Considering shifting to a carnivore diet? 

The carnivore diet is gaining popularity for its potential benefits and straightforward approach to eating. 

But here's the deal — if you’re new to the carnivore diet, your shopping list and meal plan will likely be different from what you’re used to.

Plus, you might even be wondering if it’s good for you to eat an only-meat diet. What do you need to buy to get your nutrients?

If that’s you, then this post is for you. We’ll give you a list of everything you need to get going.

Ready to give the carnivore diet a shot? Let’s dive in.

 

What is the Carnivore Diet? 

The carnivore diet is pretty straightforward. 

It's a way of eating that keeps things simple — focusing on animal products and removing carbs, fruits, and veggies. 

Yes, you read it right — no plant-based options in this diet.

And if you’re wondering where this diet originated, it's not a new fad. The carnivore diet has its roots in our primal past. Think back to the days of our ancestors… They thrived on a meat-heavy diet.

Many people want to try this diet because our ancestors were known for incredible vitality to live through harsh situations.

It's about providing your body with essential nutrients found in animal products. The goal of the carnivore diet is to simplify your diet by cutting out the unnecessary.

However, what are the specifics on what you’re allowed to eat on a carnivore diet and what you need to cut out? 

Ready to dive a bit deeper? Let's uncover more about the carnivore diet.

Comprehensive Carnivore Diet Food List: What to Eat, and What Not to Eat

What to Eat

Meats

Incorporate a variety of meats into your carnivore diet for a balanced approach:

• Beef: A reliable source of protein, whether in the form of a steak or ground beef.
• Pork: Options like ribs, chops, and bacon provide diversity.
• Poultry: Lean protein from chicken or turkey can be a staple.
• Game Meats: Explore options like venison, bison, or elk for a change.

Seafood

Include a range of seafood to diversify your protein intake:

• Fish: Opt for omega-3-rich choices like salmon or cod.
• Shellfish: Shrimp, crab, and mussels offer additional seafood options.

Organ Meats

Consider incorporating nutrient-dense organ meats such as liver, heart, or kidney into your diet.

Liver, for instance, is a nutrient powerhouse containing B vitamins, iron, and vitamins A, D, and K. 

By including liver in your carnivore diet, you're ensuring a robust intake of nutrients crucial for heart health, immune function, and overall well-being.

Dairy Products

While meat takes the spotlight, certain dairy products align with the carnivore diet:

• Butter: A suitable fat source.
• Cheese: Choose high-fat, low-carb varieties.
• Heavy Cream: Ideal for adding richness to beverages.

(If you’re doing the stricter version of the carnivore diet, you’ll want to leave cheese and cream off the menu. In that case, just omit them from the meal plan below and replace them with some spices.)

What Not to Eat

Processed Foods

Say goodbye to anything processed. The carnivore diet excludes items like packaged snacks, ready-made meals, and anything that has undergone extensive processing.

Grains

Grains, including wheat, rice, and oats, are off the table in the carnivore world. Bid farewell to bread, pasta, and cereals.

Vegetables

On the carnivore diet, vegetables are excluded. Anything plant-based is off the table.

Fruits

Fruits, despite their natural sweetness, are not part of the carnivore diet. No apples and bananas.

Now that you have a clear understanding of the carnivore diet's food list, let's proceed to construct a practical game plan tailored to your dietary preferences.

Your Carnivore Diet Meal Plan 

Let's simplify your week with a carnivore diet meal plan that's not just easy but also bursting with flavor. 

If you have a busy schedule, these dishes are straightforward to prepare and will keep you on track with your carnivore diet.

Let’s start with carnivore breakfast for Monday.

Monday:

Breakfast: Scrambled eggs in butter with crispy bacon

Preparation:

1. Whisk four eggs in a bowl until well-blended.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter.
3. Pour the whisked eggs into the skillet, stirring continuously until the eggs are fully cooked.
4. In a separate pan, fry bacon until it reaches the desired crispiness.

Lunch: Grilled chicken thighs

Preparation:

1. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
3. Grill the chicken thighs for approximately 6–8 minutes per side or until fully cooked.

Dinner: Beef stir-fry

Preparation:

1. Slice beef into thin strips and season with your preferred spices.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
3. Add the seasoned beef strips and stir-fry until browned.

Tuesday:

Breakfast: Omelet with cheese and ham

Preparation:

1. Whisk three eggs in a bowl until frothy.
2. Pour the whisked eggs into a hot, buttered pan.
3. Add shredded cheese and diced ham on one side of the omelet.
4. Fold the omelet in half and cook until the cheese is melted.

Lunch: Grilled salmon

Preparation:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Pat the salmon fillets dry, season with salt and pepper.
3. Brush both sides with olive oil.
4. Grill for about 4–5 minutes per side or until the salmon flakes easily.
5. Remove from the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes.

Dinner: Baked pork chops

Preparation:

1. Season pork chops with your favorite spices.
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Place the seasoned pork chops on a baking sheet and bake until fully cooked.

Wednesday:

Breakfast: Ground beef and egg scramble

Preparation:

1. Brown one pound of ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Whisk three eggs and pour them over the browned beef.
3. Stir continuously until the eggs are fully cooked.

Lunch: Butter-cooked shrimp

Preparation:

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a generous amount of butter.
2. Add shrimp to the skillet and sauté until they turn pink.

Dinner: Grilled lamb chops

Preparation:

1. Season lamb chops with salt and pepper.
2. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
3. Grill the lamb chops for approximately 4–5 minutes per side or until your preferred doneness.

Thursday:

Breakfast: Sausages with sliced cheese

Preparation:

1. Cook sausages in a skillet over medium heat until browned.
2. Serve with sliced cheese on the side.

Lunch: Turkey slices with cream cheese

Preparation:

1. Spread cream cheese on turkey slices.
2. Roll them up for a quick and satisfying snack.

Dinner: Venison steaks

Preparation:

1. Season venison steaks with your favorite spices.
2. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
3. Grill the venison steaks for approximately 5–6 minutes per side or until your preferred doneness.

Friday:

Breakfast: Bacon-wrapped sausages

Preparation:

1. Wrap sausages with bacon strips.
2. Bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until the bacon is crispy.

Lunch: Baked salmon fillets

Preparation:

1. Season salmon fillets with your preferred herbs and spices.
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Bake the salmon until it flakes easily with a fork.

Dinner: Ground bison with spices

Preparation:

1. Brown one pound of ground bison in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Season with your favorite spices.

Saturday:

Breakfast: Cheese and ham roll-ups

Preparation:

1. Roll ham slices with cheese for a quick and satisfying breakfast.

Lunch: Baked chicken wings with a flavorful dry rub

Preparation:

1. Coat chicken wings with a dry rub of your choice.
2. Bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until crispy.

Dinner: Ribeye steak

Preparation:

1. Season ribeye steak with salt and pepper.
2. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
3. Grill the ribeye steak for approximately 4–5 minutes per side or until your preferred doneness.

Sunday:

Breakfast: Breakfast sausage patties with scrambled eggs

Preparation:

1. Cook sausage patties in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Scramble eggs in butter until fully cooked.

Lunch: Crab legs with melted butter

Preparation

1. Steam crab legs until heated through.
2. Serve with melted butter for dipping.

Dinner: Chicken thighs in a creamy Alfredo sauce

Preparation:

1. Season chicken thighs with your favorite spices.
2. Cook chicken thighs and simmer in a creamy Alfredo sauce until fully cooked.

Snack Options

If you’re wondering about some snack options, here they are:

• Beef Jerky: A convenient and protein-packed snack.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs: Prep a batch for a quick protein fix.
• Cheese Cubes: Portable and satisfying.
• Pre-Cooked Meat Slices: Carry a container for a quick and filling snack.

A Tip for Your Carnivore Meal Plan

If you have a favorite dish on this list, you can batch-cook it every Sunday, so you can just reheat it and won’t have to prepare it repeatedly.

For example, if you like beef stir-fry for dinner, you can prepare lots of it on Sunday, so you have beef stir-fry for the whole week.

Or if you like to eat quick cheese and ham roll-ups every morning, you can batch-cook them too.

Feel free to do it with every dish on this list, so you can tailor it to your preferences.

With these detailed meal plans and preparation tips, you can easily follow a carnivore diet, even on the busiest days. 

Carnivore Diet Shopping List 

Planning your carnivore diet meals just got easier! 

Here's a simple shopping list based on the delicious recipes we've lined up for you. Let's make your trip to the store easier.

Meat:

• Beef (steaks, ground beef)
• Pork (chops, bacon, sausages)
• Poultry (chicken thighs, wings)
• Game Meats (lamb chops, venison steaks)
• Seafood (shrimp, salmon, crab legs)

Cooking Supplies:

• Butter
• Olive oil

Seasonings:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Preferred spices (for example, garlic powder, paprika)

Dairy Products (if desired):

• Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella)
• Cream cheese

Budget Tips:

• Buy in Bulk: Purchase meat in larger quantities to take advantage of bulk discounts. Portion and freeze for future use.
• Choose Affordable Cuts: Opt for budget-friendly cuts of meat, like chicken thighs or ground beef, without compromising on nutrition.
• Explore Local Butchers: Check out local butcher shops for potential discounts on meat, especially in bulk.

Ancestral Supplements (Optional):

Enhance your nutritional intake effortlessly with these Ancestral supplements:

• Grass Fed Beef Liver Supplement: Packed with essential nutrients, including B vitamins, iron, and vitamins A, D, and K.
• Grass Fed Beef Bone and Marrow Supplement: A convenient way to reap the benefits of bone marrow without the preparation hassle.
• Grass Fed Beef Brain: Get the vitamins of beef brain without having to worry about the preparation.

Remember, following the carnivore diet can be cost-effective with smart shopping choices. Now, let's gear up for a successful and satisfying carnivore diet experience.

Carnivore Diet Food List FAQs

1. Isn't It Unhealthy to Exclude Vegetables?

The concern about skipping veggies is valid. 

While vegetables are rich in vitamins and fiber, the carnivore diet opts for obtaining nutrients from animal products. 

Nutritionists argue that meats provide complete proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins, offering a different nutritional approach.

2. What About Nutrient Deficiencies?

A common worry revolves around potential nutrient deficiencies. 

However, when executed thoughtfully, the carnivore diet can be nutritionally sufficient. Experts recommend incorporating a variety of meats to ensure a broad spectrum of nutrients.

Additionally, Ancestral supplements, such as liver supplements, provide a convenient way to address potential gaps.

3. Isn't the Carnivore Diet Difficult to Sustain Long-Term?

Sustainability is a legitimate concern. 

However, many enthusiasts have successfully maintained this lifestyle long-term. The key lies in variety. Exploring different cuts of meat and incorporating seafood can keep things interesting. 

It's a journey of adaptation, discovering what works best for your body, and finding joy in a diet centered around delicious, nutrient-dense meats.

Start Your Carnivore Diet With This Meal Plan!

The potential benefits span joint health, immune function, heart health, skin vitality, digestive well-being, and sustained energy levels.

And if you want to experience those, you can start the carnivore diet with this meal plan.

Our meal plan offers simplicity, taste, and nutritional impact. Whether it's breakfast or dinner, we've got you covered, even on your busiest days. 

But if you want more simplicity while also boosting your nutrition, that's where Ancestral's supplements come in.

Our supplements offer convenient ways to enhance your nutrient intake without extensive meal preparation.

Consider incorporating these high-quality supplements to elevate your carnivore experience:

• Grass Fed Beef Liver
• Grass Fed Beef Bone and Marrow
• Grass Fed Beef Thyroid

These supplements are convenient, healthy, and a high-quality way to get carnivore nutrition. Add them to your shopping list to make things easy!