The Carnivore diet is a dietitian approach which includes eating of all meat based products while removing all plant-based foods from your diet. This helps in weight loss and overall health. Many people have many questions about this diet like how can you take vitamins on this diet as it is a meat based diet, you can have vitamin deficiency because it excludes all fruits and vegetables that are full of vitamins. When following a carnivore diet, hydration is essential, and selecting the right beverages is key. Another question that arises in people’s minds is What can you drink on a carnivore diet? Since plant-based drinks like coffee, tea, and fruit juices are often avoided, There are many other options you can go for. In this article, we will discuss in detail about what you can drink on the carnivore diet. From water to bone broth, learn which beverages. Drawback of other drinks that are carnivore, but also not considered as the best options so lets start.
What Can You Drink On Carnivore Diet?
What you can drink on a carnivore diet is based on how strictly you are following this diet and how consistent you are. Skipping plant- based foods and carbs from your diet and just implementing animal-based products in your daily meal plans.
When following a carnivore diet, It is necessary to stay hydrated as well by selecting the right beverages is key. If you want a safe option then water works the best for you.
If you are person who consume coffee on the daily basis especially in the morning to get energize for the whole day like 62% American, It can be a bad decision if you are taking it in a carnivore diet as carnivore is restricted on not to add plant-based food in your diet routine Coffee is also one of them.
Since Coffee can be bad in carnivore diet It milk can be less harmful what you think? And then what about alcohol. Well lets have a look at all options then decide.
Mineral Water on a Carnivore diet
Mineral water is considered one of the safest and suitable options when it comes to carnivore diet. Since the diet focused on animal based foods and eliminated plant based foods, It is crucial to select a drink that matches with this diet. Mineral water comes from a mineral-rich natural spring. It has minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sodium that are considered the best choice for hydration without adding any non animal ingredients. Mineral water not only helps in hydration but also in maintaining electrolyte balance, which is necessary for the diet that excludes all sources based on nutrients. All you need to make sure is drink high-quality mineral water without any kind of sugar and flavors added, as those would be against carnivore diet principles.
The concern of Toxins in Tap Water
The concern of toxins in tap water can raise many issues for many people, especially the one who follows a strict diet like a carnivore diet. As tap water sometimes contains harmful substances like chlorine, fluoride, heavy metals (like lead or arsenic), pesticides, and pharmaceutical residues, All these can be alarming and have serious health risks.
These toxins gather together in the body over time and lead to various health issues like diarrhea or other stomach issues, bacterial infections, cancer, dental fluorosis, and bone disease. Some people prefer to filter out all the toxic from water when they are on carnivore diet as well. Using high-quality water filters, such as reverse osmosis systems, can help remove these toxins, ensuring the water is free from impurities that may interfere with the body’s health or hinder the benefits of the carnivore lifestyle.
Sparkling Water on Carnivore diet
Sparkling water is considered a good drinking option when it comes to carnivore diet as it includes carbon dioxide gas that is not prohibited in carnivore diet whereas It excludes carbohydrates, sugars, and plant-based ingredients. It is a refreshing alternative when you are following a strict diet like a carnivore diet. Like mineral water, sparkling water also provides hydration without any involvement of non animal products. It is suitable to drink in all meat eating plans.
However, It is necessary to avoid sparkling water that contains sugar, artificial sweeteners and flavors, as they can violate carnivore diet principles. On the other hand you can drink sparkling water that is free from any kind of extra things like I maintain above in order to get full benefits of it throughout the whole diet. According to many studies on sparkling water it helps in digestion, hydration, and dental health.
Milk on Carnivore Diet
Milk is a controversial beverage when we talk about a good drink in a carnivore diet. While it is a drink based on animal-based products, It still may be violating the carnivore diet as It have lactose content which can create creative hurdles in your weight loss journey. The carnivore diet typically focuses on consuming meat, fish, and animal-derived fats while excluding plant-based foods, dairy, and other non-animal products. In some cases while drinking milk people face digestive issues, discomfort and less health benefits.
Additionally, Some people do use milk products in a carnivore diet like milk and other dairy products like cheese and butter, in moderation. Full-fat milk does have benefits for our body as they are rich in protein which helps to boost energy levels and support muscle growth especially when you are on a diet like a carnivore diet. However, for those who are lactose intolerant or seeking to avoid dairy for other health reasons, alternatives like heavy cream (which has less lactose) may be a better option.
Although It can be someone’s personal decision whether to add milk while doing a carnivore diet or not as it depends on multiple factors like l tolerance levels, digestive health, and specific diet goals which can be different for all individuals.
Raw Milk: People consider to take a large amount of milk even when they are following a diet like a carnivore one. According to carnivore diet experts raw milk can be the best beverage to drink when you are taking any restricted diet. It includes a great source of minerals and vitamins which helps in supporting overall health can save you from vitamin C deficiency as carnivore diet restricts plant based foods which are considered as the main source of vitamin C. Meat do contain vitamin C but in less quantity as compared to plant based products.
Bone Broth on Carnivore Diet
Bone broth also can be considered as an excellent beverage when it comes to carnivore diet because of its nutrient density and agreement with these diet principles. Many people are curious to know how bone broth made well Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones, cartilage, and connective tissue for long period, which draw out nutrients like collagen, gelatin, amino acids (like glycine and proline), and essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. These nutrients help in digestion, skin health and support joint health, all these are important benefits especially when you are taking a meat based diet plan.
Additionally, bone broth provides hydration and essential electrolytes without breaking diet rules that is why it is favored on carnivore diets. Unlike the other beverages, bone broth doesn’t contain any kind of plant-based ingredients like sugar or carbohydrates in it. Bone broth is high in collagen which is good for gut health. Regular use of bone broth can provide a good and needed amount of amino acids which are good for your health. Bone broth is a good option in carnivore diet.
Electrolyte Drinks on Carnivore Diet
Electrolyte drinks are also considered a good option when it comes to carnivore diet as the diet eliminates many common sources of electrolytes, such as fruits and vegetables. Electrolyte drinks can work as a replacement for these plant-based foods. Electrolytes are important for our body as it includes sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium that helps in keeping you hydrated, helps in muscle function and maintain overall health. On a carnivore diet it is suggested to take electrolyte drink in order to fulfill its need in the body. While many traditional electrolyte drinks in the market contain sugar, artificial flavors and additives which don’t match with carnivore diet principles, there are also clean, zero-carb options available. Some people think that electrolyte drinks are specially designed for people who follow a restricted diet which is actually true. So when you are considering electrolyte drinks in carnivore diet make sure to select the option which don’t contain any artificial ingredients, sweeteners, or plant-based additives.
Also Read: Do You Need Vitamin C on the Carnivore Diet? Explained
What About Coffee on Carnivore?
Coffee is a trending and debating topic among the people who follow a restricted diet like a carnivore diet, as this diet focuses on animal-based products and eliminates plant-based foods, Coffee itself comes from a fruit seed which is completely plant-based. It violates carnivore diet principles. However many people still consume coffee in a carnivore diet, as this drink is free from carbohydrates and sugar which are considered key elements in diet violation. If you consume black coffee, it has some good benefits for your health such as energy boosting and helps in overall body metabolism.
- A study in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that regular caffeine intake (equivalent to 3 cups of coffee) may help protect against the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
- A study from the Journal of Applied Physiology found that caffeine can enhance performance in endurance sports by improving stamina.
- According to research in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, coffee is one of the largest sources of antioxidants in the average Western diet.
- A large meta-analysis published in Diabetes Care found that regular coffee drinkers (especially those consuming 3-4 cups per day) had a significantly lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
It is important to simply prepare coffee without adding any kind of heavy or whipped cream in order to align with the carnivore diet. Ultimately, the decision to include coffee on the carnivore diet is a personal one and depends on individual goals and preferences.
Butter Coffee
Butter coffee, often known as “bulletproof coffee,” is a popular drink among people especially those who are on a restricted diet like carnivore diet. It includes butter and MCT oil which helps in providing sustained energy and mental clarity. If you are following a carnivore diet, adding butter coffee is the best suitable and best option for you. It aligns with the diet as it includes butter which is derived from animals and considered as animal-based product. Butter coffee in a carnivore diet helps in calories burn and depression as well. The main benefits of butter coffee are:
- Helps Maintain Energy Levels.
- Promotes Ketosis (If Combined with MCT Oil).
- Supports High-Fat Intake.
- Supports Gut Health and Digestion.
- Helps in Satiation and Hunger Control.
Also Read: Exploring Joe Rogan Carnivore Diet: Tips, Benefits, and Long-Term Effects
What About Black, Green, and Herbal Teas on Carnivore?
When it comes to the carnivore diet, which strictly focuses on animal-based foods and eliminates plant-based foods, beverages like tea raise some questions due to their plant origins. However, the approach to consuming tea on the carnivore diet varies depending on individual preferences and how strictly one adheres to the diet’s principles.
Black tea is not allowed in a carnivore diet as it comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, so it is a plant-based product. However some people still consume it on the carnivore diet as it is calorie free, no sugar added and doesn’t contain carbohydrates. black tea also provides the same energy boost like caffeine. It also helps in mental clarity. While black tea is generally accepted by more flexible adherents of the carnivore diet, if you are following a carnivore diet strictly, you should avoid using it.
Like black tea, green tea is made from the Camellia sinensis plant and is thus not a traditional part of the carnivore diet. Some carnivore dieters include green tea in their diet plan as green tea has many benefits like supporting fat metabolism and providing protection against stress. Like the 2 teas we discussed, herbal tea is also restricted in the carnivore diet as it is made from different plants, flowers and herbs. However people still drink it in a carnivore diet as it has many benefits like it helps in digestion and mind relaxation.
What Drinks To Avoid On A Carnivore Diet?
Alcohol
While there is no scientific research that alcohol is prohibited on the carnivore diet, It is generally advised to avoid taking it in a carnivore diet as alcohol is made from extract juices which come from fruits, they are plant-based products which don’t align with carnivore diet principles. Since alcohol can have an impact on metabolism, inflammation, and overall health, avoiding it helps ensure that you stay aligned with the diet’s benefits.
Other reasons why alcohol is not recommended on the carnivore diet:
- Negative Impact on Metabolism and Insulin Sensitivity
- Impact on Gut Health and Digestion
- Inflammation and Immune Response
- Interference with Fat-Burning and Ketosis
Sugary Drinks
Sugary drinks are restricted from carnivore diet, some of sugary drink to avoid are as follow:
- Coffee with sugar or artificial sweetener
- Tea with sugar
- Any fruit Juice
- Any soda or diet soda
- Sports drinks, even no-sugar sports drinks
- Kefir
- Milk
- Flavored milk
- Coconut milk
- Coconut water
Conclusion: What can you drink on Carnivore diet?
In conclusion, while the carnivore diet primarily focuses on consuming animal-based foods, there are several beverage options that align with its principles. Water, including mineral water and sparkling water, is the foundation of hydration, while coffee and butter coffee can be consumed in moderation for their energizing effects, provided they are free from additives. Bone broth is another excellent choice, offering electrolytes and nutrients that support overall health. However, drinks such as alcohol, sugary beverages, and plant-based teas or juices should generally be avoided, as they either interfere with the diet’s goals or contain non-animal ingredients.
Also Read: Jordan Peterson Diet: A Guide to His Eating Habits and Health Approach