THE term “carnivore diet” is nothing new, however, UFC commentator and podcaster Joe Rogan’s success in trimming down on this meal plan is raising questions. 

The carnivore diet is a restrictive diet that only includes meat, fish, and other animal foods like eggs and certain dairy products. It excludes all other foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds.

Its proponents also recommend eliminating or limiting dairy intake to foods that are low in lactose such as butter and hard cheeses.

The carnivore diet stems from the controversial belief that human ancestral populations ate mostly meat and fish and that high-carb diets are to blame for today’s high rates of chronic disease.

Joe Rogan has been starting his year like this since 2020 saying on social media that he lost 12 pounds the first year, feels amazing and was impressed with the results. He was however also very open about the diarrhoea this diet is associated with. 

His endorsement and weight loss have many people asking:

Is this the weight loss secret we have been waiting for?

Our Health and Fitness columnist weighs in: 

Just as it would be untrue to say ALL Vegans are on a mission to find the healthiest options in their meatless burger Pattie’s – some are just trying to save the planet and its voiceless species – in the same way, not everyone buying into weight loss is prioritizing the WELLNESS attachment.  

I like Joe Rogan. 

What I don’t like is the thought of a diet that alienates me from my (few and far between) social engagements or has me waking up to a plate of ribeye following insufferable, explosive bathroom visits. Nor do I like the thought of flushing an army of immune-boosting minerals and vitamins down the pooper.  

I think common sense and a love for healthy food just have me visualising a less extreme lifestyle as more appealing.   

Just to get some perspective:

Carbs have 4 calories per gram. 

Protein has 4 calories per gram. 

Non-refined (zero added sugar) Carbs come with a huge boost of gut-healthy fibre along with a multitude of disease-fighting vitamins and minerals.  

Refined (sugar-added) Carbs don’t. 

Massive portions of red meat provide highly saturated, artery-clogging, LDL-raising fats. 

Plant proteins and lower saturated animal fats don’t.  

In conclusion

I don’t think  I heard on any platform that Joe Rogan was trying to endorse his Caveman diet as the HEALTHIEST method of weight loss. 

He lost weight due to a simple formula for the calorific deficit.

Fasting combined with the elimination of other food groups. Is it healthy? Or sustainable?

Nadine Lahana is a certified nutrition & wellness specialist, personal trainer, health writer for various publications and Fitness Content Creator. She believes in teaching the basics of nutrition and empowering others to make better choices.   Follow her on Instagram TikTok and Facebook 

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