Brenda Khan
The carnivore diet is a controversial topic, with some people arguing that calories do not matter when it comes to weight loss and health. However, others disagree, stating that calories always matter but are not the only factor to consider. Some people who follow the carnivore diet choose to count calories, while others do not. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide whether or not they want to count calories on the carnivore diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | Calories do count, but people don't recommend counting them because protein and fat are super satiating |
| Weight loss | One person said they lost over 20% body fat without counting calories |
| Metabolic health | Plays a huge role in weight loss |
| Calorie counting | It's absolutely okay to count calories if it helps |
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What You'll Learn
- Calories do count, but people don't recommend counting them on a carnivore diet
- Calories always matter, but they're not the entire picture
- Calorie counting is okay if it helps you
- Calories are like degrees Celsius: they matter in relation to something else
- Calories only matter if you're in a lab environment
Calories do count, but people don't recommend counting them on a carnivore diet
Some people find calorie counting a helpful tool on the carnivore diet, but it's not necessary for everyone. The goal is to eat meat to hunger and drink water to thirst. It's important to remember that there is no judgment or shame associated with calories, and too often, shame is attached to calorie counting, which can result in avoidance and denial.
One person on the carnivore diet shared that they started at 330 lb and are now 202 lb, having dropped over 20% body fat. They eat two lbs of untrimmed ribeye very commonly and don't count calories. They argue that calories don't matter because calorie counting doesn't work for managing health or body composition.
Another person points out that calories always matter, but they're not the entire picture. They also highlight the importance of metabolic health in weight gain and fat storage.
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Calories always matter, but they're not the entire picture
For simplicity's sake, people don't recommend counting calories on a carnivore diet because protein and fat are super satiating. However, if you need to use a few tools to help you along the way, it's absolutely okay to make those accommodations. There should be no judgment or shame associated with counting calories.
Some people believe that calories don't matter at all when it comes to health and body composition. They argue that it's more important to eat your fill of fat and meat. However, this view is not widely accepted.
It's strange to assume that what and how you eat doesn't have an effect on weight gain and fat storage. Calories do count, and in a lab environment, we can measure the effects of certain foods within a specific metabolic system.
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Calorie counting is okay if it helps you
However, calorie counting can also be a source of stress and anxiety for some people, leading to an unhealthy relationship with food. The carnivore diet is based on the principle of eating meat to hunger and drinking water to thirst. If you're following this diet, you may not need to count calories, as you're likely to naturally eat fewer calories due to the satiating nature of protein and fat.
Ultimately, whether you choose to count calories on the carnivore diet is a personal decision. If it helps you stay on track and feel more in control of your diet, then go for it! But if it feels restrictive or causes you stress, you may be better off focusing on listening to your body's hunger cues and adjusting your food intake accordingly.
Remember, the carnivore diet is already quite restrictive, so adding additional rules or restrictions may not be necessary or beneficial for everyone. The most important thing is to have a healthy relationship with food and to ensure you're getting adequate nutrition.
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Calories are like degrees Celsius: they matter in relation to something else
Calories are a measure of energy, and they matter in relation to the amount of energy your body needs to function. If you eat more calories than your body needs, you will gain weight. Similarly, if you eat fewer calories than your body needs, you will lose weight. This is true regardless of the type of diet you are following, including the carnivore diet.
However, the carnivore diet is based on the idea of eating meat to hunger and drinking water to thirst. This means that you are not supposed to restrict your calorie intake, but rather listen to your body's natural hunger cues. For this reason, some people who follow the carnivore diet choose not to count calories. They argue that it is difficult to overeat on a high-fat diet, and that metabolic health also plays a role in weight gain or loss.
On the other hand, others argue that calories do count, even on the carnivore diet. They point out that what and how you eat will have an effect on weight gain and fat storage. While it may be true that protein and fat are more filling, this does not change the fact that eating more calories than you need will lead to weight gain.
Ultimately, whether or not you choose to count calories on the carnivore diet is up to you. Some people find it helpful to track their calories as a way to better understand their eating habits and make sure they are getting enough nutrition. There is no shame in counting calories if it helps you reach your health goals.
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Calories only matter if you're in a lab environment
Some people find calorie counting helpful when following the carnivore diet. The goal is to eat meat to hunger and drink water to thirst, but if you need to use a few extra tools along the way, such as calorie counting, that's absolutely okay. There is no judgment or shame associated with calories, and too often we have shame attached to calorie counting, which results in avoidance and denial.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, calories do count on the carnivore diet, but people don't recommend counting them because protein and fat are super satiating.
No, you don't need to count calories to lose weight on the carnivore diet. Eating your fill of fat and meat should be enough to help you lose weight.
Counting calories can help you have a better relationship with food and it can be a useful tool to help you manage your weight.
Counting calories can lead to feelings of shame and denial, and it can be hard to accurately count calories without expensive tools.
Yes, it is possible to lose weight on the carnivore diet without counting calories. The diet is high in fat and protein, which are super satiating, so it can be hard to overeat.
