Carnivore vs Mixed Diet: What Really Works?

The carnivore diet is becoming very popular these days - there are many people now reporting amazing benefits of this type of diet. For some, it feels simple — just eat meat, fish, and animal products, cut out everything else, and the weight drops off. No calorie counting, no meal planning. But is it the best way forward, especially for men over 40?

The drawbacks? Critics argue that carnivore cuts out fibre, which is normally seen as important for gut health, and you’ll also miss some vitamins and minerals found in plants. That said, many people following carnivore for years report no problems at all, and some even claim better digestion. Personally, I eat little fibre and I do not eat vegetables or fruit (I do take vitamin supplements). The real challenge tends to be social — eating out, family meals, or simply wanting variety. Eating steak every night can get boring, I guess. I'm not bored yet though.

A mixed diet, on the other hand, gives you flexibility. You can still eat plenty of protein but also get fibre, fruit, vegetables, and slow carbs that support recovery, hormone balance, and long-term health. The risk here is letting too many processed foods creep in, but with some structure it’s much easier to sustain.

So which works best? For most men I work with, the mixed approach wins. Carnivore is worth a shot, especially if you have chronic inflammation. The testimonials of people going carnivore and coming off all their meds is impressive.

The bottom line: do what works for you. Try various diets but prioritise protein and make sure you get enough in each day, cook everything yourself, and totally avoid processed food and seed oils. You can play around with the carbs/fibre element to see what works best for you.