Carnivore MD Macro Calculator: Plan Your All-Meat Diet

Using the Carnivore MD Macro Calculator to Plan Your All-Meat Diet

The carnivore diet, an extreme eating plan consisting of only animal foods like meat, fish, eggs and dairy, has been growing in popularity over the last few years. Proponents claim it can aid weight loss, reduce inflammation, and more.

Planning an all-meat diet requires careful tracking of macros (protein, fat and carbs) to ensure nutritional needs are met. That's where the Carnivore MD macro calculator comes in handy.

In this comprehensive guide, well cover:

• What is the carnivore diet?
• Carnivore diet food list
• Benefits and risks of an all-meat diet
• How the Carnivore MD macro calculator works
• Suggested macro targets on the carnivore diet
• Tips for tracking macros on an all-meat plan

Lets start by understanding exactly what the carnivore diet is.

What is the Carnivore Diet?

The carnivore diet, often called the all-meat diet, is an eating plan that involves consuming only animal foods and eliminating all plant foods. It tends to emphasize red meat and fat.

There are several versions of the carnivore diet. Some allow dairy products and eggs, while more restrictive plans permit only meat and water. People may follow it for weeks, months or indefinitely.

This diet is an extremely restrictive form of low carb, high fat dieting. It contrasts heavily with most standard dietary advice to eat a balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and lean proteins.

Allowed Foods on the Carnivore Diet

Here are the main foods allowed on a typical carnivore diet:

• Red meat: Beef, lamb, bison, veal, etc.
• Poultry: Chicken, turkey, duck, etc.
• Pork
• Fish and shellfish
• Eggs
• Dairy like cheese, butter, cream (optional)
• Bone broth and gelatin
• Salt, spices and seasonings
• Water

All fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, nuts, seeds, fiber supplements, processed foods, sugar and alcohol are eliminated on this plan.

Claimed Benefits of the Carnivore Diet

There are some anecdotal reports of benefits from following the carnivore diet, though research is severely lacking. Some claimed benefits include:

• Weight loss from high protein and elimination of carbs/junk foods
• Lower inflammation due to removing foods like grains, sugars, dairy that may trigger inflammation
• Improved mental clarity from ketosis and stable energy from fat/protein
• Increased testosterone
• Improved digestive issues because plant foods with fiber are eliminated

However, there are no credible scientific studies that support adhering to an all-meat diet. Potential risks and downsides need to be considered as well.

Risks and Problems with the Carnivore Diet

Following a carnivore diet long-term may pose the following risks and issues:

• Nutrient deficiencies Lack of vitamins A, C, E, potassium, magnesium and others from zero produce.
• Constipation and digestive issues Due to no fiber from plants
• Kidney problems or risk of gout Excess protein places strain on kidneys.
• Increased heart disease risk From high saturated fat intake, no fiber or healthy fats.
• Keto flu side effects Headaches, fatigue, nausea from starting a very low carb diet.
• Disordered eating patterns Eating only meat long-term is considered a disordered behavior.

People with kidney disease, gout, diabetes, histamine intolerance, eating disorders and other conditions may have increased risks from attempting this diet.

Using the Carnivore MD Macro Calculator

Tracking your macros (protein, fat and carbs) becomes very important on a restricted diet like the carnivore diet to ensure youre meeting nutritional needs within your calorie intake goals.

The Carnivore MD macro calculator provides customized macro targets based on your stats and goals. Heres how it works:

1. Enter details like age, height, current weight, and activity level.
2. Select your goal lose, maintain or gain weight.
3. Enter your desired pace of weight change.
4. Select any dietary restrictions like dairy-free, seafood-free, etc.
5. The calculator provides macro grams and calories to aim for daily.

This takes the guesswork out of planning an all-meat diet while trying to lose, gain or maintain your current weight.

Suggested Macros on the Carnivore Diet

A typical carnivore diet breaks down to roughly:

• Protein: 30-50% of calories
• Fat: 50-70% of calories
• Carbs: Under 10g, as carnivore limits carbs to just lactose in dairy

However, the ideal macros for YOU depend on many individual factors like height, activity needs, weight goals and more. Here are some general macro recommendations:

• Women may need at least 0.9g protein per pound of bodyweight or 100g minimum daily.
• Men often require at least 1g protein per pound or 150-200g protein daily.
• Eat at least the RDA for fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.
• Limit protein to 2.2-2.5g per kg bodyweight (1g per lb) to reduce kidney strain.
• Increase fat intake if losing weight due to very low carb intake.

Run your details through the Carnivore MD macro calculator to determine the macro splits that fit your needs.

Tips for Tracking Macros on the Carnivore Diet

Trying to hit certain macro targets while only eating meat and animal products can take some work. These tips can help:

• Use a food scale to weigh portions and log accurately.
• Prioritize protein at each meal then add fat for satiety.
• Include fatty cuts of meat and high fat dairy for healthy fats.
• Cook in tallow, butter or duck fat instead of lean methods.
• Track animal organ meats separately, as they are micronutrient-dense.
• Download a tracking app to easily log macros on the go.

Following a carnivore diet requires diligence to meet nutritional needs and avoid potential risks. Using the Carnivore MD macro calculator provides an easy starting point.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.