The carnivore diet meal plan is gaining popularity as a unique approach to health and wellness. 

This restrictive diet focuses solely on animal-based foods like meat, fish, eggs, and certain dairy products, eliminating vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes. 

Often referred to as a “zero carb” diet, a carnivore diet emphasizes simplicity while promising potential benefits for weight loss, mental clarity, and reduced inflammation. Proponents of the diet advocate for its support of many health conditions and concerns, but not all experts agree.

Jessica M. Kelly, RDN, LDN, explains, "The carnivore diet may provide short-term results for some individuals, but it eliminates many nutrient-dense foods essential for long-term health. A balanced, varied diet is key to supporting your body’s overall wellness and nutritional needs."

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore carnivore diet meal ideas, discuss its benefits and risks, and guide you on how to get started.

Carnivore Diet Meal Ideas For Breakfast, Lunch, And Dinner

Creating a carnivore diet meal plan requires careful planning to maintain variety and nutritional balance. 

Here’s how you can structure your meals for the day:

Breakfast: Yogurt And Hard-Boiled Eggs

Start your morning with a nourishing combination of full-fat, unsweetened yogurt and hard-boiled eggs. 

Ingredients:

• 1 pot with a lid

• 2 eggs

• 2 cups water

• 1 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt

Start by placing the eggs in a single layer in a pot, covering them with cold water about an inch above the eggs. Bring the eggs to a rolling boil over high heat after about 10-12 minutes. 

Drain, then cool the eggs immediately under cold water to prevent overcooking and discoloration. Once they’re fully cooled, peel the eggs and serve with a side of Greek yogurt.

Rich in protein and healthy fats, this breakfast supports muscle health, satiety, and balanced energy levels throughout the morning. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make hard-boiled eggs first thing in the morning to start your day right.

Looking for personalized meal ideas? Let a ‘Registered Dietitian near me’ at Berry Street help you craft the perfect carnivore-friendly menu.

Lunch: Bone Broth And Turkey Burger

For lunch, try a hearty bowl of homemade bone broth paired with a juicy turkey burger. 

Ingredients:

Bone Broth:

• 10 lbs beef bones

• 2 large chopped carrots

• 2 medium quartered onions

• 2 heads halved garlic

• 2 stalks chopped celery

• bay leaves

• ¼ cup black peppercorns

• 4 whole star anise

• 2 whole cinnamon sticks

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Turkey Burger:

• 1 non-stick skillet

• 1 silicone spatula

• 1 bottle olive oil

• 1 lb lean ground turkey

• 1 tbsp mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 3 cloves minced garlic

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Optional Items For Serving:

• 2 cheddar cheese slices

• 1 sliced tomato

• 1 sliced onion

• 1 caramelized onion

• 2 pickles

• 2 lettuce pieces

• ketchup, mustard or mayonnaise

Blanch the beef bones in a large stockpot, then roast them alongside the carrots, onions, garlic, and celery in the oven at 450°F for 45-60 minutes. Once roasted, transfer the bones and vegetables to a pot, simmering with spices and vinegar for 24 hours, then strain and cool the broth. 

For the turkey burgers, mix the ground turkey with seasonings. Form them into patties, and cook in a skillet until they become golden brown. 

Lastly, serve the hearty broth with the juicy turkey burger for a flavorful, nutrient-packed meal, and refrigerate or freeze any leftover broth for future meals.

Bone broth is rich in unprocessed collagen and amino acids, while the turkey provides a lean protein source. As such, they’re pivotal for supporting joint health, muscle recovery, and sustained energy throughout the day. 

Dinner: Bison Steak With Sauteed Shrimp

Enjoy this elegant and protein-rich dish, combining tender bison steak with buttery sautéed shrimp, perfect for a satisfying and nutrient-packed dinner.

Ingredients:

Steaks:

• 2 1-inch thick Bison Steaks (Ribeye or sirloin)

• sea salt and pepper as desired

• 2 tbsp avocado oil

• 3 tbsp butter

• 5 cloves lightly smashed garlic

• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary

Shrimp:

• 8 oz peeled and deveined shrimp

• salt and pepper

• bottle olive oil

• 2 tbsp cold butter

• 2 cloves garlic

Garlic Butter:

• 4 tbsp softened butter

• 1 tbsp pressed or minced garlic

• 2 tsp chopped thyme, rosemary or tarragon

• 1 tbsp chopped flat leaf parsley

• pinch of maldon sea salt

• pinch of coarse black pepper

Prepare the garlic butter by mixing the butter, garlic, parsley, and thyme together in a bowl, then seasoning with salt and pepper. Refrigerate the garlic butter until it’s needed. 

Generously season your bison steak with salt and pepper, letting it rest for an hour at room temperature. Sear the steak in hot oil for 2-4 minutes per side in a skillet, basting with garlic butter and herbs, then rest the steak afterwards for 8-10 minutes. 

Cook the shrimp in the same skillet as the steak with butter until they’re pink and curled, then remove from heat. Plate the steak and shrimp and serve them topped with the garlic butter.

Bison is a leaner, nutrient-dense alternative to beef. It’s also loaded with omega-3 fats while the shrimp adds a flavorful, lean protein to the mix. Overall, this dish supports your muscle health, energy, and overall vitality.

A certified sports dietitian can integrate this flavorful recipe into a personalized meal plan tailored to your fitness and nutritional  goals.

What Is The Carnivore Diet?

The carnivore diet centers on eliminating all plant-based foods and consuming only animal-derived products. It’s considered a high-protein and lower carbohydrate diet, ideal for those wanting to minimize carbohydrates in their diet. . 

Our research indicates that maintaining the carnivore diet requires expert guidance to avoid potential nutrition deficiencies.

Ready to start your journey? Connect with one of our expert Registered Dietitians at Berry Street today and craft your personalized diet plan!

Health Benefits And Risks Of A Carnivore Diet

Some research suggests that the carnivore diet is linked to several health benefits, but this diet equally comes with risks. 

Let’s take a closer look at the various benefits and risks associated with a carnivorous diet.