Celebrities have long been known for experimenting with different diets, often pushing the boundaries of conventional eating habits. From extreme weight loss for movie roles to pursuing optimal health and fertility, the reasons behind these dietary choices are varied. One diet that has gained significant attention in recent years is the carnivore diet, an all-meat eating plan that has both proponents and detractors.
What is the Carnivore Diet?
The carnivore diet is a restrictive eating plan that consists primarily, or even exclusively, of animal products. This includes meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and sometimes dairy. Proponents of the diet claim numerous health benefits, ranging from weight loss and improved energy levels to reduced inflammation and even the reversal of autoimmune diseases. However, these claims often clash with established scientific research and nutritional guidelines.
Celebrity Endorsements and Experiences
Several celebrities have publicly discussed their experiences with the carnivore diet, contributing to its growing popularity. Here's a look at some of those experiences:
Heidi Montag
Heidi Montag revealed in March 2022 that she had started a "carnivore" diet and eats lots of raw meat, in an effort to get pregnant. "I have been trying to get pregnant for over a year and a half, [so] I’m willing to try different things," she said. "It’s a great source of nutrients! I have felt incredible on this diet." The Hills alum continued: "When you think about where the most nutrients are that are bio available to humans without toxins, organs are very nutritious parts of animals. Culturally organs are a critical part." In February 2022, the reality star made headlines when she filmed herself eating raw liver and bull testicles as part of her fertility diet. “Not too bad,” Montag said of the latter. "[It’s] slippery. I might need to cook this. Here’s a little piece of it."
Joe Rogan
Joe Rogan, the popular podcast host and UFC commentator, is another celebrity who has experimented with the carnivore diet. In an Instagram post, he revealed that sticking to it for the month of January helped him shed 12 pounds and lose his belly and love handles. He added, “Lots of aches and pains went away, and I have improvements in my vitiligo. “The explosive uber diarrhea stopped around 2 weeks in."
Read also: Keto Diet in Hollywood
Mikhaila and Jordan Peterson
The father-daughter duo of Jordan and Mikhaila Peterson are among the most well-known advocates of the carnivore diet. Mikhaila has been advocating her self-titled “Lion Diet” since claiming that exclusively eating ruminant meat (cows and lambs) has cured her physical and mental illnesses. Mikhaila has posted photos of people who have followed her advice to adopt the diet and found success on it.
James Blunt
James Blunt was recently in the news for developing scurvy after two months on an all-meat diet. This ailment was the result of a petty vow to spite his vegan and vegetarian friends. His decision to eat only chicken and mince backfired as Blunt admitted he quickly became very unhealthy and was diagnosed with scurvy.
The Science Behind the Claims: Does It Hold Up?
While some celebrities report positive experiences with the carnivore diet, it's crucial to examine these claims through a scientific lens. Many health experts and registered dietitians express concerns about the potential risks associated with this restrictive eating plan.
Nutritional Deficiencies
One of the primary concerns is the risk of nutritional deficiencies. Eliminating plant-based foods can lead to low levels of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. As Azmina Govindji, the spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association, pointed out, not having enough vitamin C can lead to tiredness and lethargy, while fiber is crucial for reducing blood cholesterol levels and maintaining healthy bowel function.
Cardiovascular Health
Another concern is the potential impact on cardiovascular health. Diets high in red and processed meats have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. High intake of saturated fat and cholesterol, commonly found in animal products, can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Read also: The impact of veganism on celebrities
Gut Health
The carnivore diet can also negatively affect gut health. The lack of fiber, which is abundant in plant-based foods, can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria and lead to digestive issues such as constipation and diarrhea. A healthy gut microbiome is essential for overall health, playing a role in immune function, nutrient absorption, and even mental health.
Kidney Health
Kidney cancer specifically is linked to meat consumption.
Celebrities and Other Extreme Diets
The carnivore diet is not the only extreme diet that celebrities have experimented with. Here are a few other examples:
Fruitarian Diet
For his 2013 film, Jobs, Ashton Kutcher recreated Steve Jobs' strict "fruitarian" diet. "This is the craziest thing," the That 70s Show alum said during a September 2019 appearance on Hot Ones. After noticing that the late Apple founder had an "orange tinge" to his skin, Kutcher decided to try it for himself in order to accurately portray the character. "I started just drinking carrot juice, like, nonstop, like, all day long. Two weeks before we went to start shooting, I had this pain in my back," he recalled. He concluded: "So, don't drink too much carrot juice. The Dude, Where's My Car? star ended up in the hospital after strictly following Steve Jobs' fruitarian diet before filming the biopic Jobs. "He was so dumb," Kutcher's wife, Mila Kunis, said during an October 2021 appearance on Hot Ones. "He also, I think, only ate like grapes at one point?
Raw Food Diet
Kravitz' pre-film diet was a lot more fun than other stars have gone through in order to get ready for a role.
Read also: The Carnivore Diet: An Autoimmune Solution?
TB12 Diet
The quarterback is famous for his intense TB12 diet, which most notably doesn't include nightshades, meaning he doesn't eat tomatoes, eggplant and peppers, among other things. However, his aversion has less to do with his diet than people might think. "Oh, man, I hate strawberries.
Five Hands diet
Posh Spice reportedly opted for the Five Hands diet after the July 2011 birth of her daughter Harper.
Strawberry diet
In July 2014, the reality star reportedly went on a "strawberry" diet, which involved eating only strawberries a few days a week.
Master Cleanse liquid diet
The musician went on a diet for 2006's Dreamgirls, choosing the Master Cleanse liquid diet.
Watercress soup diet
The British beauty turned to the watercress soup diet in 2007, reportedly losing ten pounds in a week.
One Meal a Day
"I actually don't have dinner anymore," the Coldplay frontman said during a March 2023 appearance on the "Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend" podcast. I was lucky enough to go over there to lunch the day after we played Philadelphia last year. I was on a really strict diet anyway. But I was like, 'Bruce looks even more in shape than me' and Patti [Scialfa, his wife] said he's only eating one meal a day. I was like, 'Well, there we go.
Daniel Diet
Chris Pratt says he once tried the Daniel Diet, a fast inspired by Daniel from the Bible, who in the Old Testament went 21 days eating just vegetables and water. "For 21 days I had no meat, no sugar, no alcohol. It was actually amazing.
Fish Only
In 2016, Mariah Carey shared that she was on a strict diet where she basically only ate a ton of fish. "It's really hard. My diet -- you would hate it. All you eat is Norwegian salmon and capers every day, that's it," Mariah told E! News.
Cookie Diet
Back in 2010, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi tried out the Cookie Diet, which was created by Dr. Sanford Siegal in the 1970s. The diet involves eating multiple 90-calorie cookies daily that contain a "secret amino acid protein blend" and then eating a normal dinner. "I actually noticed that celebrities were taking Dr. Siegal's Cookie Diet and I thought, 'This has got to work.' I eat six cookies a day and then I have, like, chicken for dinner, or fish.
Panchakarma
Football star Aaron Rodgers says he once went on a short term 12-day cleanse called Panchakarma. "I just got out of a 12-day Panchakarma. It’s a cleanse that originated in India. It's been going on for thousands of years, and it’s something I’ve done in the offseason.
The Appeal of Extreme Diets
Despite the potential risks, extreme diets like the carnivore diet continue to attract attention and followers. Several factors may contribute to this appeal:
- Rapid Weight Loss: Many extreme diets promise quick and significant weight loss, which can be appealing to individuals seeking immediate results.
- Simplicity: Some extreme diets, like the carnivore diet, are relatively simple to follow, requiring minimal meal planning and preparation.
- Anecdotal Success Stories: The internet is filled with anecdotal accounts of individuals who have experienced positive results from extreme diets, which can be persuasive despite the lack of scientific evidence.
- Celebrity Endorsements: The endorsement of a diet by a celebrity can significantly increase its popularity, as fans often seek to emulate the lifestyles of their favorite stars.
A Balanced Perspective
It's important to approach the topic of extreme diets with a balanced perspective. While some individuals may experience short-term benefits, the long-term health consequences can be significant. Consulting with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional is crucial before making any drastic changes to your diet.
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