Lion Diet Meal Plan

The lion diet is a highly restrictive yet profoundly therapeutic form of the carnivore diet, offering a powerful approach for those seeking to address deeper root causes of health issues, manage chronic illness, or identify specific food sensitivities. Focusing exclusively on ruminant meats, salt, and water strips down your food intake to the bare essentials, creating an environment where your body can reset and heal.

 

While the simplicity of the lion diet may seem challenging, its potential benefits for your health and well-being are significant, making it an ideal starting point for anyone looking to regain control over their health. We’ll explore our specially crafted two-week meal plan designed to give you a clear picture of what following the lion diet looks like in practice.

 

Whether you’re new to this way of eating or considering it as the next step in your healing journey, this meal plan provides practical guidance and support. Along with the meal plan, we’ll also discuss important considerations for getting started on the lion diet, helping you to approach this lifestyle change with confidence and clarity.

 

Let’s take a closer look at how this powerful diet can help you achieve your health goals and support your overall wellness.

 

What Is the Carnivore Diet?

 

 

The carnivore diet, often simply called Carnivore, the meat-based diet, or carnivorous way of eating, involves consuming only animal-based foods while completely avoiding plants and grains. Unlike ketogenic or other low-carb diets, the carnivore diet is a true zero-carb or nearly zero-carb approach, with a primary focus on animal proteins and fats. There are several variations within the carnivore diet, each with different levels of restriction and the inclusion of specific foods. Exploring these different options allows individuals to better understand which version of the carnivore diet is ideal for their long-term sustainability and personal health goals.

 

You can learn more about the different carnivore diet variations here.

 

What Is the Lion Diet?

 

 

The lion diet, a specific variation of the carnivore diet, is designed for individuals seeking a highly focused way of eating. This diet comprises exclusively ruminant meats, salt, and water, making it one of the most stringent forms of the carnivore diet. The lion diet is primarily used as an initial step in elimination protocols, aiming to identify and remove potential dietary irritants and triggers. It’s particularly beneficial for those with autoimmune conditions or significant digestive issues, as it simplifies the diet to a few key components.

 

The focus is on ruminant meats, such as beef, lamb, and goat, ensuring a nutrient-rich intake while minimizing exposure to compounds that might be problematic in other foods. The lion diet is celebrated for its powerful therapeutic promise due to its removal of other types of meats, dairy, eggs, and all plant foods. It offers a clear, focused path for individuals looking to address specific health challenges through diet. This diet variation is especially recommended for those seeking root-cause healing or comprehensive support along their root-cause healing journey.

 

What Are the Benefits of the Lion Diet?

The lion diet is the second most restrictive variation of the carnivore diet, consisting solely of ruminant meats, salt, and water. This stringent animal-based diet serves as a powerful tool for root-cause healing and supports the treatment of chronic conditions. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of the lion diet.

 

Benefits of Ruminant Meats

 

 

Ruminant meats are particularly beneficial because these animals have four-chambered stomachs that thoroughly break down the plant foods they graze on. This process results in meat with fewer anti-nutrients, making it easier to digest and less likely to cause adverse reactions. This is crucial for individuals with numerous food sensitivities, allergies, histamine intolerance, autoimmune issues, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), as it provides a clear baseline to monitor and understand their body’s responses to specific foods​.

 

Ideal for Autoimmune Conditions

 

 

The lion diet is highly recommended especially for those dealing with autoimmunity and deeper chronic illnesses. Autoimmune diseases often involve an overactive immune response against the body’s own tissues, and dietary triggers can exacerbate these reactions. Eliminating potential allergens and irritants can help reduce inflammation and autoimmune flare-ups. This diet’s simplicity and nutrient density support gut health, which is vital for overall immune function and can lead to significant improvements in well-being​.

 

Simplifying Food Choices

 

 

One of the main reasons individuals might choose the lion diet is its simplicity. In today’s world, people are bombarded with a plethora of food options, many of which contain hidden allergens and irritants. The lion diet strips down these complexities, offering a straightforward and predictable approach to eating. By focusing only on ruminant meats, salt, and water, individuals can eliminate the guesswork involved in meal planning and reduce the risk of consuming problematic foods.

 

Nutrient-Rich and Satiating

 

 

Ruminant meats are nutrient-dense, providing essential vitamins and minerals necessary for optimal health. These meats are rich in B vitamins, iron, zinc, and essential fatty acids, all of which play critical roles in maintaining energy levels, supporting metabolic functions, and enhancing overall health. The high fat content in these meats, particularly when following a macro ratio for instance 70/30 fat to protein, ensures satiety and provides sustained energy throughout the day​.

 

Supporting Gut Health

 

 

Gut health is fundamental to overall health, and the lion diet can significantly improve digestive health. Many individuals experience digestive issues due to the presence of anti-nutrients, toxins, and irritants in plant-based foods. Eliminating these from the diet allows the gut to heal and reduces symptoms such as bloating, gas, and discomfort. Improved gut health also supports better nutrient absorption, leading to enhanced overall health.

 

Managing Chronic Health Issues

 

 

For individuals who have not found success with other interventions and diets, the lion diet offers a stringent yet effective framework. Chronic health issues, such as metabolic syndrome, chronic fatigue, and persistent inflammation, can be difficult to manage with conventional diets. The lion diet’s restrictive nature helps pinpoint dietary triggers and provides a controlled environment for the body to heal. Focusing on high-quality, easily digestible foods allows individuals to reduce the burden on their digestive systems and support their bodies in healing from chronic conditions​

 

The Lion Diet vs. the Carnivore Diet

The lion diet and the carnivore diet are both animal-based ways of eating but differ significantly in their scope and application. The lion diet is a subset of the carnivore diet while there are many other variations that dictate what is included and what is restricted. All carnivore diets are centered around a heavy meat-based ketogenic approach.

 

The primary difference lies in the inclusiveness of the carnivore diet versus the exclusivity of the lion diet. While the carnivore diet allows a broader range of animal products, the lion diet’s focus on ruminant meats is intended to simplify the diet to its most basic, non-inflammatory components. This focus helps individuals identify specific food intolerances and manage chronic health conditions more effectively.

 

Overall, the lion diet is designed for those requiring deeper healing and more stringent dietary control, offering a clear and focused approach to addressing severe health issues through dietary means​.

 

Meat Sourcing Considerations for the Lion Diet

 

 

When following the lion diet, sourcing meat becomes a critical consideration, especially for those with severe food sensitivities or chronic health issues. Grass-finished ruminants are typically preferred because they are raised on a natural diet of grass, which can reduce the presence of inflammatory compounds and other potential irritants found in grain-finished meats.

 

Grass-finished meats are richer in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and certain vitamins such as vitamin E compared to their grain-finished counterparts. These nutrients are important for reducing inflammation and promoting overall health. For individuals on the lion diet, consuming grass-finished meats can be particularly beneficial during the initial stages of healing when the body is more reactive to dietary inputs.

 

However, some people may eventually tolerate grain-finished ruminant meats as they heal and their digestive systems become less sensitive. Grain-finished meats are often more accessible and affordable, providing a practical option once an individual’s health has improved. The gradual reintroduction of grain-finished meats can help diversify the diet while maintaining the core principles of the lion diet.

 

Ultimately, the choice between grass-finished and grain-finished ruminant meats should be guided by individual tolerance and health progress.

 

The Lion Diet, Histamine Intolerance, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome

 

 

Histamine intolerance and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) both involve the body’s inability to properly regulate histamine levels, resulting in a range of symptoms such as headaches, hives, digestive issues, and cardiovascular problems. Histamine intolerance occurs when the body accumulates excess histamine due to a deficiency in the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO). MCAS, on the other hand, involves an overactive release of histamine and other chemicals from mast cells, often triggered by environmental factors, stress, or certain foods. Both conditions require careful diet and lifestyle management while pursuing root-cause healing as these are secondary conditions.

 

Individuals with histamine intolerance or MCAS sometimes need to source unaged meats from specialty farms to avoid exacerbating their symptoms. Aged meats, commonly found in grocery stores, can accumulate high levels of histamines during the aging process, which typically ranges from a few days to several weeks. For those who cannot access unaged meats, lamb is generally a safer option since it is usually sold fresh and not aged.

 

Aging meat involves controlled conditions to boost flavor and tenderness, but this process also increases histamine levels, making it problematic for sensitive individuals. Specialty farms that offer unaged meats ensure that the histamine content remains low, reducing the risk of triggering histamine-related symptoms.

 

Understanding the nuances of meat aging is crucial for managing histamine intolerance. While beef, for example, is often aged for 7 to 21 days to develop its flavor, this aging process can cause histamine accumulation. Lamb, on the other hand, is typically not aged, making it a preferable choice for individuals with histamine issues.

 

For a list of unaged meat farms, visit here.

 

Lion Diet Meal Plan Week One

Starting week one of the lion diet meal plan, individuals commonly eat between one to three meals daily. Since most people eat two meals daily with this way of eating, this plan features two meals per day, each consisting of one serving. An 80/20 fat-to-protein ratio is a common starting point for women on this diet. This ensures you receive essential nutrients while sticking to the lion diet, focusing on ruminant meats, salt, and water to support your journey toward better health.

 

Here’s a seven-day lion diet meal plan that only consists of ruminant meat and high-quality salt with an 80/20 fat-to-protein macro ratio. Tallow or fat trimmings can be used to achieve the desired macros.

 

Day 1:

Meal 1: 8 oz ribeye steak cooked with 2 tbsp tallow
Meal 2: 8 oz of 80/20 ground beef patties with 2 oz beef fat trimmings

 

Day 2:

Meal 1: 8 oz slow-cooked lamb shoulder
Meal 2: 8 oz pan-seared bison steak with 3 tbsp tallow

 

Day 3:

Meal 1: 8 oz beef brisket slow-cooked with 2 oz of beef fat trimmings
Meal 2: 8 oz grilled goat chops with 3 tbsp tallow

 

Day 4:

Meal 1: 3 oz bone marrow with 8 oz NY strip steak
Meal 2: 8 oz roasted venison with 4 tbsp tallow

 

Day 5:

Meal 1: 4 oz beef suet with 8 oz seared top round cut
Meal 2: 8 oz lamb ribs slow-roasted

 

Day 6:

Meal 1: 8 oz slow-cooked oxtail
Meal 2: 8 oz ribeye steak cooked in 2 tbsp beef tallow

 

Day 7:

Meal 1: 8 oz of 80/20 ground lamb patties
Meal 2: 8 oz beef sirloin with 2 oz bone marrow

 

This plan ensures a variety of ruminant meats while maintaining an 80/20 fat-to-protein ratio for someone who eats about one pound of meat a day. Adjust the amount of tallow or fat trimmings as needed to meet your specific macro requirements.

 

Lion Diet Meal Plan Week Two

Week two of the lion diet meal plan will also feature two meals per day but with a different macro ratio of 70/30, which is a general starting point for men. It’s important to note that macros can vary for each individual, but we typically begin with a higher fat ratio to support healing.

 

Here’s a seven-day lion diet meal plan featuring ruminant meat and high-quality salt, with a 70/30 fat-to-protein macro ratio. Use tallow or fat trimmings to achieve the desired macros.

 

Day 1:

Meal 1: 10 oz lamb shoulder chops with 1 tbsp tallow
Meal 2: 8 oz 75/25 ground beef with 1 tbsp beef tallow

 

Day 2:

Meal 1: 10 oz braised short ribs with 2 oz beef fat trimmings
Meal 2: 8 oz seared lamb loin with 1 tbsp beef tallow

 

Day 3:

Meal 1: 10z slow-cooked beef chuck roast with 1 oz beef fat trimmings
Meal 2: 8 oz lamb riblets with 1 tbsp beef tallow

 

Day 4:

Meal 1: 8 oz beef ribeye cap with 1 tbsp tallow
Meal 2: 8 oz of 80/20 ground lamb with 1 tbsp lamb tallow

 

Day 5:

Meal 1: 10 oz grilled beef shank with 1 oz beef fat trimmings
Meal 2: 8 oz seared lamb shoulder with 1 tbsp beef tallow

 

Day 6:

Meal 1: 10 oz braised beef oxtail with 1 tbsp beef tallow
Meal 2: 8 oz lamb neck with 1 oz beef fat trimmings

 

Day 7:

Meal 1: 10 oz beef belly pan-seared with 1 tbsp beef tallow
Meal 2: 8 oz lamb shank with 1 tbsp tallow

This plan maintains the 70/30 fat-to-protein ratio ensuring a variety of ruminant meats, and is ideal for someone who eats about 16-18 oz of meat per day. Adjust the amount of tallow or fat trimmings as needed to meet your specific macro requirements.

 

Finding the Right Lion Diet Macros for You

Determining the right macros for the lion diet involves balancing your fat and protein intake to meet your specific needs. Standard dietary guidelines recommend a minimum of 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight, but this is often insufficient for those on low-carb or carnivore diets. For the lion diet, a higher protein intake is crucial. Generally, it’s recommended to consume between 0.8-1 gram of protein per pound of ideal body weight or lean body mass to maintain muscle mass, bone health, and overall longevity​.

 

In addition to protein, fat plays a significant role in the lion diet. Fat provides nine calories per gram, compared to four calories per gram for protein and carbs. This higher caloric density helps meet energy needs without excessive calorie restriction, which can lead to metabolic slowdown and hormonal imbalances. A common starting point for the Lion Diet is a 70% fat to 30% protein ratio, but women might benefit from an 80/20 ratio to better support hormone balance and metabolic health​.

 

You can learn more about lion diet macros here.

 

Closing Thoughts on Lion Diet Meal Plans

While the lion diet may seem intimidating at first glance, with its strict focus on ruminant meats, there are ways to introduce variety that can make the journey both enjoyable and sustainable. Exploring different cuts of meat and experimenting with various preparation methods—such as slow cooking, grilling, or searing—allows you to create meals that are satisfying and diverse in flavor and texture. This variety can help make the diet more manageable, even for those who are new to this way of eating.

 

It’s important to remember that the lion diet is a powerful therapeutic option with the potential for countless health benefits. Whether you’re looking to address chronic illness, reduce inflammation, or simply optimize overall well-being, this diet can offer profound results. While the initial transition may be challenging, approaching it with curiosity and a willingness to experiment can make all the difference.

 

Embrace the simplicity of this diet as an opportunity to nourish your body deeply, and take comfort in knowing that many have found healing and renewed vitality through this approach. You’re not alone on this journey, and with patience and creativity, the lion diet can become a rewarding part of your health transformation.

 

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 personalized meal plans to help you achieve your 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.