The "Jordan Peterson diet," more accurately described as a carnivore diet, gained prominence following discussions on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast. Jordan Peterson, influenced by his daughter Mikhaila Peterson, attributed weight loss and improved mood to this dietary approach, which primarily consists of beef, salt, and water. While proponents tout potential benefits, a closer examination reveals both the purported advantages and significant drawbacks of this restrictive eating plan.
The Peterson's Carnivore Diet: An Overview
The carnivore diet, in its strictest form as advocated by the Petersons, eliminates all foods except for meat, particularly beef. This approach stems from Mikhaila Peterson's self-experimentation to manage arthritis and other health issues. She initially experimented with eliminating gluten, then moved to an elimination diet, and eventually settled on a zero-carb diet before refining it to solely beef.
Mikhaila put her father on the same diet in April. When she had started on the only-beef regimen, her arthritic pain had gone within two weeks, she said. So did unrelated pain in her wrist, big toe and knees. After a month and a half, she said, she started to notice her anxiety had lifted, and she saw improvements in short-term memory.
Claims and Counterclaims: Benefits and Risks
Purported Benefits
- Weight Loss: Rapid weight loss is often reported due to the diet's restrictive nature and potential impact on metabolism. Jordan Peterson himself reported a significant weight loss of 60 pounds.
- Improved Mood and Mental Clarity: Some adherents, including the Petersons, claim the diet alleviates anxiety and depression and enhances cognitive function.
- Pain Reduction: Mikhaila Peterson reported a reduction in arthritic pain and other joint discomforts after adopting the diet.
Documented Risks and Criticisms
- Nutritional Deficiencies: The most significant concern is the lack of essential nutrients found in plant-based foods, potentially leading to deficiencies like Vitamin C. Lisa Sasson, a clinical professor in nutrition at New York University, described the diet as "ridiculous" and "probably the worst diet I’ve ever heard," emphasizing the importance of fruits and vegetables for obtaining necessary nutrients.
- Digestive Issues: Initial digestive problems, including diarrhea, are common as the body adjusts to the drastic dietary change.
- Potential Long-Term Health Consequences: The high intake of red meat, particularly without variety, may increase the risk of bowel cancer and other health problems. Some years ago the UK government warned people - based on evidence from the independent Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition - not to eat more than 500g (about a pound) of red meat a week, to limit the risk of bowel cancer.
- Social and Lifestyle Limitations: The restrictive nature of the diet can make it challenging to maintain a social life and may be unsustainable in the long term.
A First-Hand Account: Experiencing the All-Beef Diet
One individual chronicled their experience on an all-beef diet, revealing both the immediate and more prolonged effects.
Initial Enthusiasm and Practical Challenges
The experiment began with a trip to the supermarket to stock up on beef ribs, steak, and ground beef. Finding suitable options, like beef jerky, proved difficult. The initial days involved consuming beef sticks, described as extremely dry sausages, and attempting to navigate social situations while adhering to the diet.
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Adverse Physical and Mental Effects
Within days, adverse effects began to manifest. Digestive issues, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating became prominent. The individual experienced extreme tiredness, even falling asleep unexpectedly. There were also reports of feeling sad and anxious.
Nutritional Concerns and Expert Opinion
A phone call with nutritionist Lisa Sasson highlighted the serious nutritional deficiencies associated with the diet. Sasson warned of potential health consequences, including scurvy, due to the lack of vitamin C.
Unsustainable Lifestyle
The dieter found it challenging to maintain the diet while holding down a job and engaging in social activities. The restrictive nature and adverse effects made it an unsustainable lifestyle choice. By the end of the week, the individual abandoned the diet in favor of a more balanced approach, including beer and crisps.
Jordan Peterson and Mikhaila Peterson: Advocates of the Carnivore Diet
Jordan Peterson, the disaffected male’s favoured academic and bestselling author, had appeared on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, the irreverent, current affairs-ish show on which Elon Musk recently smoked weed. The pair discussed Peterson’s self-help book, 12 Rules for Life, which created a stir when it was released in January. Rogan, a comedian and gym enthusiast who resembles a slab of corned beef, told Peterson how slim he looked.
Well, Peterson said. It was because of his new diet. “I eat beef and salt and water. That’s it, and I never cheat. Ever. Not even a little bit,” Peterson said. He’d been put on to the diet by his daughter, Mikhaila, and lost 60lb. What’s more, his anxiety and depression had lifted.
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Mikhaila Peterson is a 26-year-old who suffered badly with arthritis as a youngster. She’s not a medical professional, but she tried self-healing by adjusting her diet. She began by cutting out gluten, then going on an “elimination diet”, which removes foods people are commonly allergic to before adding them back in. A period of self-experimentation followed before Mikhaila settled on a zero-carb diet - just greens and meat. The she took out the greens. Then all the meat; except beef.
Publications and Transcripts
There are publications available that compile transcripts of discussions and talks by Jordan and Mikhaila Peterson regarding their experiences with the carnivore diet. These transcripts cover topics such as:
- How they addressed diseases, depression, and health issues through the carnivore diet.
- Guidance on how others with health issues could initiate this type of eating plan.
The compiled transcripts include:
- The Agenda with Steve Paikin Digesting Depression
- Joe Rogan Podcast 1070
- Joe Rogan Podcast 1139
- Podcast Interview of Mikhaila Peterson with Robb Wolf, including blood work
- Podcast Interview with Ivor Cummins
- Talk by Mikhaila Peterson at the Carnivore Conference in Boulder, 2019
- Mikhaila Petersons Blog: The Diet Introduction of her Lion Diet on YouTube
- Mikhaila Peterson: Should you start an elimination diet?
- Mikhaila Peterson: Jordan Peterson’s Lion Diet
- Mikhaila Peterson: The Lion Diet (Introduction of her diet on YouTube)
- Bonus-Transcript: Dr.
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