Why Jordan Peterson Swears By the Carnivore Diet: An In-Depth Analysis

Jordan Peterson is a renowned Canadian clinical psychologist, professor of psychology, and YouTube personality who has been making headlines for sharing his and his daughter's story with the carnivore diet.

In his book "12 Rules for Life," Peterson extensively writes about his experience with the carnivore diet and how it transformed his health and well-being. Peterson claims that the diet helped him overcome severe autoimmune and psychological problems and that it has the potential to boost mental clarity, reduce inflammation, and promote weight loss. 

However, the carnivore diet has also received immense criticism from the scientific community, with some experts warning of its potential long-term health risks. In this in-depth analysis, we'll examine why Jordan Peterson swears by the carnivore diet, its benefits and risks, and whether or not it's a sustainable and healthy dietary choice. 

So, if you're curious to learn more about the carnivore diet and its impact on health, stick around for an eye-opening exploration.

What is the Carnivore Diet?

The carnivore diet is a dietary approach that involves consuming only animal-based foods. This includes meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. The diet excludes all other food groups, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes.

The carnivore diet is often called a "zero-carb" or "all-meat" diet, as it contains no carbohydrates or plant-based foods. Supporters of the carnivore diet claim that it promotes weight loss, reduces inflammation, and improves mental clarity.

The carnivore diet is not a new concept. Humans have been consuming animal-based diets for thousands of years. However, the modern Western diet typically consists of high amounts of processed foods, grains, and sugars. The carnivore diet is a departure from this norm, focusing solely on nutrient-dense animal-based foods.

The Benefits of the Carnivore Diet

According to supporters of the carnivore diet, this dietary approach has several potential benefits. One of the most touted benefits is weight loss. Because the carnivore diet is low in carbohydrates and high in protein, it may help individuals lose weight by reducing their caloric intake and increasing their satiety.

Additionally, the carnivore diet may help regulate blood sugar levels, as it eliminates the consumption of high-carbohydrate foods that can cause spikes in blood sugar.

Another benefit of the carnivore diet is improved mental clarity. Supporters of the diet claim that removing carbohydrates and plant-based foods from the diet can reduce brain fog and improve focus and concentration. Additionally, the diet may help reduce inflammation, a common factor in many chronic diseases.

Jordan Peterson's Experience with the Carnivore Diet

Jordan Peterson's experience with the carnivore diet has been widely publicized. In his book "12 Rules for Life", Peterson extensively writes about his experience with the diet and how it transformed his health and well-being.

Peterson was drawn to the strict version of the carnivore diet, also mentioned as the Jordan Peterson carnivore diet, once his daughter, Mikhaila Peterson, reported huge success in managing her severe autoimmune and psychological problems, including depression and anxiety. 

Jordan claims that the carnivore diet helped him overcome psoriasis and eliminate fatigue. His depression and anxiety practically vanished, and he lost about 50 lbs in 7 months. You can listen to Jordan Peterson's carnivore diet story on the Joe Rogan podcast, where he adds that he's no expert, so his aim isn't to encourage people to follow his way of practically eating beef, salt and water only.

Peterson's experience with the carnivore diet has garnered widespread attention, with many individuals curious about the potential benefits of this dietary approach. However, it's important to note that Peterson's experience is anecdotal and may not apply to the whole of the general population.

Criticisms of the Carnivore Diet

Despite the anecdotal benefits of the carnivore diet Jordan Peterson and his daughter Mikhaila experienced, it has also received immense criticism from the scientific community. One of the primary criticisms of the diet is its lack of essential nutrients. According to mainstream nutritional advice, fruits, vegetables, and grains contain essential vitamins, like vitamin C, minerals, and fibre necessary for optimal health. Eliminating these foods from the diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies and a weakened immune system.

Another criticism of the carnivore diet is its potential long-term health risks. The diet is high in saturated fat and cholesterol, which can increase the risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases. People connect the research on red meat and cardiovascular disease as a warning against the carnivore diet.

Additionally, the diet is low in fibre since no plant-based food is consumed. Many researchers associated this with digestive issues and an increased risk of colon cancer.

Scientific Studies and Research on the Carnivore Diet

Most of the research on the carnivore diet is anecdotal or based on short-term studies. However, studies have shown that low-carbohydrate diets, similar to the carnivore diet, can lead to weight loss and improved metabolic health.

Additionally, some studies have shown that high-fat diets, which are common among individuals following the carnivore diet, can lead to increased LDL cholesterol levels, a risk factor for heart disease. 

However, other studies have suggested that dietary cholesterol may not be as harmful as previously thought.

The Controversy Surrounding the Carnivore Diet

The carnivore diet is a controversial dietary approach that has received praise and criticism. Supporters of the diet claim that it promotes weight loss, reduces inflammation, and improves mental clarity.

The controversy surrounding the carnivore diet has led to heated debates within the scientific community. Some experts argue that the diet is unsustainable and unhealthy, while others believe it may have potential health benefits.

The Future of the Carnivore Diet

The future of the carnivore diet is uncertain. While some individuals have reported significant health improvements, we don't know much about the carnivore diet's long-term health risks. We can make an educated guess based on some scientific and anecdotal evidence. 

Probably the most significant aspect of long-term research and benefits of following the carnivore diet is whether or not it's sustainable due to its restrictive nature compared to most other diets.

As more research is conducted on the carnivore diet, we may better understand its potential benefits and risks. However, until more information is available, individuals should cautiously approach the diet and speak with a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes.

How to Get Started on the Carnivore Diet

If you're interested in trying the carnivore diet, it's essential to approach it with caution and speak with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to what you eat, especially if you have any health issues.

To get started on the carnivore diet, focus on consuming high-quality animal-based foods, such as grass-fed beef, pasture-raised poultry, and wild-caught fish. Eliminate all other food groups, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. You can check out our Getting Started Guide and see the different types of carnivore meal plans. If you don't have any severe issues and are looking for more vitality and weight loss, you may not need to be super strict.

Conclusion

The carnivore diet is a controversial dietary approach that has recently gained popularity. Supporters of the diet claim that it promotes weight loss, reduces inflammation, and improves mental clarity. However, critics warn of the potential nutrient deficiencies and long-term health risks associated with the diet. 

While more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of the carnivore diet, individuals should approach this dietary approach with caution and speak with a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes. If you're cleared to give it a go, ensure you follow advice from an experienced carnivore diet coach who doesn't only have personal experience in battling autoimmune disorders but also optimizing the carnivore diet for lifestyle and training needs.