Madeleine Hull
The carnivore diet consists exclusively of animal products and is claimed to aid an array of health issues. While it is clear which foods are allowed on the diet, what to drink can be a bit tricky. The diet encourages drinking water and bone broth but discourages drinking tea, coffee, and other drinks made from plants. Some proponents of the diet allow black coffee, green tea, and mineral water, while others avoid these drinks to minimize potential dietary triggers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Allowed drinks | Water, sparkling water, bone broth, black coffee, green tea |
| Drinks to avoid | Tea, coffee, soda, smoothies, sports drinks, sugary drinks, alcohol |
| Drinks to limit | Calorie-free and sugar-free beverages, such as seltzers and natural energy drinks |
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What You'll Learn
Mineral water and sparkling water
The carnivore diet consists exclusively of animal products and is claimed to aid an array of health issues. It dramatically reduces inflammation, resolves autoimmune disorders, improves mental health, and boosts overall well-being. The diet encourages drinking water and bone broth but discourages drinking tea, coffee, and other drinks made from plants.
Mineral water is the most ancestrally aligned carnivore diet beverage. It comes from a mineral-rich natural spring and contains mineral compounds, many of which act as electrolytes in the body. These are not found in distilled or tap water unless they are added. Electrolytes are charged particles essential to nervous system function, muscle contractions, hydration, and pH levels. Increasing your electrolytes can be especially important on the carnivore diet.
Sparkling water is either mineral or purified water that contains carbon dioxide gas. It is generally accepted on a carnivore diet for hydration purposes. However, it can sometimes contain added minerals such as sodium and magnesium, which may be beneficial in maintaining electrolyte balance. One potential concern with sparkling water is its acidity, which, although typically mild, may have an erosive effect on tooth enamel over time if consumed in large quantities. Some sparkling waters also contain sweeteners or added sugars, which are not compliant with the strict animal-product-only philosophy of the carnivore diet.
If you are following a carnivore diet, it is important to source nutrients from a variety of animal foods. Red meats and organ meats are excellent sources of nutrients, including magnesium and potassium. Calcium can predominantly be obtained from dairy products, which are permissible for some individuals on the carnivore diet. Hydration should not be neglected as it facilitates the balance and function of electrolytes. Therefore, consuming ample water is essential, and sparkling water can be included as a source of hydration.
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Coffee and tea
The carnivore diet consists exclusively of animal products and is claimed to aid an array of health issues. It emphasizes limiting sugars, carbohydrates, and plant-based foods.
Coffee
Coffee is a controversial topic when it comes to the carnivore diet. Some people argue that coffee should be avoided on the carnivore diet because it is a plant-based product and contains high levels of plant toxins, including mycotoxins, which can be harmful to health. Coffee beans are a fruit from the Coffea plant, which means brewed coffee is no different from other plant-based drinks that are typically avoided on the carnivore diet.
However, others take a more flexible approach, allowing coffee in moderation due to its low-carb, zero-calorie content, and potential health benefits, including positive effects on metabolism, mood, brain function, mental focus, memory, and liver health. Additionally, coffee is considered the "lesser evil" when compared to other drinks that are typically avoided on the carnivore diet, such as alcohol and sugary drinks.
Ultimately, the decision to include coffee in the carnivore diet depends on individual preferences, health goals, and the strictness of adherence to the diet's principles.
Tea
Similar to coffee, tea is a plant-based drink that is typically discouraged on the carnivore diet. However, some people who follow the carnivore diet still choose to consume tea in moderation, especially green tea, which is rich in antioxidants and can aid in weight loss and improve brain function.
The decision to include tea in the carnivore diet depends on individual preferences and the desired level of strictness in adhering to the diet's principles. Some people may choose to avoid tea completely, while others may occasionally consume it without perceiving any detrimental effects on their health or diet progress.
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Bone broth
The carnivore diet consists exclusively of animal products and is claimed to aid an array of health issues. The diet is an ancestral approach to eating that dramatically reduces inflammation, resolves autoimmune disorders, improves mental health, and boosts overall well-being.
While what to eat on a carnivore diet is clear, what to drink can be more complicated. The diet is restrictive, and most usual snacks and meals are off the table. This includes drinks like soda, smoothies, sports drinks, and sugar-filled coffee.
Some people choose to drink black coffee, which is calorie-free and packed with antioxidants, and can boost metabolism. Tea is also allowed, and green tea, in particular, is rich in antioxidants and can aid weight loss and improve brain function. Mineral water, especially sparkling mineral water, is the most ancestrally aligned drink on the carnivore diet. It contains electrolytes, which are essential to the nervous system, muscle contractions, hydration, and pH levels.
However, it is always advisable to opt for drinks that don't contain sugar, and some proponents of the diet discourage drinking tea, coffee, and other drinks made from plants.
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Alcohol
The carnivore diet consists exclusively of animal products and is claimed to aid an array of health issues. The diet emphasizes animal food while limiting sugars, carbohydrates, and plant-based foods.
When you drink alcohol, your body prioritizes metabolizing it over other nutrients. This can temporarily halt fat burning, which is a key metabolic state for carnivore dieters. Your liver, which usually focuses on converting fatty acids into ketones, must shift its attention to processing alcohol. This metabolic pause can slow down weight loss and ketone production, potentially kicking you out of ketosis.
Many alcoholic drinks are made by fermenting grains and fruits, which are incompatible with the strictly animal product-based diet. If you choose to drink alcohol while on a carnivore diet, go for options low in carbs, like pure spirits or dry wines.
Some people on the carnivore diet choose to drink alcohol sparingly, while others avoid it altogether. Ultimately, the decision to include alcohol in the carnivore diet depends on how strictly you adhere to cutting carbs and plant-derived foods, as well as your nutritional goals, metabolic state, and overall health.
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Calorie-free and sugar-free drinks
The carnivore diet consists exclusively of animal products and is claimed to aid an array of health issues. It emphasizes limiting sugars, carbohydrates, and plant-based foods.
Some proponents of the diet recommend only drinking water, which can be hot, ice-cold, or room temperature. This is because water is free of calories and sugars and can be a good way to reset your body and minimize inflammation. It is recommended to drink filtered water to avoid any toxins found in tap water.
However, some people on the carnivore diet choose to drink other beverages in addition to water. Some options that are calorie-free and sugar-free include:
- Black coffee: This can be a good source of antioxidants and can boost metabolism. However, it is important to be vigilant about the quality of your coffee and to moderate your intake based on your caffeine tolerance.
- Tea: Tea, like coffee, contains antioxidants and can be a healthy addition to your diet if you are mindful of your caffeine intake.
- Sparkling water: This can be a more enjoyable way to stay hydrated than regular water due to its fizz.
- Bone broth: Bone broth is high in nutrients and promotes gut health.
- Infused water: Water infused with herbs or citrus fruits can be a refreshing alternative to plain water.
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Frequently asked questions
The carnivore diet consists exclusively of animal products, so drinks made from plants are generally discouraged. Water is the most recommended drink, preferably mineral water or sparkling water to stay hydrated.
Some people on the carnivore diet also drink black coffee, bone broth, and tea. However, these drinks are not technically part of the carnivore diet.
Sugary drinks, soda, smoothies, sports drinks, and alcoholic beverages should be avoided on the carnivore diet.
Yes, a water-only approach can be beneficial for individuals with autoimmune conditions and chronic health issues. It can help to minimise inflammation and immune system confusion, providing a clear healing pathway.
