Easy Carnivore Diet Recipes & Meal Plans for Beginners

Discover easy carnivore diet recipes, meal plans for beginners, what to eat, what to avoid, benefits, side effects, 80/20 rule, and answers to common questions.

1/7/20253 min read

Steak, ground beef, chicken, salmon, fish, and eggs with a chalkboard reading 'Carnivore Diet'
Steak, ground beef, chicken, salmon, fish, and eggs with a chalkboard reading 'Carnivore Diet'

Carnivore Diet Recipes

The carnivore diet has become quite the hot topic in health discussions. If you're curious about it and wondering how to make it work in your daily life, you’re in the right place! I’ll explain the basics, share some easy recipes to get you started, and clear up common questions like, “What meals can I make for a carnivore diet?” and “What’s this 80/20 rule people keep talking about?”

What is Carnivore Diet?

The carnivore diet is all about cutting carbs and sticking to animal-based foods. That means your meals revolve around beef, chicken, pork, fish, eggs, and sometimes even dairy. By eliminating carbs, your body shifts to burning fat for energy, which can help with weight loss. Advocates also claim benefits like reduced inflammation, better blood sugar control, and improved mental clarity.

It’s similar to keto or Atkins diets, but here’s the twist: carnivore cuts out all carbs completely. That means no fruits, veggies, grains, or even legumes.

Pros and Cons of the Carnivore Diet

Like any diet, the carnivore approach has its ups and downs. Let’s break them down.

Carnivore Diet Benefits

〰 Weight Loss: Many find it easier to shed pounds by cutting carbs.

〰 Heart Health: Some report lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

〰 Blood Sugar Control: Great for managing diabetes, as per anecdotal reports.

〰 Mental Clarity: Many followers say they feel more focused.

Carnivore Diet Side Effects

〰 Nutritional Deficiencies: Without fruits and veggies, you could miss out on fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium.

〰 Digestive Issues: The lack of fiber might cause constipation for some.

〰 Fatigue or Brain Fog: Adjusting to zero carbs can be challenging initially.

Easy Carnivore Diet Recipes

You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to whip up delicious carnivore meals. Here are some simple recipes to try:

Cheeseburger Pie

Impossibly cheeseburger pie, featuring a creamy Bisquick filling and beef and cheese layerImpossibly cheeseburger pie, featuring a creamy Bisquick filling and beef and cheese layer

Think of this as all the best parts of a cheeseburger baked into a pie! It’s a hit with carnivore dieters and super easy to make. Want to try it? Click here for the Cheeseburger Pie recipe ↗

Tartare

beef tartare on a wooden board, garnished with a raw egg yolk, diced onions, chives and garlic clovebeef tartare on a wooden board, garnished with a raw egg yolk, diced onions, chives and garlic clove

Raw and elegant, tartare is a great way to enjoy high-quality beef. Add a touch of salt, egg yolk, and some seasoning, and you’ve got a meal that’s as sophisticated as it is satisfying. Check out this Tartare recipe↗

Egg Pudding

caramel egg pudding topped with a glossy caramel layer, on a white plate, showing its smooth texturecaramel egg pudding topped with a glossy caramel layer, on a white plate, showing its smooth texture

If you’re craving something sweet but want to stick to your diet, egg pudding is the way to go. It’s creamy, delicious, and fits right into a carnivore plan. Get the Egg Pudding recipe here ↗

Carnivore Diet Meal Plans

Here’s what a day on the carnivore diet might look like:

〰 Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with bacon.

〰 Lunch: Juicy burger patties (skip the bun).

〰 Dinner: Grilled salmon or steak.

Final Thoughts

The carnivore diet isn’t for everyone, but if you’re looking for a straightforward, no-carb approach to eating, it’s worth a try. Remember to listen to your body and consult a professional if you’re unsure about diving in.

FAQs

What Meals Can I Make for a Carnivore Diet?

You can keep it simple with grilled meats, scrambled eggs, and broths. Or get creative with recipes like cheeseburger pie or tartare.

What Is the 80/20 Rule for Carnivore Diet?

The 80/20 rule is about being flexible. Stick to carnivore-friendly foods 80% of the time, but allow a little room for treats or adjustments, like a splash of milk in your coffee or a rare indulgence in non-carnivore foods. It’s a helpful way to stay consistent without feeling too restricted.

What Can You Not Eat on a Carnivore Diet?

Say goodbye to fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds. Basically, anything plant-based is off the table.

Can You Eat Cheese on Carnivore Diet?

Yes, but stick to low-lactose options like hard cheeses. Some people might find they tolerate dairy better than others.

Can You Drink Milk on a Carnivore Diet?

Milk is generally avoided on the carnivore diet because of its lactose (a type of sugar) content. Instead, many people use heavy cream or butter for cooking or in recipes, as they’re lower in carbs and fit the diet better.