Modified Carnivore Diet: Simple Transition to Carnivore

When you eat fewer carbohydrates, your body switches from burning sugar to burning fat as its main source of energy, which can lead to more stable energy levels and reduced cravings [9] [10].

Most carbohydrates are found in plant-based foods like

• Grains,
• Legumes,
• Fruits, and
• Starchy vegetables.

These foods can be problematic for people with certain health conditions, such as insulin resistance, digestive issues, or autoimmune diseases.

But is it safe to eliminate or minimize plant foods altogether? Can we live healthily without vegetables, fiber, or fruit?

Do We Need Vegetables to Survive?

Contrary to what many may believe, vegetables are not essential for human survival. While they contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber, these nutrients are often less bioavailable than the ones found in animal foods [11].

Organ meats, for example, are far richer in bioavailable vitamins like A, B12, and iron than any leafy green [12] [13].

Removing vegetables helps with digestive issues, like bloating, gas, or IBS symptoms, in many individuals because plants contain compounds such as oxalates, lectins, and phytates, which can irritate the gut or interrupt nutrient absorption [14].

Cutting out vegetables, even temporarily, can be a game-changer for those with autoimmune conditions.

That said, not everyone needs to go completely plant-free to see benefits. That’s why the Modified Carnivore Diet exists to provide healing and flexibility and enable everyone to heal the way that best aligns with their needs.

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What Is a Modified Carnivore Diet?

The Modified Carnivore Diet is a flexible version of the traditional Carnivore Diet that includes small amounts of non-animal foods. It can be a good start for those who had high-carbohydrate diets.

A Modified Carnivore Diet can be good for people who want the healing benefits of an animal-based diet without the restrictions of an all-meat approach.

A Modified Carnivore Diet has different versions based on the modification you want to make. Some versions include fruit, others include leafy greens or low-carb vegetables.

Whatever version you choose based on your metabolic flexibility, you must balance macronutrients and stick to the core principles:

• animal-based foods,
• minimal processed foods, and
• Monitoring changes.

This diet allows people to get fat-adapted, transition gradually without significant side effects, and reach health benefits, including reduced inflammation, weight loss, and better digestion, while eating their favorite foods.

The main kinds of a Modified Carnivore Diet include:

• A Low-Carb Diet,
• A Keto Diet,
• A Ketovore Diet,
• Meat and Fruit Diet, and
• Ancestral Diet.

Low-Carb Diet

The Low-Carb Diet is an easy way to reduce carbohydrates and eat more fat and protein to improve metabolic function, hormones, blood sugar levels, the immune system, mental health, and weight loss.

On a Low-Carb Diet, you can consume meat, organ meats, and animal fats plus:

• Low-carb vegetables
• Low-carb fruits
• Low-carb nuts
• Low-carb snacks
• Low-carb alcohol
• Low-carb drinks
• Low-carb fats and sauces
• Low-carb sweeteners, and
• Low-carb dairy products

Learn all about the Low-Carb Diet, its food list, and the Low-Carb Diet Meal Plan.

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A Keto Diet

A Keto Diet can also be a Modified Carnivore Diet because it allows certain kinds of low-carb veggies in addition to meat and animal-based foods.

Keto is stricter than the Loe-Carb Diet and is more suitable for those who have previous experience with low-carb diets.

The Keto Diet is a high-fat, low-carb diet plan that induces ketosis to burn fat instead of carbohydrates. Its important health benefits include improving cancer, weight loss, mental clarity, and energy levels.

On a Keto Diet, you can eat meat, fish, seafood, healthy fats, eggs, low-carb vegetables, and dairy. Learn more about the Keto Diet and Keto Diet Meal Plan.

The Ketovore Diet

The Ketovore Diet is a combination of the Keto and Carnivore diets, which can help with fat melting, weight loss, and mental health.

Ketovore is like a transition from Keto to Carnivore. It includes minimal carbohydrates and is good for those who have experience with low-carb and ketogenic diets.

On a Ketovore Diet, you should eat animal-based products, such as meat, poultry, fish, seafood, eggs, and dairy. Eat only small amounts of grains, legumes, low-carb fruits, and starchy vegetables.

You can also consume animal fats, oils, bone broth, and enough protein and water. Learn all about the Ketovore Diet, meal plan, and food list.

Meat and Fruit Diet

The Meat and Fruit Diet is another Modified Carnivore Diet, where you can eat fruits in addition to meat to improve health, especially to control insulin levels.

This variation of Carnivore was created because the users wanted a simpler approach to limit carbohydrates, especially sugar.

The Meat and Fruit Modified Carnivore Diet includes ruminant meat, animal fats, organs, and fruits like berries, melons, or seasonal tropical fruits.

On this variation, you can use low-toxicity plants. Fruits are the reproductive part of the plant and have fewer defensive compounds than leaves or seeds.

Learn more about the Meat and Fruit Diet: Benefits and Side Effects.

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The Ancestral Diet

The Ancestral Diet is the most inclusive of all these Modified versions of Carnivore. It was created based on how humans ate whole, seasonal, and local foods for thousands of years.

This diet includes meat, organs, fruit, honey, fermented foods, and even some tubers or nuts. It’s not necessarily low-carb, but it focuses on eating real food.

So, you can start with it if you are used to high-carbohydrate or processed foods because it helps you avoid fast food or junk food and try whole, nutritious foods.

After getting used to it and omitting harmful foods, you can go for the Low-Carb Diet and follow the stages into Keto, Ketovore, and finally Carnivore to get the best results and health benefits with minimal side effects.

Also, you can use the following table to compare these versions of the Modified Carnivore Diet and choose the most suitable one based on the stage you are in now.

Comparing Versions of the Modified Carnivore Diet

The table below compares the variations of the Modified Carnivore Diet. You can compare their features and differences, but remember to consider your metabolic flexibility, health status, and goals when choosing the most suitable diet.

All versions of Modified Carnivore aim to reduce inflammation, simplify eating, and improve health, but you should choose the one that best fits your goals, lifestyle, and how your body reacts to different foods.

Who Can Use a Modified Carnivore Diet?

Everyone can go on a Modified Carnivore Diet, but it can be especially beneficial for:

• Those Used to High-Carb Diets
• Those with Dietary Restrictions and Allergies
• Those with Special Lifestyle, Activity Levels, and Personal Goals

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Those Used to High-Carb Diets

If you're used to eating a high-carbohydrate or plant-based diet, jumping straight into strict Carnivore might feel extreme. A modified version allows you to gently transition and let your body adjust without intense side effects like keto flu or low energy.

Those with Dietary Restrictions and Allergies

People with sensitivities to oxalates, histamines, FODMAPs (short-chain carbohydrates (sugars) that the small intestine absorbs poorly), or gluten benefit from reducing or eliminating certain plant foods.

The Modified Carnivore Diet gives a plan and flexibility while helping you discover your triggers and improve your health.

Those with Special Lifestyle, Activity Levels, and Personal Goals

Athletes, busy people, and those with different energy needs may need more flexibility and cannot go on a Carnivore Diet without a proper transition.

Whether you’re aiming for muscle gain, hormonal balance, or digestive health, there’s a version of the Modified Carnivore Diet that can meet your needs.

If you are among these individuals or just want to start a Modified Carnivore Diet, here are the foods you can consume.

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Modified Carnivore Diet Food List

Here’s a basic list of foods you can eat on a Modified Carnivore Diet. Of course, the details vary based on the variation you want to follow.

Animal-Based Foods

• Beef, lamb, bison
• Chicken, duck, turkey
• Eggs
• Liver, heart, and kidney
• Bone broth and marrow
• Full-fat dairy
• Animal fats (tallow, lard, butter)

Optional Additions

• Fruits: berries, apples, melons, bananas (for high-carb versions)
• Leafy greens: spinach, arugula, romaine
• Keto-friendly vegetables: zucchini, mushrooms, cucumbers
• Fermented foods: kefir, sauerkraut, yogurt
• Honey (in ancestral version)

These are also nutritious foods you should add to your Modified Carnivore Diet:

You can use the following sample meal plan to start your Modified Carnivore Diet and go on a low-carb lifestyle.

Modified Carnivore Diet Meal Plan

This sample 3-day Modified Carnivore Diet Meal Plan helps you get started. You can change and replace the foods with the ones you like better, but remember to choose only the foods allowed on the Modified Carnivore.

Day 1

• Breakfast: 3 eggs cooked in butter, bacon
• Lunch: Ribeye steak, sautéed spinach
• Dinner: Lamb chops, blueberries

Day 2

• Breakfast: Liver pâté, boiled eggs
• Lunch: Grilled chicken thighs, arugula salad
• Dinner: Beef heart stew with zucchini

Day 3

• Breakfast: Greek yogurt with honey (optional), hard-boiled eggs
• Lunch: Salmon with cucumber slices
• Dinner: Ground beef and bone broth

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Tips for Starting a Modified Carnivore Diet

• Transition gradually. Don’t rush. Start by removing the most inflammatory foods (grains, sugars, seed oils).
• Follow the Primal Diet levels in order. Begin with animal-based foods and use plants minimally.
• Monitor your body’s reactions and record the foods you eat. Use a food journal to track symptoms, cravings, and digestion to fine-tune your plan.
• Stay hydrated and use electrolytes like salt, magnesium, and potassium.

Summary

The Modified Carnivore Diet offers the benefits of animal-based nutrition and the flexibility to fit your individual needs. By focusing on nutrient-dense, whole foods, you can improve your health without feeling restricted.

So, take it easy, follow the basic rules, and modify your plan with what best works for you and your body.