What applies to the Carnivore and Paleo diets?

The Carnivore and Paleo diets are based on limiting specific food groups, each having a different philosophy and level of strictness.

What is the Carnivore diet?

The Carnivore diet includes exclusively or almost exclusively animal-based foods, like:

• meat

• fish

• eggs

• in some cases, dairy

It completely excludes:

• fruits and vegetables

• legumes

• grains

• fiber

Although it may lead to short-term weight loss (due to calorie restriction), it is extremely restrictive and is not supported by enough scientific evidence for long-term health. It may increase the risk of deficiencies in fiber, vitamins, and other micronutrients.

What is the Paleo diet?

The Paleo diet aims to eat foods thought to exist before the agricultural era, such as:

• meat, fish, eggs

• fruits and vegetables

• nuts and seeds

It excludes:

• cereals

• legumes

• dairy

• processed foods

It's less strict than Carnivore and might include nutritious foods. However, cutting out entire groups (e.g. cereals, legumes, dairy) doesn't promote health and can make long-term compliance tough.

What do you need to keep in mind?

• Neither diet is necessary for weight loss or good health

• Weight loss mainly comes from your overall energy balance, not from ditching specific foods

• Really restrictive diets are often hard to stick to and might lead to deficiencies or cycles of strictness and giving up

Conclusion

Carnivore and Paleo diets can work for some people short-term, but they're not necessarily the ideal fix for long-term health.

A balanced, varied, and sustainable diet, tailored to each person's needs and preferences, is still the safest and most effective approach.