What You Need to Know Before Starting the Carnivore Diet

I remember the first time I heard about the carnivore diet. It sounded extreme, even impossible. How could eating only meat be good for you? 

But as more people shared their success stories and science-backed benefits began to surface, I was curious. 

If you're considering going carnivore, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know before taking your first bite.

What Is the Carnivore Diet?

The carnivore diet is a strict animal-based eating approach that eliminates all plant foods. That means no fruit, no vegetables, no grains and no legumes. Instead, your plate is filled with meat, fish, eggs and animal fats. Unlike keto or paleo, there is no room for carbohydrates or even plant-based oils.

It gained traction through advocates like Dr Shawn Baker and Mikhaila Peterson, who claim benefits like reduced inflammation and improved mental health. While it might sound radical, many in Australia are embracing it for its simplicity and results.

Key Health Claims and Benefits

Thinking a meat-only diet sounds restrictive? You might be surprised by just how much your body can thrive when fuelled solely by animal-based foods. Here are the potential benefits that many people experience on the carnivore diet:

• Fat loss: Noticeable reduction in belly fat and overall body weight
• Stable energy: Consistent physical and mental energy without afternoon crashes
• Improved digestion: Less bloating, gas and fewer digestive issues
• Mental clarity: Sharper focus and enhanced cognitive performance
• Reduced inflammation: Relief from joint pain, swelling and stiffness
• Clearer skin: Fewer breakouts and improvement in skin texture
• Balanced mood: Fewer mood swings and improved emotional control
• Blood sugar control: Stable glucose levels and reduced cravings
• Better sleep: Deeper, more restful sleep with improved recovery
• Simplified eating: Less decision fatigue and reduced urge for junk food

Common Concerns and Potential Risks

Every diet comes with its challenges, and the carnivore approach is no different. Cutting out plants means you miss out on certain nutrients like vitamin C and fibre, although some argue that meat in its natural state offers more bioavailable nutrients.

Digestive changes are common in the first few weeks, from constipation to looser stools. Concerns about cholesterol also come up, but current research shows saturated fat may not be the villain it was once thought to be.

Still, this diet is not for everyone. It's essential to monitor your health and work with a healthcare provider if you have any pre-existing conditions.

What to Eat on the Carnivore Diet

This is where Carnivore Society shines. Your diet will centre around beef, lamb, pork, poultry, seafood and eggs. Ribeye, scotch fillet, T-bone and brisket are great starting points due to their fat content:

Beef

Beef is a staple in any carnivore’s kitchen. Cuts like ribeye, scotch fillet, brisket and T-bone offer the ideal balance of fat and protein to keep you satisfied and energised. 

Fatty cuts are especially helpful during the adaptation phase, providing steady fuel when your body switches from carbs to fat for energy. 

Carnivore Society offers a wide range of premium beef cuts sourced from top Australian producers, perfect for both newcomers and seasoned carnivores.

Lamb and Pork

Lamb is rich in healthy fats and essential minerals, making it a fantastic addition to your carnivore meal rotation. Pork, particularly belly and shoulder cuts, offers excellent fat content and adds variety to your plate. 

These meats are ideal for slow-cooking or roasting and help break the monotony if you’re not keen on eating beef every day. 

With Carnivore Society’s curated meat boxes, it’s easy to include a selection of lamb and pork without the fuss of supermarket runs.

Organ Meats

Liver, kidney, heart and bone marrow are nutrient-dense additions that deliver bioavailable vitamins and minerals, often missing in plant-based diets. 

The liver, in particular, is loaded with vitamin A, iron, and B12, which are all vital for energy, skin health, and immune support. 

While organ meats may take some getting used to, Carnivore Society makes it simple to source clean, high-quality organ options that are ready to cook.

Eggs and Seafood

Many carnivore followers include eggs and seafood, even though they’re technically not meat. Eggs are a great source of protein, healthy fats and choline, while oily fish like salmon and sardines provide omega-3 fatty acids for brain and heart health. 

These can be excellent additions if you’re not going fully strict or want occasional variety. Use them to diversify your diet without straying from animal-based principles.

Fats and Bone Broth

Animal fats, whether from tallow, butter or fatty cuts, are essential for energy, especially in the early stages of the diet. Bone broth is also highly recommended for gut healing and joint support, offering collagen, gelatin and minerals in an easily digestible form. 

Many Carnivore Society cuts, like oxtail and marrow bones, are ideal for making nourishing broths that support your transition and long-term health.

How to Prepare for the Transition

Don’t jump in blindly. Gradually reducing your intake of sugar and carbs before starting will help ease the transition. Stock up on a range of cuts, from fatty brisket to leaner options like rump, and get familiar with simple meat prep.

Keep your meals basic at first – salt, meat and water. Carnivore Society’s curated bundles are a great way to prep for your first week without overthinking your shopping list.

You might feel lethargic or irritable in the beginning. This is normal as your body switches from burning carbs to relying on fat. Stay hydrated and increase your salt intake to help combat symptoms.

Week-by-Week Guide: What to Expect in the First Month

The first month on the carnivore diet can feel like a rollercoaster, but knowing what to expect makes all the difference. Here’s a detailed look at how your body may respond week by week.

Week 1: The Adjustment Begins

This week is all about transition. As your body shifts from burning carbohydrates to relying on fat for fuel, it’s common to feel sluggish, irritable or even slightly unwell. 

This is often referred to as the “keto flu”, a temporary set of symptoms caused by electrolyte shifts and carb withdrawal. You may also notice changes in digestion, such as constipation or looser stools, as your gut adjusts to an all-meat diet. 

To ease the transition, increase your salt intake, drink plenty of water and opt for fatty cuts from Carnivore Society like brisket or ribeye to keep your energy stable.

Week 2: Energy Starts to Return

By the second week, your body begins adapting to its new fuel source. Many people report steadier energy, fewer cravings and a clearer head. 

Sleep may improve slightly, and feelings of hunger tend to become less frequent as the diet naturally regulates your appetite. It’s important to keep meals simple and nourishing. 

Continue focusing on quality meats and consider adding bone broth made from marrow bones or oxtail to support gut health and hydration.

Week 3: Mental Clarity and Appetite Control

This is when things often start to click. Brain fog lifts, and you may feel sharper, more focused, and even emotional. Bloating and inflammation may reduce noticeably. 

Your appetite becomes more regulated. Some people naturally fall into eating one or two meals a day without thinking about it. 

Many also experience improved mood, better skin and reduced joint pain. Keep your meals varied by rotating through beef, lamb and organ meats from Carnivore Society’s boxes.

Week 4: Stabilisation and Confidence

By the fourth week, most people feel physically and mentally better than they have in years. Energy levels become consistent, sleep is deeper, and recovery from physical activity tends to improve. 

Cravings for sugar and processed food are often gone entirely. You may start to notice visible body composition changes like reduced puffiness, fat loss and improved muscle definition.

At this stage, the carnivore diet often becomes second nature, and sticking with it feels much easier. This is a great time to explore more variety with your meals or experiment with slow-cooked cuts, roasts and organ-rich dishes.

Tips for Long-Term Success on Carnivore Diet

Once you’ve made it through the first month, staying consistent becomes the next big goal. These tips will help you build a sustainable carnivore lifestyle without burning out or falling off track:

• Rotate your cuts: Include a variety of meats such as lamb, beef, pork and organ meats to avoid flavour fatigue and boost nutrient intake
• Embrace organ meats: Liver, heart, and kidney offer essential vitamins and minerals that muscle meat alone may lack
• Cook in batches: Prepare meals ahead of time using slow cookers or air fryers to make daily eating effortless
• Invest in quality: Stick with high-quality, ethically sourced meat like the selections from Carnivore Society to ensure your body is getting the best fuel
• Track how you feel: Monitor your energy, sleep, skin and digestion, it helps to see the progress, even when it’s gradual
• Stay hydrated: Increase your intake of water and mineral-rich broth to maintain electrolyte balance
• Season smartly: Use only salt and optional animal-based seasonings to keep meals enjoyable without straying from the diet
• Be prepared for social situations: Plan ahead when dining out by choosing meat-heavy options and skipping sides or sauces
• Listen to your body: If something feels off, reassess carnivore can be tweaked to suit your needs
• Keep it simple: Don’t overcomplicate it, eat when you’re hungry, stop when you’re full and let real food do the work

Is the Carnivore Diet Right for You?

Going carnivore is a bold move, but for many, it’s a life-changing one. If you’re ready to simplify your diet and focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods, it might be worth a try.

Start with quality meat cuts from Carnivore Society and see how your body responds.