The Carnivore Diet: A Dubious Trend or a Health Revolution?
The carnivore diet, a regimen that exclusively includes animal products while eliminating fruits, vegetables, and grains, is gaining traction on social media. Promoted by fitness influencers like Eindhoven-based Noud van der Vloet, this “only meat” diet has sparked a heated debate among health experts and environmentalists. While some dietitians praise its benefits,organizations like the Nutrition Center and Milieudefensie warn of its potential health risks and environmental impact.
The Rise of the carnivore Diet
Supporters of the carnivore diet share their experiences through YouTube videos and social media posts, claiming it has transformed their health. Noud van der Vloet, a fitness entrepreneur, has been on this diet for over three years. “meat is the most nutritious thing we can eat as people, there is there’s no doubt whatsoever about that,” he asserts. “The diet that we follow nowadays contains so much mess, lots of sugars, lots of carbohydrates, a lot of processed food, and that makes people sick.”
Dietitian nienke Vink echoes this sentiment, stating, “Eating more animal food has had a positive effect on my health.For this, I always used supplements, and now no more. My values have improved. No more nutrients from a jar or pill is the main reason for me why I eat animal products.”
The Nutrition Center’s Warning
Despite these endorsements,the Nutrition Center strongly advises against the carnivore diet. A spokesperson explains, “By eating only animal products, you miss meaningful nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals from fruit, vegetables, and whole-grain products. You also miss the health benefits of vegetable products. this diet is also far from sustainable.”
The Dutch Association of Dietitians aligns with this stance, emphasizing that all affiliated dietitians follow the Nutrition center’s guidelines. Milieudefensie adds an environmental perspective, calling the diet a “dubious trend.” A spokesperson warns, “If everyone were to get all their proteins exclusively from beef, then you emit as much as a petrol car that drives from amsterdam to Antwerp, and you need a piece of land every day the size of a volleyball court.”
Health Risks and Counterarguments
The Nutrition Center highlights the potential health risks of a meat-heavy diet, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol. however, Noud van der Vloet dismisses these warnings, arguing, “The Nutrition Center bases that on a lot of incorrect research because several factors play a role in someone’s health.”
Dietitian Nienke Vink also critiques the Nutrition Center’s advice, claiming, “What I see in practice is that advice from the Nutrition Center for many people causes complaints rather than resolving them.”
The Vegan Alternative
Interestingly, while the carnivore diet gains popularity, the vegan diet—which eliminates all animal products—is also on the rise. The Nutrition Center notes that a plant-based diet reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol, making it not only healthier but also more environmentally kind.
Key Comparisons
| Aspect | Carnivore Diet | Vegan diet |
|————————–|——————————————–|—————————————–|
| Primary Foods | Animal products only | Plant-based foods only |
| Health Benefits | Claims improved energy and nutrient intake | Reduces risk of chronic diseases |
| Health Risks | increased risk of heart disease, diabetes | Potential nutrient deficiencies |
| Environmental Impact | high carbon footprint, land use | Lower carbon footprint, sustainable |
Share Your Experience
Have you tried the carnivore diet? do you agree with the warnings or have a different perspective? Share your story with the editors by emailing [email protected].
The debate over the carnivore diet continues, with passionate arguments on both sides. Whether it’s a health revolution or a dubious trend, one thing is clear: the conversation about what we eat—and its impact on our bodies and the planet—is far from over.
