The Jordan Peterson Carnivore Diet (2024)

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By Liam McAuliffe Updated on

Tags: Carnivore Diet, Keto Carnivore

The Jordan Peterson Carnivore Diet (1)

Jordan Peterson is an influential Canadian psychologist who practices and promotes a carnivore way of eating that his followers call the “Jordan Peterson diet.”

Eating an all meat diet sounds radical when viewed from the perspective of mainstream nutrition that preaches variety and plant-based foods. But a wealth of scientific evidence supports the view that human physiology is designed to thrive on a diet of fatty meats. In fact, numerous lines of historical evidence tell us that humans ate mostly meat for the vast majority of our evolution.1

Viewed from this perspective the “Jordan Peterson” diet is an approach to aligning our physiology with the ancestral foods that humans evolved on.

Now, thousands of modern carnivore dieters are reporting robust health gains, and emerging research is supporting these reports.

In this article, we’ll break down the Jordan Peterson carnivore diet, and look at the science behind it.

Table of Contents

  • What is the Jordan Peterson Diet?
  • The Origins of the Jordan Peterson Diet?
  • The Importance of Fat on the Jordan Peterson Diet
  • Evolutionary Foundations of an All-Meat Diet
  • Benefits of A Carnivore Diet
  • Drawbacks to the Jordan Peterson Diet?

What is the Jordan Peterson Diet?

The Jordan Peterson diet is one approach to a carnivore diet that calls for eating only animal products. The Jordan Peterson diet eliminates all grains, fruits, and most vegetables.

Where the Jordan Peterson diet diverges from the mainstream approach to carnivore is that it has two stages.

Stage I: Steak, Water, Salt

The first part of the Jordan Peterson diet is the elimination phase, which calls for at least 2 months of just meat, water, and salt. This approach to carnivore is also called the Lion Diet, or carnivore elimination diet.

Stage II: Meat and Greens (Modified Carnivore Diet)

After two months on the elimination diet, Peterson added in greens to create what he called a modified carnivore diet. He practiced this second stage for over a year.

Dr. Kiltz’s Take

Adding greens is a controversial approach since greens can be high in plant toxins like oxalate that contribute to the autoimmune disorders that a carnivore diet is intended to resolve.

The Jordan Peterson Carnivore Diet (2)

The Origins of the Jordan Peterson Diet?

The carnivore diet became synonymous with Jordan Peterson when he spoke about his positive experiences of going all meat during a 2018 episode of the Joe Rogan Experience–the world’s most popular podcast.

Peterson was first introduced to the benefits of a carnivore diet by his daughter Mikhaila. By the time she was 22, Mikhaila had been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, bipolar disorder, hypersomnia, Lyme disease, psoriasis, and eczema. She credits carnivore for sending all of these diagnoses into remission.

After seeing Mikhaila’s transformation, Jordan Peterson tried the diet himself. To begin the diet he followed the strict lion diet elimination protocol for two months. Then he practiced a very low-carb “modified carnivore diet” consisting of only meat and greens for a year.

Peterson told Joe Rogan, “I lost 50 pounds. My appetite has probably fallen by 70%. I don’t get blood sugar dysregulation problems. I need way less sleep…my gum disease is gone. Like, what the hell?” Peterson also reported that his anxiety and depression disappeared and that he gained more mental sharpness.

Jordan Peterson is one of the growing ranks of influential health professionals, including Robert Kiltz, Shawn Baker, and Paul Saladino, who have personally adopted versions of the carnivore diet, recommended it to their patients, and witnessed the benefits.

The Importance of Fat on the Jordan Peterson Diet

It is important to note that a carnivore diet is essentially a keto diet, which means consuming high-fat, low-carb, and moderate protein.

To make sure you’re getting enough fat, select the fattiest cuts of steak supplemented with other fatty keto meats. If you don’t eat enough fat on keto you run the risk of protein poisoning.

In fact, researchers like Amber O’Hearn suggest that humans are not just carnivores, but “lipivores,” with a uniquely human predisposition towards consuming and thriving on animal fats.

The Jordan Peterson Carnivore Diet (3)

Evolutionary Foundations of an All-Meat Diet

People who practice the Jordan Peterson diet support their approach with research showing that this way of eating accords with human dietary evolution.

Recent research from Professor Miki Ben-Dor tells us that our cavemen ancestors ate a carnivorous diet of huge, extremely fatty animals for nearly 2 million years of evolution.

The Jordan Peterson Carnivore Diet (4)

Source: Dr Miki Ben Dor

Humans evolved away from our primate ancestors by first scavenging fatty bone meats. This abundance of brain-specific nutrients fueled the rapid growth of our brains. Soon, we were smart enough to coordinate and use hunting weapons to take down extremely large prey.

This development occurred during a period in which mega-fauna–giant fatty animals–roamed the earth. We became such adept fat hunters and eaters that humans are largely responsible for the fact that nearly all megafauna went extinct.

The Jordan Peterson Carnivore Diet (5)

Source: Amber O’Hearn

We modern humans still bear our ancient physiology formed through this intimate and nourishing relationship with fatty meat:

  • Fat is incredibly satiating–when we eat it, we don’t want to eat anything else
  • We have a unique propensity to store fat (as energy) on our bodies–humans are extremely fat when compared to other herbivore and omnivore primates
  • Unlike other predators and primates we can easily use stored fat for energy even when in calorically replete states. Other animals need to be in a starvation state.
  • Our closest primate relatives have a much larger digestive tract with different areas dedicated to fermenting fiber into fatty acids.
  • Humans have a short digestive tract that cannot ferment fiber into significant amounts of fatty acids
  • Human stomach acidity is greater than most carnivores, and equal to some scavengers. Acidity protects us from pathogens that our ancestors would have encountered while scavenging meat, and when consuming large animals over a period of time without refrigeration.

Examples of Traditional Cultures Thriving on Carnivore Diets

The Jordan Peterson Carnivore Diet (6)

Though much of the study on human carnivory is rooted in our prehistory, examples of traditionally carnivorous peoples still exist.

Traditional Masai men eat nothing but meat—often three to five pounds each during celebratory meals—along with blood, and half a gallon of full-fat milk from their Zebu cattle. That’s the equivalent of a half-pound of butterfat.

Likewise, the Samburu people average a pound of meat and drink almost two gallons of raw milk each day for most of the year. That is the equivalent to one pound of butterfat per day.

While shepherds in Somalia consume a gallon and a half of camel’s milk each day, also equivalent to a pound of butterfat. Each of these tribes gets more than 60% of their energy from animal fat, and zero to low calories from non-animal products.

The Inuit of the Canadian arctic thrived on seals, walruses, whales, and fish.

The Jordan Peterson Carnivore Diet (7)

The above populations all showed remarkably good markers of cardiovascular health and extremely low incidences of the diseases of civilization, including diabetes, osteoporosis, cancers, and heart disease.5

The ravages of a high-carb Western diet were tragically visited upon the Inuit. After contact with the West, from 1955-1967, refined carbs went from 0-50% of their caloric intake. This resulted in widespread incidences of heart disease and dental caries (cavities).

Dr. Kiltz’s Take

Next time you hear a journalist quoting an incensed Western doctor spouting–with zero evidence–about how we need carbs and fiber, just know that it’s deeply biased, ignorant of the evidence, and downright dangerous.

Should You Do the Jordan Peterson Diet?

The Jordan Peterson diet is an early approach to carnivore eating that has a lot going for it.

However, it lacks some important details, namely how critical it is to eat fatty meat.

There are more sophisticated, realistic, and sustainable approaches to high-fat low-carb meat-centered eating.

Doctor Kiltz developed his BEBBIIS plan as a less austere and frankly more enjoyable approach to carnivore.

B.E.B.B.I.I.S. stands for Bacon, Eggs, Butter, Beef, Ice Cream, Intermittent Fasting, Salt.

Focusing your diet on these animal-based whole foods dramatically reduces inflammation, protects you from the ravages of carbohydrates, eliminates exposure to plant toxins, and nourishes every cell in your body with healthy fats and essential nutrients.

Benefits of A Carnivore Diet

The Jordan Peterson Carnivore Diet (8)

Numerous studies show that

  • meat does not cause cancer
  • animal fats and saturated fats are healthy
  • Raising and eating meat can be good for the environment
  • There are numerous benefits of eating meat, all of which are amplified on a carnivore diet

In 2021 Harvard University researchers Dr. Belinda Lennerz and Dr. David Ludwig ran a study that examined the effects of a carnivore diet for 2,029 people over 6 months.

The researchers concluded, “Contrary to common expectations, adults consuming a carnivore diet experienced few adverse effects and instead reported health benefits and high satisfaction.” The positive health benefits include:

  • 93% improved or resolved obesity and excess weight
  • 93% improved hypertension
  • 98% improved conditions related to diabetes
  • 97% improved gastrointestinal symptoms
  • 96% improved psychiatric symptoms

The Jordan Peterson Carnivore Diet (9)

The benefits of an all meat diet can be attributed to a group of key factors, including:

  • An increase in essential nutrients only found in meat
  • Cutting carbs and added sugars
  • Eliminating plant toxins and antinutrients
  • Eliminating insoluble fiber from plant sources

Drawbacks to the Jordan Peterson Diet?

On the Joe Rogan podcast, Jordan Peterson described one issue.

“Well, I have a negative story,” he said. “Both Mikhaila and I noticed that when we restricted our diet and then ate something we weren’t supposed to, the reaction was absolutely catastrophic.” Peterson used the example of apple cider, saying that he was incapacitated for a month by what he believes was an inflammatory response.

It’s likely that Peterson had underlying inflammatory issues, and that his reaction is not the norm. However, it is true that on a carnivore diet you will become more sensitized to the toxins and excess sugar of standard American diet foods.

But this sensitization is not a bad thing–rather it’s a sign that you have returned your metabolism to its healthy, ancestrally designed baseline.

Dr. Kiltz’s Bottom Line on the Jordan Peterson Diet

The Jordan Peterson Diet can be considered one of the names given to an all-meat carnivore way of eating. In fact, it says more about Peterson’s popularity with his followers than it does about a carnivore diet itself since it is simply the name his followers have given to his personal experimentations with an all-meat elimination protocol.

Nevertheless, Peterson has greatly benefited from his experiments with carnivory and helped bring this ancestral approach to healing and health into mainstream awareness.

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The Jordan Peterson Carnivore Diet (2024)

FAQs

What did Jordan Peterson say about the carnivore diet? ›

Then he practiced a very low-carb “modified carnivore diet” consisting of only meat and greens for a year. Peterson told Joe Rogan, “I lost 50 pounds. My appetite has probably fallen by 70%. I don't get blood sugar dysregulation problems.

Is there any truth to the carnivore diet? ›

No controlled studies support claims that the carnivore diet can help eliminate health issues. It lacks beneficial nutrients, including fiber and plant compounds like antioxidants. It may be unsafe for some people. The carnivore diet consists entirely of meat and animal products, excluding all other foods.

What is the success rate for the carnivore diet? ›

Harvard Carnivore Study

The researchers concluded, “Contrary to common expectations, adults consuming a carnivore diet experienced few adverse effects and instead reported health benefits and high satisfaction.” The positive health benefits including: 93% improved or resolved obesity and excess weight.

What did Joe Rogan say about the carnivore diet? ›

On his Instagram account, Rogan shared that after 30 days on carnivore “lots of aches and pains went away” and that he'd seen “improvements in my vitiligo.” He also describes how carnivore supported stable energy, weight loss, and improved mental health.

How long did Jordan Peterson eat only meat? ›

Dr. Jordan B. Peterson | Jordan's experience only eating meat for 5 years.

What are the bad experiences of the carnivore diet? ›

By skipping fruits and vegetables, people likely won't get enough fiber in their diets, which can affect gut health. They also will miss out on carotenoids and polyphenols, substances with antioxidant properties that have been linked to lower risk of chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer.

What are three disadvantages of the carnivore diet? ›

Risks of the Carnivore Diet
  • Heart Disease. ...
  • Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies. ...
  • Digestive Health Issues. ...
  • Complications for People With Certain Conditions.
Apr 12, 2024

Do you still poop on carnivore diet? ›

It may sometimes cause constipation. The diet is contrary to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans , which emphasize the importance of fiber for good health. Some may worry about becoming constipated due to this diet's lack of fiber.

Is carnivore diet cancerous? ›

OUR MAJOR FINDINGS ON CANCER AND ANIMAL FOODS

red meat INCREASES the risk of colorectal cancer. processed meat INCREASES the risk of colorectal cancer. Cantonese-style salted fish INCREASES the risk of nasopharyngeal cancer.

Can you drink coffee on a carnivore diet? ›

Yes, you can drink coffee on a carnivore diet. Despite its plant origin, many followers of the carnivore diet still consume coffee, considering caffeine's stimulating properties. However, caution must be taken as excessive intake of caffeine may add stress to the body's metabolism and disrupt sleep patterns.

How many pounds can you lose on carnivore diet in 30 days? ›

But personal reports show that Carnivores could lose 7kg (15.4 pounds) in 30 days, 121 lbs in 12 months, and so on. Generally, aiming to lose between 0.5 – 0.75% of your starting body weight can be realistic.

Is carnivore diet anti-inflammatory? ›

We've seen positive responses to the Carnivore Diet among our patients at Camarata Chiropractic. Many report significant reductions in pain and inflammation, improved energy levels, and overall better health. However, it's important to remember that everyone's experience is unique.

What did Jordan Peterson eat on a carnivore diet? ›

Dr. Shawn Baker's carnivore diet includes chicken and fish and limited dairy products like cheese. The Jordan Peterson diet, however, includes just ruminant meat (beef, bison, lamb, and goat), salt, and water. Nothing else.

Does Jordan Peterson take vitamins? ›

Rogan questioned Peterson on whether he's consuming any vitamins or supplements to meet his dietary needs. “No. No, I eat beef and salt and water. That's it.

Why do you lose so much weight on carnivore? ›

On the carnivore diet you cut carbohydrates and eat nothing but meat and other animal products, like beef, chicken, pork, fish, and eggs. The idea is that by cutting all carbs, your body will burn fat for energy and you'll lose weight.

Why did Mikhaila Peterson go on the carnivore diet? ›

She went through several different diets before deciding red-meat—a beef only diet—worked for her. From an early age, Peterson suffered from health problems. At several points in her life, she attempted to change her diet to ameliorate her health. On her blog, Mikhaila detailed her many medical issues.

How much weight can you lose on a carnivore diet in 30 days? ›

But personal reports show that Carnivores could lose 7kg (15.4 pounds) in 30 days, 121 lbs in 12 months, and so on. Generally, aiming to lose between 0.5 – 0.75% of your starting body weight can be realistic.

What is the philosophy behind the carnivore diet? ›

The carnivore diet is based on the controversial theory that human ancestors long ago ate diets rich in meat. It assumes that human bodies function best when fueled by high levels of protein and fat. One high profile advocate of the carnivore diet is Shawn Baker, a former orthopedic surgeon.

Why did I quit the carnivore diet? ›

He shifted away from the carnivore diet due to concerns about its long-term impact on physical health. Exclusively eating meat could lead to an increased intake of toxins, as environmental contaminants tend to bioaccumulate in animal fat.

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