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Carnivore diet plan for beginners

The following carnivore beginner’s plan is especially intended for those who are new to the carnivore way of life. It begins by eating only meat instead of animal-based foods. Just after a few weeks or so, start introducing other types of food, such as fish, poultry, and organ meat. No complicated steps involved - learn the basics of meat preparation and accommodate a new food 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 Oct. 1, 2024.

Diet plan overview

On this carnivore diet plan for beginners, it is all simply put to just one basic rule, which is to cut down on other foods and consume animal products only. Beginners should start from known meats and gradually expand to include a wider variety of meat, including organ meat and seafood to ensure balanced nutrition.

In this way, beginners will not only understand the why, but the how as well, thereby combating other dietary issues, such as deficiency. Starting from basics and primary cuts, and moving forward gradually for something more exotic could definitely ease the changeover.

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Foods to eat

  • Simple Meats: Familiar meats such as ground beef, steaks, and roasts are good for starting the diet.
  • Poultry: Chicken, especially thighs and drumsticks, are a good addition to your meals.
  • Seafood: Start with basic fish like salmon and trout to gradually incorporate healthy fats.
  • Eggs: Eggs are essential for the diet due to their versatility and nutritional value.
  • Basic Fats: Use cooking and flavoring ingredients like butter or ghee from natural sources.
  • Beginner Broth: Bone broth, whether store-bought or homemade, helps add fluids and nutrients.
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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 advanced recipes or animal organs that might be unappetizing.
  • Heavy Dairy: Reduce the intake of dairy products such as light creams or full-fat cheeses at the beginning.
  • Processed and Cured Meats: Limit processed meats like pork sausage, bacon, and cured meats that require additives or preservatives.

Main benefits

For the absolute beginners, the carnivorous diet plan for beginners simply says: Eat inches of animal foods and do not touch anything else. This strategy dispels the ambiguity on the types of food that are on the diet so that it's possible to follow it. This is an effective way of starting the range of restriction in the lifestyle of eating only meat without being flooded.

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

How to budget on this diet plan

Avoid going for processed and packaged meats and focus on whole cuts instead, as they are cheaper per pound. We suggest purchasing in larger quantities from butcher shops or farmer’s markets to avoid high costs, and not waste any of the meat such as bones meant for making 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.