How Do You Find Carnivore Diet Menus Eating Out?

Eating out while following a carnivore diet might seem challenging, but with a bit of planning and knowledge, it can be easily managed. We’ll explore various tips and strategies to help you find carnivore-friendly menus no matter where you are.

 

From understanding how to customize restaurant meals to identifying the best types of eateries for carnivores, we’ve got you covered. Our goal is to show you that maintaining a carnivore diet is possible virtually anywhere, ensuring you stay on track with your health goals while enjoying dining out.

 

Let’s take a closer look at how to find carnivore diet menus when eating out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Is the Carnivore Diet?

 

 

 

The carnivore diet, focused on animal-based foods, offers several variations tailored to individual needs and health goals. Here are the key variations:

 

The Beef-Only Carnivore Diet

This approach focuses solely on beef, chosen for its simplicity and effectiveness in elimination diets. It’s recommended for those with autoimmune or chronic health issues seeking support or remission. Long-term, it’s beneficial to include a variety of meats for balanced nutrition.

 

The Lion Diet

A stricter version, the lion diet consists only of ruminant meats, salt, and water. It’s often used as an initial step in elimination protocols, with a gradual reintroduction of other meats. This diet is ideal for those with autoimmune and gut healing needs.

 

The Nose-to-Tail Carnivore Diet

This variation includes consuming all parts of the animal, including organ meats, for comprehensive nutrient intake. However, caution is advised with liver and kidney consumption to avoid nutrient imbalances, such as vitamin A toxicity, especially for those with certain liver conditions.

 

The Meat Only Carnivore Diet

This diet expands to all muscle meat while omitting organ meats, dairy, and eggs. It’s perfect for those seeking a foundational elimination diet and who tolerate all muscle meat.

 

The Zero-Carb Carnivore Diet

Focusing on foods with zero to almost no carbohydrates, this diet includes dairy, eggs, and all meats, centering on meat and animal fat. Seasonings may be included. It’s a great option for those without autoimmune or chronic health issues who tolerate dairy and/or eggs.

 

The Carnivore Keto Diet

Combining the low-carb, high-fat principles of the ketogenic diet with the carnivore diet, this approach mimics fasting effects while offering diet variation with low-toxicity plant foods such as avocados and coconut oil. It’s recommended for metabolically healthy individuals who have mostly healed their chronic health issues.

 

The Carnivore-ish Keto Diet

This flexible variation incorporates more ketogenic elements while focusing on animal-based foods. It may include keto sweeteners, some nut products, and other keto varieties while remaining meat-heavy. It’s recommended for metabolically healthy individuals who have healed and don’t suffer from food addiction issues.

 

Animal-Based Diet

This inclusive variation centers on animal products but allows for fruit, honey, and raw dairy. It’s suitable for healthy individuals with high metabolic flexibility and elite athletes, but we generally do not recommend it due to the risks of mixing fruit with high fat.

 

What Are the Benefits Of the Carnivore Diet?

 

 

The carnivore diet has gained attention for its potential health benefits. This way of eating involves eliminating all plant-based foods and focusing solely on meat, fish, eggs, and, in some variations, dairy products. Here, we explore the various benefits of the carnivore diet and why individuals might consider trying it.

 

1. Nutrient Density: One of the primary benefits of the carnivore diet is its nutrient density. Animal foods are rich in essential nutrients, including high-quality proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Meat provides vitamins B12, B6, niacin, riboflavin, and minerals such as iron, zinc, and selenium. These nutrients are crucial for maintaining energy levels, supporting metabolic functions, and ensuring overall health.

 

2. Improved Mental Clarity and Focus: Many individuals experience enhanced mental clarity and focus. This is attributed to the elimination of plant toxins and anti-nutrients found in some vegetables, grains, and legumes that can interfere with nutrient absorption and brain function. Additionally, a diet high in protein and fat, and low in carbohydrates, helps stabilize blood sugar levels, reducing brain fog and improving cognitive function.

 

 

3. Reduction in Inflammation: The carnivore diet can significantly reduce inflammation. Plant-based foods often contain compounds that can trigger inflammation in susceptible individuals. By eliminating these foods and consuming anti-inflammatory foods such as fatty fish and grass-fed meats, individuals may experience relief from chronic inflammation, which is linked to conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders.

 

4. Weight Loss and Body Composition: Weight loss is a common benefit of the carnivore diet. The high protein content helps increase satiety, reducing overall calorie intake. Additionally, a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet can promote fat-burning and improve metabolic health. Many people on the carnivore diet have found significant reductions in body fat and improvements in muscle mass.

 

5. Digestive Health: For those with digestive issues and looking for optimal gut health, the carnivore diet is ideal. By eliminating fibrous plant foods that can cause bloating, gas, and digestive discomfort, individuals often experience improved digestion. Furthermore, meat is highly digestible and doesn’t require the complex breakdown process that plant foods do, making it easier on the gut.

 

6. Simplicity and Satiety: The carnivore diet is straightforward and simple to follow. There are no complicated meal plans or calorie counting. Eating primarily meat allows for quick and easy meal preparation. Additionally, the high satiety provided by protein and fat means that individuals often feel fuller for longer, reducing the need for frequent snacking.

 

 

7. Enhanced Mood and Energy Levels: Many people on the carnivore diet have found improvements in mood and energy. The elimination of sugar and processed foods can stabilize blood sugar levels, reducing mood swings and energy crashes. High-quality proteins and fats provide sustained energy, which can improve overall vitality and well-being.

 

8. Reduction in Food Cravings and Addictions: The carnivore diet can help reduce food cravings and addictions, particularly for sugar and carbohydrates. By focusing on satiating foods such as meat and animal fats, individuals can break the cycle of craving and consuming high-carb, high-sugar foods, leading to more stable eating patterns and improved overall health.

 

9. Potential Healing of Autoimmune Conditions: For individuals with autoimmune conditions, the carnivore diet can offer significant benefits. By eliminating foods that can trigger immune responses, such as gluten, lectins, and other plant compounds, some people experience a reduction in autoimmune symptoms. This diet allows for an elimination approach to identify food sensitivities and create a personalized, symptom-free diet.

 

10. Improved Skin Health: Skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis have been linked to diet and inflammation. The carnivore diet’s anti-inflammatory properties and elimination of potential dietary triggers can lead to clearer, healthier skin.

 

You can learn more about the benefits of the carnivore diet here.

 

What Are the Best Carnivore-Friendly Restaurants?

 

 

Finding carnivore-friendly restaurants can be easier than you might think. Several types of eateries cater well to this way of eating, offering a variety of options to keep your meals exciting and compliant. The only restaurants that won’t have meat are vegetarian and vegan.

 

Here’s a look at some of the best types of restaurants for those following a carnivore diet:

• Steakhouses: Steakhouses are a carnivore’s paradise. These establishments specialize in a variety of cuts of beef, from ribeye to filet mignon, all cooked to your preference. Many steakhouses also offer lamb, pork, and chicken, ensuring you have plenty of meat options. Just be sure to avoid sides such as bread and vegetables, sticking to meat and possibly butter or tallow for extra fat.

 

• BBQ Joints: Barbecue restaurants are another excellent choice for carnivores. These places typically offer a wide array of smoked and grilled meats, including brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and sausage. To stay carnivore, avoid sauces and sides that contain sugar or carbs, and focus on the meat selection.

 

• Wing Restaurants: Wing restaurants, such as Buffalo Wild Wings, offer numerous options that fit well into a carnivore diet. Opt for traditional wings without breading, and request plain or with a dry rub to avoid sugary sauces. Many of these places also serve other meats, such as grilled chicken breasts or thighs, that can be a great addition to your meal. Buffalo Wild Wings is a Carnivore favorite since they fry their wings in tallow.

 

• Burger Joints: Burger restaurants, both fast food and gourmet, can be surprisingly carnivore-friendly. Places such as Five Guys, In-N-Out Burger, and Shake Shack allow you to customize your order, making it easy to get burgers without buns. You can order multiple patties and add bacon or cheese (if you tolerate dairy). Five Guys and In-N-Out generally cook their burgers only in beef fat too. Many burger joints are also open to substituting buns with lettuce wraps or serving burgers in bowls.

 

• Seafood Restaurants: Seafood restaurants provide a great variety of animal-based options. Whether you’re at Red Lobster or a local seafood shack, you can indulge in lobster, crab, shrimp, oysters, and various fish. Many seafood places also offer grilled or broiled preparations, which fit perfectly into the carnivore diet. Be cautious with dipping sauces and sides, sticking to pure seafood and perhaps a bit of butter.

 

• Korean BBQ and Shabu Shabu: Korean BBQ and Japanese Shabu Shabu restaurants offer an interactive dining experience where you can grill your own meat at the table. These establishments usually provide an extensive selection of meats, including beef, pork, and chicken. Focus on the meats and avoid the accompanying sides.

 

• Brazilian Steakhouses: Brazilian steakhouses, such as Fogo de Chão and Texas de Brazil, are perfect for carnivores. These restaurants operate on a rodizio system, where servers bring a continuous stream of various grilled meats to your table. You can enjoy everything from beef and lamb to chicken and pork. Just skip the salad bar and focus on the meat offerings.

 

• Hot Pot: Chinese hot pot restaurants also offer an interactive dining experience. Guests cook their meat in their chosen broth on an induction plate at their table. Opt for animal broths or ask for hot water as your soup base if you’re looking for strict Carnivore options. Focus on their meat and seafood offerings.

 

• Sashimi Restaurants: Sashimi restaurants are another good option for getting seafood without any additional sides. While some sashimi dishes are marinated, there are many unseasoned, un-marinated options to choose from.

 

• Fondue Restaurants: Some fondue restaurants can accommodate Carnivore requests as many of the options include cheese fondue and meats.

 

If you’re not able to find one of these restaurants, a good trick for many places is simply ordering sides of meat to create your own meal.

 

Tips On Reading the Menus

Finding carnivore-friendly menus when dining out can be straightforward with a bit of planning and some simple strategies. Here are some tips to help you stick to your carnivore diet while enjoying meals at restaurants.

 

Plan Ahead

Before heading out, look up the restaurant’s menu online. Many restaurants post their menus on their websites or on review sites such as Yelp. This allows you to identify meat-based options and see if there are customizable dishes. If the menu isn’t available online, you can call ahead to ask about their meat selections and any flexibility in menu items.

 

Communicate Clearly With Your Server

When you arrive, clearly communicate your dietary needs to your server. Let them know you’re following a carnivore diet and may need some adjustments to your meal. For those who struggle with food addiction, it’s crucial to ask your server not to bring bread to the table. This removes temptation and helps you stick to your dietary goals.

 

Customize Your Order

Most restaurants are willing to accommodate special requests. Here are a few examples of how you can customize your order to be carnivore-friendly:

• Burgers: Ask for your burger without the bun. Many places will offer a lettuce wrap as a substitute, or you can simply have it served on a plate. You can also request additional patties or toppings such as bacon or cheese (if you tolerate dairy).
• Entrees: Request no sides or ask for a double portion of meat instead of vegetables or starches. For example, at a steakhouse, you can ask for extra steak or a side of shrimp instead of mashed potatoes or salad.
• Sauces: Be cautious with sauces, as they can contain hidden sugars and carbs. Request your meat to be prepared with just salt and pepper or with a butter-based sauce if you tolerate dairy. Make it clear what restrictions, allergies, and intolerances you have.

 

Closing Thoughts on Finding Carnivore Diet Menus When Eating Out

Navigating the carnivore diet while dining out can be manageable and enjoyable with some thoughtful planning and clear communication. Welcoming a diet rich in animal-based foods offers numerous benefits, from nutrient density and improved mental clarity to reduced inflammation and better digestive health. Whether you’re dining at steakhouses, BBQ joints, wing restaurants, or burger spots, there are plenty of options to suit a carnivore lifestyle.

 

To stay on track, planning ahead by checking menus online or calling the restaurant can help identify suitable choices. Communicating your dietary needs to the server is important, ensuring adjustments such as removing buns from burgers or opting for extra meat instead of sides. For those with food addiction concerns, asking the server not to bring bread to the table can be key.

 

Choosing meaty restaurants, such as steakhouses and BBQ places, makes it easier to find a variety of meat options that align with the carnivore diet. By customizing your orders and focusing on pure, unadulterated meats, you can enjoy dining out without compromising your dietary goals.

 

Ultimately, with the right strategies and a proactive approach, maintaining a carnivore diet is not only possible but can also be a satisfying and sustainable way of eating, supporting your health and wellness journey.

 

Work With Our Trusted Carnivore Diet Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioners

The Nutrition with Judy practice is honored to be a trusted carnivore diet practitioner support serving clients from around the globe. We’re passionate about helping our clients achieve root-cause healing in order to lead the best quality of life possible that’s nearly symptom-free. Our team is dedicated to providing the resources you need to support your wellness goals. We welcome you to explore our free resources and are always available to support you through personalized protocols. Our Symptom Burden Assessment (SBA) is the perfect starting point for discovering your root cause and is required to work with our team— you can learn more in-depth about this powerful tool here.