Can you eat fruit on carnivore diet? At its core - no. After all, you know that this diet is meant to be comprised of just animal products. In a word, meat. Plant-based foods are eliminated by design, as they can be inflammatory and problematic.
But what happens when you try adding fruit to carnivore diet? Are there any benefits or drawbacks to doing so? And if so, what are the best fruits for carnivore diet?
Maybe you’re just now discovering the diet - or, perhaps you’ve been on it for a while and are looking to make a few changes to it. Either way, you’re curious about following the carnivore diet with fruit. And we’re going to cover everything you need to know about the diet below.
First things first, we’ll address the main question on your mind…can you eat fruit on carnivore diet?
Can You Eat Fruit on Carnivore Diet?
Let’s get one thing clear right away - fruit is not on the approved list of carnivore diet foods. So, what can you eat on the carnivore diet?
As the name suggests, the carnivore diet primarily focuses on animal products: meat, fish, eggs, and certain dairy items. The strictest form of this diet eliminates everything else, including fruits and vegetables.
However, it's essential to recognize that the carnivore diet can be adapted to individual preferences and needs, and there's a degree of flexibility for some people who choose to incorporate a minimal amount of plant foods.
So, let’s assess the upside and downside, and then give our stance on whether you should try the carnivore diet with fruit.
Potential Benefits of Eating Fruit on Carnivore Diet
While fruit is eliminated by design, it would be categorically false to say that this food group has zero benefits. Even though animal-based foods are highly nutritious, some people may choose to include small amounts of fruit for their unique nutrients like Vitamin C and various antioxidants not found in animal products.
And, let's face it - fruits can bring a variety of flavors and textures that can make meals more enjoyable. For those who miss the sweet crunch of an apple or the tangy burst of a citrus fruit, adding a small amount of fruit can make the diet more enjoyable and easier to stick to.
However, you’re not doing the carnivore diet because it’s fun. You’re following it for the carnivore diet benefits. So, it’s important to remember that you’re letting go of old habits for a healthier, happier lifestyle in the long run. That being said, is there any downside to adding fruits back into the carnivore diet?
Potential Downside of Adding Fruit to Carnivore Diet
One of the reasons some people follow the carnivore diet is to stay in a state of ketosis, where the body uses fat as its primary energy source. Consuming fruits, which have higher carbohydrate content, can potentially take your body out of ketosis.
This is something we talk about in our guide to carnivore diet carbs. We encourage you to learn more about the carnivore diet macros in general, as the fact that this diet is high in protein and fats is part of what makes it so profound. All of this is to say that if you are trying carnivore diet for weight loss, your results will be hindered if you bring fruit back into the equation.
But beyond the fact that you’re adding back in carbs, there is another concern worth mentioning as it pertains to eating fruit on carnivore diet. Some people switch to the carnivore diet to alleviate digestive issues linked to plant foods. For these individuals, reintroducing fruit may bring back some of these issues, including bloating and discomfort.
So, Can You Eat Fruit on Carnivore Diet?
So, is it okay to eat fruit on the carnivore diet? In looking at the carnivore diet pros and cons with fruit, which outweighs the other? The short answer is, it depends on your individual goals, health situation, and personal preferences.
While the strictest interpretation of the carnivore diet might exclude fruit, others may find a place for fruit in their diet plan without experiencing adverse effects. If you're considering adding fruit to your carnivore diet, it's recommended to do so mindfully, starting with small amounts and noting any changes or reactions. We’ll offer more advice on doing the carnivore with fruit in a moment.
That being said, there are certain groups of people we advise avoiding fruits on the carnivore diet. That includes anyone trying to treat a chronic health condition. If you’re trying the carnivore diet for inflammation, carnivore diet for neuropathy, or carnivore diet for psoriasis, eating fruits could hold you back from your treatment goals.
But, just remember this: the primary focus of your diet should still be on animal products, with fruits playing a minimal role if included. To help you feel more confident in actually eating fruit on carnivore diet, we’ve got some tips for building out a carnivore diet with fruit meal plan below…
Building Out a Carnivore Diet With Fruit Meal Plan: The Best Fruit for Carnivore Diet
At its core, the carnivore diet is an exclusionary diet - getting rid of inflammatory, problematic food groups that are holding you back from your highest health. While fruit may be one of those, everyone is different.
That’s why our advice is to follow the carnivore diet exactly as it's laid out - including eliminating fruits - for a period of time. Then, once you have a new baseline for health, you can consider adding back in one type of food at a time. If you notice no changes in your health or wellness, then it’s safe to say that food wasn’t necessarily a problem to begin with.
While you won’t be following the carnivore diet with 100% accuracy, we don’t believe that any diet should be black or white. There must be some room for interpretation to allow for the variances in our own personal health.
If you've decided to incorporate some fruits into your carnivore diet, it's vital to choose fruits with the lowest sugar content. The best fruits to add would be those that provide nutritional benefits but don't drastically increase your carbohydrate intake. Obviously, there aren’t many of those - so let’s start by offering a quick list of the best fruit for carnivore diet.
What is the Best Fruit for Carnivore Diet?
You may no longer be able to enjoy some of your favorite foods as you make this lifestyle change. But, there are 7 fruits we feel are good candidates for those who want to try eating fruit on carnivore diet.
Berries: A Low-Sugar Option
Berries, like strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries, are often a top choice. They're not only low in sugar and high in fiber but also packed with antioxidants.
Avocado: Yes, it’s a Fruit!
Often mistaken as a vegetable, avocados are indeed a fruit and a fantastic choice for the carnivore diet. High in healthy fats, fiber, and various essential nutrients, they can complement your meals without disturbing your macronutrient balance significantly.
Olives: Rich in Healthy Fats
Another fruit commonly mistaken for a vegetable, olives are an excellent addition to the carnivore diet. They are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and contain a good amount of Vitamin E.
Citrus Fruits: Bursting with Antioxidants
Citrus fruits such as lemons and limes have a relatively low sugar content and are packed with vitamin C, an important antioxidant. Incorporating a small amount of lemon or lime juice into your meals can add flavor while offering some additional nutritional benefits.
Cherries: Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant-rich
While cherries, specifically tart cherries, do contain sugars, they are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Consumed in moderation, cherries could be a flavorful addition to your carnivore diet.
Coconut: A High-fiber Superfood
Coconuts offer a host of benefits: high fiber content, sources of healthy fats, and a decent amount of potassium and magnesium. Fresh coconut meat or unsweetened coconut flakes can be a tasty addition to your carnivore meal plan.
Tomatoes: Full of Lycopene
While they are technically a fruit, tomatoes are often categorized as a vegetable due to their flavor profile. They are low in carbohydrates and contain lycopene, a potent antioxidant. However, some people may have sensitivities to nightshade vegetables, so keep an eye on how you react to them.
Tips for Adding Fruit to Carnivore Diet Safely
Now, we want to offer some tips on actually eating fruit on carnivore diet. As we mentioned earlier, our advice is to remove everything besides meat and approved animal products from your diet for a period of a few months. While you’ll deal with a few carnivore diet side effects during this period, it’s essential to get to a new baseline of health.
Then, add one type of fruit at a time in small amounts. This approach allows you to monitor your body’s reaction, ensuring that you don’t upset your digestion or get kicked out of ketosis if that's your goal.
And, remember this: you know your body better than anyone else. If adding fruit causes any discomfort, bloating, or other adverse effects, you may need to reconsider its place in your diet. It wouldn’t hurt to seek out the opinion of a professional to guide you along this journey. Now, before we bring our conversation to a close, here are a few more carnivore diet tips.
More Advice on Rounding Out Your Carnivore Diet
Knowledge is power, so we encourage you to learn all about how to start the carnivore diet in our blog if you haven’t already. There, you’ll learn how much to eat on carnivore diet, the best ways to get protein in, how much protein you should eat a day, female carnivore diet tips, and a whole lot more.
But below, we have a few pieces of advice we want to share to help you save money and maximize the benefits as you set out on this new journey - fruit or no fruit:
Meal Planning: Embrace Variety and Balance
While sticking to animal-based products, remember to diversify your choices to ensure you're getting a range of nutrients. This means incorporating different types of meats - beef, poultry, fish - along with organ meats and seafood.
Eggs and dairy can also play a part in your meal plan if you tolerate them well. Adding in selected fruits, as we've discussed, can provide additional nutrients and flavors. You can learn more about building your carnivore diet meal plan in our blog.
Snacking: Mindful Choices for In-Between Meals
When it comes to snacking on the carnivore diet, it's not just about selecting the right foods - it's about ensuring those snacks serve a purpose. Are you genuinely hungry, or are you bored?
If you're in need of a snack, opt for protein-based choices like beef jerky, hard-boiled eggs, or even a handful of the low-sugar fruits we've mentioned. Or, get the best zero-carb snacks today at Carnivore Snax. We’ve created the best carnivore diet snacks possible - perfectly balancing taste and nutrition.
Each of our meat chips contains just two ingredients: meat and salt. And, they’ve been referred to as “meat pastries” for the way they melt in your mouth, giving way to tantalizing flavors that will leave you completely satisfied.
So, stock up on our meat snacks today and see what a profound difference they can make in your diet. We have ribeye chips, steak chips, lamb chips, beef chips, brisket chips, chicken chips, and even pork chips. Try them all to find your new favorite!
Keep Hydration in Check
While focusing on your diet, don't forget about hydration. Drinking enough water is crucial on any diet, including the carnivore diet. Some people find they need more water when starting this diet due to the higher protein content. This will help your body digest the higher concentration of meat in your diet.
Listen to Your Body
Everyone's experience with the carnivore diet can be different. Pay close attention to how you feel - your energy levels, your digestion, any changes in your skin or weight. This can give you clues about any adjustments you might need to make, whether that's shifting the balance of what you're eating or adding a supplement to your routine.
Be Flexible and Patient
Remember, dietary changes take time to show results. Be patient with yourself and the process. Be flexible and willing to make adjustments as you go along, and always seek professional advice if you're unsure. With time, you'll find the right balance that works best for your body and lifestyle.
Bringing Our Conversation on Carnivore Diet With Fruit to a Close
In the realm of nutritional exploration, the carnivore diet stands as a fascinating journey into our ancestral eating habits. As we've discovered today, introducing fruit into this traditionally animal-centric regimen is possible, albeit with considerations for sugar content, potential benefits, and individual metabolic responses.
And now that you know the best fruit for carnivore diet, along with tips for eating fruit on carnivore diet, it’s time to wrap up this conversation. Whether you choose to integrate carnivore diet with fruit or prefer to keep your plate purely primal, remember that the carnivore diet, like any other, is a personal experiment.
There's no one-size-fits-all approach. Take your time, listen to your body's cues, and don't be afraid to make modifications that cater to your unique needs and preferences.
Be it a juicy slice of avocado or a savory piece of Carnivore Snax, finding your individual balance within the carnivore diet will help you achieve your health goals while making this lifestyle switch not just sustainable, but enjoyable.
So, get your carnivore chips today and - whether you decide to add in fruit or not - jumpstart your journey to healthier, happier living through the carnivore diet!
