Is Eating Once a Day Bad?

One of the most commonly asked questions about starting the carnivore diet is how often you should be eating. Since this diet is based on nutrient-dense, highly satiating animal foods, it’s not uncommon for people to naturally eat fewer meals throughout the day. With increased satiety and stabilized energy levels, many Carnivores find themselves wondering if one meal a day is the ultimate solution. But is eating once a day truly beneficial for everyone? And what are the potential downsides or considerations to be aware of?

 

While the simplicity and convenience of eating just one meal per day might sound appealing, the answer isn’t as straightforward as it seems. There’s nuance when it comes to determining the optimal meal frequency, especially when considering individual health goals, activity levels, and metabolic needs.

 

We’ll explore the complexities surrounding the idea of eating once a day on a carnivore diet. Let’s take a closer look at the potential benefits, challenges, and scientific insights to help you make the most informed decision for your health and wellness journey. So, whether you’re contemplating a single daily feast or a more traditional eating pattern, keep reading to discover what may be best for you.

 

What Is the Carnivore Diet?

 

 

The carnivore diet, centered exclusively on animal-based foods, offers several variations to suit different health needs and goals. Each approach comes with its unique features:

 

• Beef-Only Carnivore Diet: This variation focuses solely on beef, often selected for its simplicity, making it a popular choice for elimination diets. It’s a great starting point if you’re dealing with autoimmune or chronic health issues and seeking support or remission. However, long-term success typically involves incorporating various meats for balanced nutrition.

 

• Lion Diet: A more stringent form of the carnivore diet, the lion diet includes only ruminant meats, salt, and water. It’s commonly used as an initial step in elimination protocols, with the possibility of gradually reintroducing other meats. Due to its strict nature, it’s particularly beneficial for those with autoimmune conditions or gut health concerns.

 

• Nose-to-Tail Carnivore Diet: This approach advocates eating all parts of the animal, including organ meats, for a broader nutrient profile. However, caution is necessary with liver and kidney consumption, particularly for individuals with specific liver conditions, as it could result in nutrient imbalances such as vitamin A toxicity.

 

• Meat-Only Carnivore Diet: This variation expands to all muscle meats while excluding organ meats, dairy, and eggs. It’s ideal for those looking for a foundational elimination diet who are confident in their tolerance of all muscle meats.

 

• Zero-Carb Carnivore Diet: Focusing on foods with zero to minimal carbohydrates (carbs), this diet includes meat, dairy, and eggs, emphasizing animal fats. Some may also include seasonings. If you tolerate dairy and eggs well and don’t have autoimmune or severe chronic health issues, this might be a suitable option.

 

• Carnivore Keto Diet: Combining low-carb, high-fat principles from the ketogenic (keto) diet with the carnivore approach, this variation aims to replicate fasting benefits while offering a wider variety of foods. It’s recommended for those who are metabolically healthy and have mostly resolved chronic health issues.

 

• Carnivore-Ish Keto Diet: This more flexible variation integrates additional keto elements while maintaining a focus on animal-based foods. It’s suitable for those who are metabolically healthy, have healed, and don’t struggle with food addiction, allowing for items such as keto sweeteners and nuts alongside a meat-heavy focus.

 

• Animal-Based Diet: A more inclusive option, this diet centers on animal products but allows for fruits, honey, and raw dairy. Based on our clinical observations, only individuals with high metabolic flexibility and elite athletes thrive on this diet. Generally, we don’t recommend this variation as it’s not technically Carnivore or keto and poses risks when combining high fat with carbs.

 

Choosing the right variation is key to achieving your wellness goals.

 

What Are the Benefits of the Carnivore Diet?

 

 

The carnivore diet is celebrated for its countless health benefits. Below are some of the key health benefits associated with the carnivore diet:

 

Improved Digestive Health

One of the most notable benefits of the carnivore diet is its impact on digestive health. Eliminating plant-based foods, which often contain fiber, anti-nutrients, and other compounds that can irritate the gut, many individuals experience relief from symptoms such as bloating, gas, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). For those with conditions such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, the carnivore diet can offer a simpler, more easily digestible alternative that can reduce inflammation and promote gut healing.

 

Reduced Inflammation

Inflammation is at the root of many chronic diseases, including arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. The carnivore diet, by eliminating foods that can trigger inflammation—such as processed sugars, grains, and vegetable oils—can help lower inflammatory markers in the body. Many individuals report significant reductions in joint pain, skin conditions such as eczema, and other inflammatory symptoms after adopting the diet.

 

Weight Loss and Metabolic Health

Weight loss is another common benefit of the carnivore diet. By consuming nutrient-dense, satiating foods such as meat and animal fats, individuals often experience reduced hunger and fewer cravings, leading to a natural decrease in caloric intake. Additionally, the carnivore diet’s low carb content helps stabilize blood sugar levels, making it particularly beneficial for those with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. Over time, this can lead to improved metabolic health, including lower blood pressure, better cholesterol levels, and reduced risk of metabolic syndrome.

 

 

Enhanced Mental Clarity and Mood Stability

Mental health is also positively impacted by the carnivore diet. Many individuals report improvements in mood, anxiety, depression, and mental clarity after adopting this way of eating. The brain is highly dependent on fat for optimal function, and the high intake of healthy animal fats on the carnivore diet may contribute to better cognitive performance and emotional stability. Furthermore, eliminating sugar and processed foods, which can cause mood swings and energy crashes, helps many people with significant mental health improvements.

 

Hormonal Balance

Hormonal health can also benefit from the carnivore diet. Adequate intake of healthy fats and proteins is essential for hormone production and regulation. Providing these critical nutrients supports the endocrine system, which can help in regulating hormones related to stress, metabolism, and reproductive health. This can be particularly beneficial for women dealing with hormonal imbalances, such as those related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or menopause.

 

Simplified Eating and Improved Relationship with Food

Finally, the carnivore diet simplifies eating by removing the complexity of meal planning and calorie counting. This simplicity can lead to a more mindful and positive relationship with food. Many individuals find that they no longer obsess over what or how much to eat, leading to reduced stress around food choices and an overall improved sense of well-being.

 

 

Autoimmune Disease Management

For those suffering from autoimmune diseases, the carnivore diet can be particularly transformative. Autoimmune conditions are often exacerbated by food sensitivities and gut health issues, which are addressed by the elimination of plant foods and the focus on easily digestible animal products. Many individuals with conditions such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis have reported remission or significant reduction in symptoms on a carnivore diet.

 

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

 

Who Should Try the Carnivore Diet?

The carnivore diet is a versatile and powerful therapeutic option suitable for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you’re seeking root-cause healing, managing a chronic illness, or simply aiming to optimize your overall wellness, the carnivore diet offers a unique approach centered on nutrient-dense, animal-based foods.

 

This diet has been shown to support those dealing with various chronic illnesses and health conditions. Additionally, its simplicity makes it accessible and manageable for anyone looking to simply enhance their health. If you’re searching for a natural and effective way to address chronic health concerns or improve your well-being, the carnivore diet is worth exploring.

 

The Nuance Around One Meal a Day (OMAD)

 

 

When first starting the carnivore diet, eating one meal a day (OMAD) can be an effective short-term strategy, especially if you’re looking to jumpstart weight loss or simplify your eating routine. The satiating nature of a carnivore diet, which typically includes a macronutrient (macro) ratio of around 70-80% fat and 20-30% protein, can make one large meal incredibly satisfying. This approach can help curb hunger and reduce cravings, making it easier to stick to the diet initially.

 

However, while OMAD might be helpful in the short term, there are significant risks associated with following this pattern long term. Consuming all your daily calories in just one meal can make it challenging to meet your nutritional needs, potentially leading to undereating and nutrient deficiencies over time.

 

The carnivore diet requires a balance of calories and nutrients to maintain optimal health, and compressing this into a single meal can be difficult for most people. As a reminder, it’s essential to aim for one gram of protein for each pound of your current or desired body weight while ensuring you’re getting adequate fat with the macros above. If you find that you’re thriving on OMAD, and you’re able to get all your required calories and proper macros in one sitting, then this approach may work for you. However, sustainability is key to long-term success, so it’s crucial to evaluate whether OMAD is realistic and beneficial for your health in the long run.

 

How Many Meals Should I Be Eating Daily on Carnivore?

 

 

On the carnivore diet, most people find themselves naturally gravitating towards eating two or three meals per day, depending on their health goals and personal history. This eating pattern tends to align well with the body’s natural hunger cues, ensuring that you get sufficient nutrients without overloading your digestive system. For those interested in optimizing their health further, intermittent fasting can be a powerful addition. By implementing a specific fasting window—such as 16:8, where you fast for 16 hours and eat within an 8-hour window—you can enhance fat burning, improve insulin sensitivity, and potentially boost overall metabolic health. Combining intermittent fasting with the carnivore diet can be especially effective for those looking to accelerate weight loss or improve metabolic markers.

 

However, it’s important to recognize that not everyone can comfortably incorporate intermittent fasting, especially individuals with certain chronic conditions. Some health issues make it challenging to maintain longer periods without food, and forcing yourself to fast could lead to negative consequences, such as increased stress or nutrient deficiencies.

 

It’s crucial to listen to your body and eat intuitively, rather than adhering strictly to a fasting schedule that might not suit your needs. If you find that fasting exacerbates your symptoms or leaves you feeling depleted, it’s perfectly acceptable to focus on regular meals that nourish and support your health. The key is to find an eating pattern that is sustainable and aligns with your unique health needs.

 

Meal Timing Considerations When Starting the Carnivore Diet

 

 

When first starting the carnivore diet, it’s common for people to experience nutrient deficiencies, especially if they’ve been following a diet low in essential vitamins and minerals. As your body begins to adapt to this new way of eating, it’s crucial to focus on providing it with the nutrients and fats it needs to support healing and recovery.

 

In the early stages, don’t worry too much about how much you’re eating or when you’re eating. Instead, listen to your body’s hunger signals and eat intuitively. The priority should be nourishing your body with a variety of nutrient-dense animal foods, ensuring that you’re getting enough to fuel your system and promote healing.

 

As you progress on your Carnivore journey and your body becomes more accustomed to this diet, you can begin to fine-tune your approach. At this point, you might consider adjusting your macro ratios or experimenting with meal timing to optimize your health and energy levels. However, it’s important to remember that the initial phase is all about restoring your body’s nutrient stores and supporting overall well-being. Once you feel more balanced and your health improves, you can then focus on refining your diet to meet specific goals. But in the beginning, the emphasis should be on abundance and nourishment to lay a strong foundation for long-term success.

 

Closing Thoughts on Eating Once a Day and the Carnivore Diet

In conclusion, while eating OMAD can be a viable option for some on the carnivore diet, especially if it helps you stay consistent, it’s important to approach this eating pattern with caution. If you choose OMAD, ensure you’re consuming enough calories, fat, and protein in that one meal to meet your body’s needs. However, for most people, particularly those looking to heal from chronic conditions, we generally recommend against OMAD. Eating two or three meals a day allows for better nutrient distribution and supports your body’s healing process more effectively.

 

Remember, everyone’s journey on the carnivore diet is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s essential to listen to your body and make adjustments as needed. Working with a trusted Carnivore nutritionist can help you personalize your diet and eating plan to ensure you’re getting the most out of this powerful therapeutic approach. Be kind to yourself, and focus on what makes you feel your best. The ultimate goal is long-term sustainability and healing, and that requires finding a balance that works for you.

 

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 nuanced guidance for helping you achieve 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.