The carnivore diet, an eating plan consisting entirely of animal products, has gained popularity as a way to lose weight, reduce inflammation, and simplify meals. This article delves into the brisket carnivore diet, exploring its potential benefits, side dish options, and important considerations.
Understanding the Carnivore Diet
The carnivore diet is a high-protein, zero-carb eating plan that eliminates all plant-based foods. This means that meals consist solely of meat, fish, eggs, and some dairy products. The diet is similar to the ketogenic (keto) and Atkins diets, but it is more restrictive, cutting out all carbohydrates and other food groups, including fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes.
The idea behind the carnivore diet is that by cutting all carbs, your body will burn fat for energy and you’ll lose weight. Proponents also claim that it can fight inflammation, lower blood sugar in people with diabetes, and improve mental health.
Brisket and the Carnivore Diet
Brisket, a cut of beef from the chest of the animal, is a popular choice for those following the carnivore diet. It is a fatty and flavorful cut of meat that provides a good source of protein and fat, which are the main macronutrients consumed on this diet.
Potential Benefits of the Carnivore Diet
Fans of the carnivore diet report a range of benefits, including weight loss and higher testosterone levels, although scientific evidence to support these claims is lacking. Some people also believe that the carnivore diet can be an anti-inflammatory diet that may benefit people with autoimmune conditions. These claims were fueled by press coverage of individuals who have publicly stated that a diet of beef, salt, and water relieved them of ailments that include rheumatoid arthritis, depression, anxiety, gastric reflux, and psoriasis.
Read also: Comprehensive Brisket Guide
One study surveyed over 2,000 people who said they’d followed a carnivore diet for nine to 20 months. People in the study reported improvements like lower body mass index (BMI), more energy, better sleep, more strength and endurance, and improved memory and focus. Most people with diabetes in the study were able to lower the dose of their diabetes medicine or go off it entirely. Overall, they said they were happy with this way of eating. However, the study relied on survey answers alone and did not measure nutrient levels or check health.
Carnivore Diet Side Dishes
While the carnivore diet is restrictive, there are still ways to add variety and flavor to your meals. Here are some carnivore diet side dish options:
- Bone broth: Simmering bones for extended periods releases minerals, collagen, and amino acids, offering a myriad of health benefits from joint support to improved digestion.
- Roasted bone marrow: Roasted bone marrow provides a rich, buttery accompaniment to steaks and roasts.
- Eggs: Eggs, in their myriad forms, make excellent side dishes. They can be scrambled, fried, poached, or baked, each method offering a unique texture and flavor profile. Deviled eggs, with their creamy yolky filling, can be a delightful side or appetizer.
- Seafood: Incorporating seafood like oysters and clams not only diversifies your palate but also ensures you’re reaping the full spectrum of nutrients the animal kingdom has to offer. Oysters are a rich source of zinc, vital for testosterone production and overall health.
- Cheese crisps: Cheese crisps are made by baking or frying thin layers of hard cheese like Parmesan or cheddar until they turn golden and crisp.
- Grilled cheese: Made with carnivore-friendly bread, grilled cheese can provide that gooey, melty satisfaction.
- Whipped cream: Whipped cream is a delightful treat for those with a penchant for something creamy and slightly indulgent. It's also a great topper for coffee, turning your regular brew into a carnivore-friendly latte.
- Carnivore bread: Carefully crafted from ingredients like eggs and pork rinds or other meat-based products, carnivore bread provides the joy of bread without the carbs.
Considerations and Potential Risks
Despite the anecdotal benefits, it's important to be aware of the potential risks associated with the carnivore diet:
- Nutrient deficiencies: Cutting out entire food groups could leave you short on the nutrients you need to stay healthy. Limiting yourself to all meat can cause you to run low in certain nutrients that are abundant in plants, like vitamin C and vitamin E.
- Constipation: You will be missing out on fiber, a nutrient important for colonic health.
- Gastric cancer: A diet high in red and processed meats has been linked to an increased risk of gastric cancer.
- Eating disorders: Extreme restriction or labeling foods “good” or “bad” can also set off disordered-eating behaviors or full-blown eating disorders.
- Saturated fats: Many experts are worried about the risks of saturated fat from meats like fatty steaks and bacon. High levels of saturated fat can increase your risk of heart disease.
- Kidney health: Large amounts of meat protein can also put undue stress on kidneys.
Modified Carnivore Diet
A modified carnivore diet is perfect for those yearning for a bit of diversity on their plate. In some cases, you may consider eating select vegetables on the diet - be it asparagus or broccoli. This will give you a new baseline of health. After a few months of consistency, you can slowly add back in one food item at a time.
Conclusion
The brisket carnivore diet is a very restrictive way of eating that involves consuming only animal products. While some people report benefits such as weight loss and improved energy levels, it's important to be aware of the potential risks and nutrient deficiencies associated with this diet. If you're considering trying the carnivore diet, it's best to talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian first to make sure it's safe for you.
Read also: Delicious Keto Brisket
Recipes
Here are a few recipes based on the carnivore diet:
- Scrambled eggs with turkey: Cut 1/2 pound turkey breast into small pieces. Cook in a skillet until browned. Whisk three large eggs in a bowl with salt and pepper to taste. Move the turkey to one side of the skillet and pour the eggs onto the other side. Scramble the eggs and mix them with the turkey until the mixture is cooked through.
- Salmon patties: Cook three slices of turkey bacon and crumble. Mix bacon, two cans of salmon, 1 teaspoon of salt, and two whisked eggs in a bowl. Add 1/2 teaspoon of dill. Form into burger-sized patties. Cook in butter until browned.
- Carnivore chicken casserole: Put 1 pound of cubed rotisserie chicken into a food processor and process until chopped very fine. Add 8 ounces of cream cheese, 1 cup of sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Process until fully combined. Add 1 tablespoon of taco or Cajun seasoning and mix again. Put the mixture into a baking dish and bake at 350 F for about 45 minutes.
Carnivore Diet Snacks
If you get hungry and want a snack, here are some ideas:
- Cheese sticks
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Salmon jerky
- Sardines
- Skinless chicken wings
Read also: Flavor-Packed Keto BBQ