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Carnivore diet plan for beginners

For those new to the carnivore lifestyle, this beginner’s plan eases you into eating only animal products. It starts with familiar meats and gradually incorporates more variety, like fish, poultry, and organ meats. It’s a simple diet to follow, focusing on meat preparation basics and helping you adjust to the new eating pattern.

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Diet plan grocery list

  • Ribeye steak
  • Ground beef
  • Pork chops
  • Chicken thighs
  • Salmon fillets
  • Bacon
  • Lamb shanks
  • Turkey breast
  • Duck breasts
  • Beef liver
  • Pork belly

  • Sardines in oil
  • Cod
  • Shrimp
  • Veal cutlets
  • Tuna steaks
  • Bone broth
  • Eggs
  • Butter
  • Beef tallow
  • Pork lard
  • Venison steaks

  • Bison burgers
  • Mackerel
  • Lobster tails
  • Crab legs
  • Goose legs
  • Quail
  • Emu steak
  • Ostrich fillet
  • Rabbit meat
  • Elk steaks
  • Swordfish steaks

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Article Reviewed
• Written by our editorial team.
• Published on April 29, 2024.
• Updated on August 8, 2024.

Diet plan overview

The carnivore diet plan for beginners is all about simplicity: eating only animal products and eliminating all other foods. Beginners should start with familiar meats and gradually introduce a wider variety, including organ meats and seafood, to ensure comprehensive nutrition.

It's important for beginners to understand the need for electrolyte balance and proper hydration on this diet. Starting with basic cuts of meat and slowly expanding to more exotic choices can make the transition easier.

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Foods to eat

  • Simple Meats: Start with familiar meats such as ground beef, steaks, and roasts to ease into the diet.
  • Poultry: Chicken, especially thighs and drumsticks, to provide variety and ease of preparation.
  • Seafood: Basic fish varieties like salmon and trout to introduce healthy fats gradually.
  • Eggs: Eggs are a staple for their versatility and nutrient density.
  • Basic Fats: Natural sources like butter and ghee for cooking and flavoring.
  • Beginner Broth: Store-bought or homemade bone broth to aid in hydration and nutrient intake.
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If you're wondering which meat and dairy products are safe, here's my rule of thumb. Fresh, organic fatty foods are much matter for you than processed foods of any kind.

Lisa Mosconi, PhD

Foods not to eat

  • Complex Preparations: Avoid starting with complicated recipes or organ meats that might be less palatable.
  • Heavy Dairy: Limit intake of dense dairy products like heavy cream and full-fat cheeses initially.
  • Processed and Cured Meats: Minimize consumption of bacon, sausages, and other cured meats due to potential additives and preservatives.

Main benefits

For those starting out, the carnivore diet plan for beginners offers a simple guideline: eat animal products and stay away from everything else. This method eases the confusion about what foods fit the diet, making it easier to adhere to. It's a straightforward way to dive into a carnivore lifestyle without feeling overwhelmed.

Carnivore diet plan for beginners graph

📊 50% of Americans said they follow a specific diet or eating pattern (Source)

How to budget on this diet plan

To keep your carnivore diet affordable as a beginner, focus on buying whole cuts of meat rather than processed or pre-packaged options, as they often come at a lower cost per pound. Consider buying in bulk from local butchers or farmers' markets to negotiate better deals, and utilize all parts of the meat, including bones for broth.

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7-Day Carnivore Diet

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with diced bacon
  • Lunch: Ribeye steak with butter
  • Dinner: Grilled lamb shanks with beef tallow
  • Snack: Sardines in oil

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Omelet with turkey breast and pork lard
  • Lunch: Bison burgers
  • Dinner: Duck breast cooked in duck fat
  • Snack: Pork belly strips

Day 3

  • Breakfast: Boiled eggs with venison steak strips
  • Lunch: Salmon fillets with a side of shrimp
  • Dinner: Elk steaks with a dollop of pork lard
  • Snack: Beef liver pate

Day 4

  • Breakfast: Fried eggs with ground beef
  • Lunch: Tuna steaks with lemon butter
  • Dinner: Roasted goose legs with goose fat
  • Snack: Cod fillets

Day 5

  • Breakfast: Poached eggs with lobster tail
  • Lunch: Grilled swordfish steak with beef tallow
  • Dinner: Rabbit meat stew with bone broth
  • Snack: Mackerel fillets

Day 6

  • Breakfast: Fried quail with butter
  • Lunch: Grilled pork chops with venison fat
  • Dinner: Ostrich fillet with beef tallow
  • Snack: Emu steak strips

Day 7

  • Breakfast: Bacon and eggs
  • Lunch: Crab legs with garlic butter
  • Dinner: Veal cutlets cooked in pork lard
  • Snack: Chicken thighs roasted in chicken fat

Download the FREE grocery list for this Diet plan

Download the FREE grocery list for this Diet plan

Get grocery list
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⚠️ Keep in mind

As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.