The Carnivore Diet Explained – And Where Biltong and Jerky Fit

The carnivore diet isn’t new – some say it’s the oldest eating plan in the world dating back thousands of years to the time of our human ancestors – but if you are new to it or simply want to find out more about what’s involved, this article is for you.

What is a carnivore diet?

Harvard Health describes the carnivore diet as an extreme, zero-carb, all-meat eating plan that only allows the consumption of animal-source foods such as meat, fish, seafood, eggs and poultry.  Some low-lactose dairy is allowed but all plant-based foods are eliminated from the diet including fruits, vegetables, legumes, seeds, grains and nuts. 

In a nutshell (except nuts aren’t allowed!), the carnivore diet is a very restrictive high-protein way of eating, allowing only foods sourced from animals, virtually no carbohydrates and a small amount of dairy.

How does the carnivore diet work?

The carnivore diet is a ‘ketogenic’ way of eating.  Here’s how it works.

Carbohydrates from sugar, starches and fibre are the body’s primary source of fuel.  The body converts starch into glucose which is used for energy to help your body function.  Glucose is stored in the liver and released when needed, and any leftover glucose that is surplus to the body’s needs gets converted into fat.

When a person’s intake of carbohydrates is eliminated – the body is forced to find an alternative primary fuel source.  It turns to fat.  Once the glucose reserves have been depleted, the liver then starts to break down stored fat as well as dietary fat, turning it into ‘ketones’.  These are released into the bloodstream for energy in a metabolic process known as ketosis. 

A ketogenic diet such as the carnivore diet aims to provide the body with sufficient protein to preserve lean body mass including muscle, but which still results in ketosis.   

What foods can you eat on the carnivore diet?

The strict rules of the carnivore diet mean there’s an extremely limited list of permitted foods.  If you’re in any doubt, always check the origin of the food and ensure it comes from an animal source and that it doesn’t contain any plant-based additives.

Foods you can eat are:

• Meat (beef, lamb, pork) – ideally grassfed
• Poultry
• Fish
• Wild game such as venison
• Offal (also known as organ meat) such as liver, kidneys and oxtail
• Seafood
• Eggs
• Limited amounts of low-lactose dairy products such as hard cheese, butter, ghee and lard
• Bone marrow
• Bone broth
• Seasonings including salt, pepper

Foods you can’t eat on the carnivore diet

This diet cuts out all carbohydrates and plant-based foods including:

• Vegetables
• Fruit and fruit juice
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Grains, legumes and pulses
• Bread
• Pasta
• Sweet treats like ice cream, biscuits, cakes, lollies and chocolate
• Alcohol
• Tea and coffee

Snacking on a carnivore diet

Finding the perfect snack can be a challenge for anyone – but the limited parameters of the carnivore diet make snacking even trickier.

Luckily, there are a number of snack options that are both convenient and delicious.  Take biltong for example.  This savoury treat is the ultimate protein-forward snack for carnivores as it is made entirely from naturally dried meat. Nothing more, nothing less.  Plus it is shelf-stable, portable, mess-free and a true ‘anywhere, anytime’ bite.

Here’s a comprehensive list of snacks suited to the carnivore diet:

• Beef biltong (zero carbohydrates, no sugar)
• Jerky (made from dehydrated strips of lean protein)
• Pork crackling, rinds or scratchings
• Canned tuna, mackerel, salmon or sardines (choose products that are packed in brine or water, not vegetable oil)
• Homemade hard cheese crisps (oven bake small mounds of grated hard cheese eg parmesan until crunchy)
• Fried bacon bits
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Cold meats (choose products that are high quality and minimally processed)
• Cubes of cooked steak
• Bone broth

If you’re a strict follower of the carnivore diet, you should always check the package label to establish the origin of the product and if there are any added plant-based ingredients.

It’s good to know that the biltong and jerky from DJays Gourmet is made from entirely natural clean ingredients with no added sugar or preservatives, and we use the finest grass-fed Australian beef.  For answers on whether beef jerky is keto or information on keto-friendly foods while you’re on the move, check out the DJays blog section on our website. 

Understanding the risks of a carnivore diet

As yet, there isn’t a meaningful scientific body of research on the carnivore diet. 

Proponents claim that it has many potential benefits, but experts caution that because this way of eating omits certain food groups and therefore doesn’t provide a balance of nutritionally important foods to support bodily functions, it may lead to health complications.

Ketogenic diets in general tend to result in higher levels of the bad cholesterol LDL, but because the carnivore diet comprises largely of saturated animal fats, it can carry a higher risk of elevated cholesterol levels.

A lack of key nutrients can also result in electrolyte imbalances, leading to muscle cramps and spasms, fatigue, dizziness and general weakness.

Some other longer-term health concerns about this diet include impaired kidney function, digestive issues, greater risk of osteoporosis, kidney stones and gout.  Certain cancers have also been linked to eating large amounts of red meat.

Why would someone try the carnivore diet?

It has been claimed that this particular ketogenic lifestyle is the natural way that our ancestors ate – and that the meat-only diet supports weight loss, improves mental health, helps with blood sugar management and reduces the risk of chronic disease from eating large quantities of highly processed, carb-heavy and sugary foods.

Followers also believe that it reduces inflammation.

As with any eating plan, it’s important to do thorough research before starting anything and we recommend you check with a health practitioner to make sure it’s right for you.

Where to find the perfect carnivore diet snack

If you’re looking for a zero carb, sugar-free, all-meat snack, then you should look at DJays Gourmet biltong.  You can trust that our quality ingredients, expert preparation and proven manufacturing process tick all the boxes for the carnivore diet and will deliver 100% pure protein goodness.  Every.  Single.  Time.

Order your beef jerky or beef biltong online – it’s quick and easy – and we’ll deliver to your door wherever you are in Australia.  Contact us though the website, give us a call on 08 9248 8277 or visit us in person at our Perth factory.