The carnivore diet, also called a zero carb diet, is a high-protein fad diet in which only animal products such as meat, eggs, and dairy are consumed. The lion diet is a highly restrictive form of the carnivore diet, in which only beef is eaten. This article delves into the burgeoning trend surrounding the Jordan Peterson diet, an all-meat regimen, dissecting its origins, purported benefits, potential risks, and the broader context of fad diets and health claims.
Origins and Proponents
The concept of an exclusive meat diet isn't new. In 1856, Bernard Moncriff, a German writer, authored "The Philosophy of the Stomach: Or, An Exclusively Animal Diet," detailing his year-long experiment with beef and milk. Later, in the 1870s, Italian physician Arnaldo Cantani prescribed animal-based diets to diabetic patients.
However, the recent surge in popularity is largely attributed to Jordan Peterson, a Canadian psychologist and author, and his daughter Mikhaila Peterson, who advocate for the diet. Peterson shared on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast in July that he has eaten nothing but meat and the occasional vegetable for the last two years. He later went full carnivore. Mikhaila runs a diet blog called Don't Eat That, and she'll share her secrets with you for about $90 - $120 Canadian - in an hour-long Skype session.
Mikhaila Peterson's Experience
Mikhaila Peterson's journey with the all-beef diet began as a quest to alleviate her health issues. She suffered badly with arthritis as a youngster. Diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at a young age and later with severe depression and idiopathic hypersomnia (chronic fatigue), she sought alternative solutions after conventional treatments failed. At age 8 she was put on injectable immunosuppressants. At 12 she was diagnosed with severe depression and put on antidepressants. At 14 she was diagnosed with idiopathic hypersomnia - a fancy definition for chronic fatigue and could barely get out of bed. Her hip and ankle were replaced when she was 17, from the arthritis that wasn’t managed by the medications she was on, and she spent a year on OxyContin limping around on what felt like broken bones trying to stay hopeful and not kill myself.
She began experimenting with elimination diets, gradually removing foods until she was left with only beef, salt, and water. Mikhaila put her father on the same diet in April. She claims that her symptoms, including arthritic pain and anxiety, went into remission. She also reports improvements in short-term memory.
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Jordan Peterson's Testimonial
Inspired by his daughter's experience, Jordan Peterson adopted a similar diet. He has spoken about experiencing significant improvements in his physical and mental health. Peterson said on the podcast, "I lost 50 pounds," Peterson said on the podcast. "I need way less sleep … And my gum disease is gone. Since he changed his diet, his laundry list of maladies has disappeared, he told Rogan. His lifelong depression, anxiety, gastric reflux (and associated snoring), inability to wake up in the mornings, psoriasis, gingivitis, floaters in his right eye, numbness on the sides of his legs, problems with mood regulation-all of it is gone, and he attributes it to the diet.
He maintains a strict regimen of beef, salt, and water, claiming it has alleviated his depression, anxiety, gastric reflux, and other ailments. He stated that he is intellectually at his best, stronger, and able to swim better.
Diet Details and Variations
The carnivore diet primarily consists of animal products, including:
- Meat: Beef, pork, poultry, lamb, organ meats
- Fish: Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines
- Eggs: Chicken, duck, or other fowl eggs
- Dairy: Some variations include dairy products like cheese, butter, and cream
The most restrictive version, often referred to as the "lion diet," limits consumption to only beef, salt, and water.
Purported Benefits
Proponents of the carnivore diet claim a range of benefits, including:
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- Weight Loss: The high protein content can promote satiety and reduce overall calorie intake.
- Improved Mental Clarity: Some individuals report reduced brain fog and enhanced cognitive function.
- Reduced Inflammation: Eliminating processed foods and potential allergens may reduce inflammation.
- Management of Autoimmune Conditions: Some individuals with autoimmune diseases claim symptom remission.
Potential Risks and Criticisms
Despite the anecdotal claims, the carnivore diet faces significant criticism from health professionals and registered dietitians due to its potential risks:
- Nutrient Deficiencies: The diet lacks essential nutrients found in plant-based foods, such as vitamin C, fiber, and certain minerals.
- Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases: High intake of red meat and saturated fat may increase the risk of heart disease, certain cancers, and other chronic conditions.
- Digestive Issues: The absence of fiber can lead to constipation and other digestive problems.
- Kidney Strain: High protein intake can put extra stress on the kidneys.
- Elevated Cholesterol Levels: The diet may raise LDL cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Lisa Sasson, a clinical professor in nutrition at New York University, had read about the diet already, and before I can ask her if it’s a good idea, she launches into a scathing review. “It’s ridiculous. It’s absolutely ridiculous,” Sasson says. “The claims that are made are preposterous. Atkins was bad - this is 50 times worse. This is probably the worst diet I’ve ever heard and I’ve heard such bad ones.”
Sasson continues: “To me, it’s amazing anyone would think there’s any merit to something like this. We all know that fruits and vegetables are important. That’s where you get so many of your nutrients: plant-based foods. There’s absolutely nothing here.”
Sasson says the claims from people who say it has stopped pain or eased anxiety are because of the placebo effect. “You could go on this diet and think, oh, that lump I had does seem smaller. The placebo is very powerful,” Sasson says.
I ask about the amazing claims of weight loss. “Anyone would lose weight. You lose weight on chemotherapy. Weight loss shouldn’t be a criterion.”
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After such a strong rebuke I feel embarrassed to tell Sasson that I’ve been on this diet. I tell her anyway. “It’s truly lacking critical nutrients, which could have devastating effects,” Sasson says.
“You should know, you sound like you’re English. Look at scurvy. How was scurvy discovered? When people went on those ships and they didn’t have fresh fruits and vegetables, that’s when we knew it was related to vitamin C, which you’re not getting in that diet.”
Sasson says I shouldn’t stay on the diet. “I’m telling you now there are so many other ways to feel good,” she says. “Go out and have a beer and enjoy your life.”
Scientific Perspective
Experts emphasize the importance of a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains for optimal health. They highlight the role of fiber in maintaining gut health and the potential long-term consequences of nutrient deficiencies.
Jack Gilbert, the faculty director at the University of Chicago’s Microbiome Center and a professor of surgery, told me during a recent visit to his lab. “Physiologically, it would just be an immensely bad idea,” Jack Gilbert, the faculty director at the University of Chicago’s Microbiome Center and a professor of surgery, told me during a recent visit to his lab. “A terribly, terribly bad idea.”
Gilbert has done extensive research on how the trillions of microbes in our guts digest food, and the look on his face when I told him about the all-beef diet was unamused. He began rattling off the expected ramifications: “Your body would start to have severe dysregulation, within six months, of the majority of the processes that deal with metabolism; you would have no short-chain fatty acids in your cells; most of the by-products of gastrointestinal polysaccharide fermentation would shut down, so you wouldn’t be able to regulate your hormone levels; you’d enter into cardiac issues due to alterations in cell receptors; your microbiota would just be devastated.”
Social and Cultural Context
The carnivore diet has gained traction within certain online communities, particularly among those who identify with alternative health perspectives. It is often associated with a rejection of mainstream dietary guidelines and a distrust of institutions.
Connection to Ideology
Peterson's pro-capitalism rants have transformed into nutrition tips, all promoting his daughter's 100 percent meat diet, BuzzFeed News reports.
Alan Levinovitz, who is an associate professor of religion at James Madison University, explained to me, the Daoist text the Zhuangzi describes “a spirit man” who lives in the mountains and rides dragons and subsists only on air and dew. “There’s an anti-authoritarian bent to pop-culture wisdom, and a part of that is dealing with food taboos, which are handed down by authorities,” Levinovitz said. “Those are government now, instead of religious. And because they are wrong so often-or, at least, apparently wrong-that’s a good place to go when carving out your own area of authority. If you just eat the ‘wrong’ foods and don’t die, that’s a ritual way to prove that you go against conventional wisdom.”
Personal Experiences and Experiments
Several individuals have experimented with the carnivore diet, documenting their experiences online. These accounts offer insights into the challenges and potential effects of the diet.
Adam Gabbatt's Account
Adam Gabbatt, a writer for The Guardian, embarked on a six-day all-beef diet. He experienced rapid weight loss, complete exhaustion, and digestive issues. He also consulted a nutritionist who warned him of the risk of scurvy.
During his experiment, Gabbatt faced challenges such as:
- Digestive Problems: He experienced diarrhea for the first few days.
- Fatigue: He felt extremely tired and struggled to concentrate.
- Social Limitations: The diet made it difficult to dine out or socialize with friends.
- Nutritional Concerns: He worried about the lack of essential nutrients.
By the end of his beef week I was exhausted, distraught, and was beginning to forget what a toilet looked like. People asked me how I planned to break the diet.
Alan Levinovitz's Experience
Alan Levinovitz, the author of "The Gluten Lie," tried carnivory for two weeks. He lost weight but found the diet psychologically exhausting and unsustainable. He missed the variety and social aspects of food.
Cautions and Considerations
Before considering the carnivore diet, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian. They can assess individual needs, evaluate potential risks, and provide personalized guidance.
Individuals with Specific Conditions
The carnivore diet may be particularly risky for individuals with:
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Gout
- Eating disorders
- Nutrient deficiencies
Sustainability
The environmental impact of widespread meat consumption is a significant concern. The resources required to produce meat on a large scale can contribute to deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and water pollution.
While there is debate in the scientific community over just how much meat belongs in a human diet, it is impossible for all or even most humans to eat primarily meat. Beef production at the scale required to feed billions of humans even at current levels of consumption is environmentally unsustainable.