is not suitable long term. 

That being said … 

Some Carnivores are finding that they eventually need to reintroduce a few carbohydrates. 

They might begin to experience elevated blood sugar levels or low energy.

This is because after a longer period of time with no carbohydrates, insulin can need a little boost. 

And when we say carbohydrates, we’re not talking about breads and pastas or ice cream and cake.

We’re talking about adding a low glycemic fruit or some berries, or some people have a little honey every day. 

Please note: If you’re on the Carnivore diet and not feeling well, always check in with your doctor. 

Especially if you have medical conditions or you are on any medications.

Bottom line

The Carnivore diet is fine for most people.

It is generally considered safe as a way of eating long term for health and longevity.