Your Guide To An Animal-Based Diet: What You Can Eat

Starting an animal-based diet can be overwhelming. Here's a guide to what you can eat when saying no to seed oils and transitioning to an animal-based diet. I think you'll be surprised at your options.

The Meats

Obviously, as part of an animal-based diet you can indulge in a variety of organic and healthly meats, including beef, chicken, lamb, salmon, shrimp, and more!

Among the staples of an animal-based diet, grass-fed, grass-finished ground beef stands out as a nutrient-dense option. This type of beef is sourced from cattle that have grazed exclusively on grass throughout their lives, resulting in a meat that is not only rich in essential nutrients but also in healthy fats. Grass-fed beef contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to numerous health benefits, including improved heart health and cognitive function. Additionally, it provides a robust source of vitamins and minerals, including B-vitamins, iron, and zinc, contributing to overall vitality. Click here to learn more about selecting the right option.

Fatty Meats: Fuel for Energy and Satiety

Contrary to the outdated belief that fat is harmful, animal-based diets emphasize the importance of including fatty meats for optimal health. Fats are a concentrated source of energy and play a crucial role in hormone production. Fatty cuts of meat, such as ribeye or fatty fish like salmon, provide a rich source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, supporting brain health and reducing inflammation in the body. Including these fats in your diet can also enhance satiety, helping you feel full and satisfied.

Organs: Nature's Multivitamin

Organ meats, often referred to as "nature's multivitamin," are a crucial component of an animal-based diet. Liver, for example, is a nutritional powerhouse, containing high amounts of vitamin A, B vitamins, iron, and copper. These nutrients play essential roles in supporting immune function, energy metabolism, and overall vitality. By incorporating organ meats into your diet, you can ensure a diverse array of essential nutrients that may be lacking in muscle meats alone.

It is important to note, to receive all the nutrients your body needs through an animal-based diet, you will need to consume organ meats. My favorite brand is Heart & Soil.

Hard Cheese: A Delicious Source of Nutrients

Hard cheeses, like cheddar or gouda, are excellent additions to an animal-based diet. Not only are they delicious, but they also provide a concentrated source of essential nutrients. Cheeses are rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein, all of which are crucial for maintaining bone health and overall well-being. Additionally, the fermentation process involved in cheese production contributes to the presence of probiotics, promoting a healthy gut microbiome.

Every morning for breakfast I eat 5 organic, cage-free eggs with 1/4 cup of freshly grated cheddar cheese.

Opting for freshly grated cheese over pre-shredded varieties enhances the flavor and texture of your dishes, as the cheese retains its natural moisture and integrity. Additionally, freshly grated cheese often lacks the anti-caking agents present in pre-shredded options, providing a purer and more authentic cheese.

Raw Milk: A Wholesome Source of Nutrients

Raw milk, obtained directly from pasture-raised animals, is a nutrient-dense beverage that has been a part of human diets for centuries. Unlike pasteurized milk, raw milk retains its natural enzymes and beneficial bacteria, contributing to improved digestion and nutrient absorption. It is a rich source of calcium, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients, supporting bone health and overall vitality. However, it's crucial to source raw milk from reputable, trusted sources to ensure safety.

Honey: Nature's Sweetener with Health Benefits

While an animal-based diet primarily focuses on animal products, honey, a natural sweetener produced by bees, can be included in moderation. Honey not only adds sweetness to your diet but also offers various health benefits. It contains antioxidants, enzymes, and trace amounts of vitamins and minerals. Additionally, honey has been used for centuries for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a wholesome addition to an animal-based diet.

If I'm craving something sweet, I'll add a dash of honey to my organic Greek yogurt.

Fruits: Nature's Dessert

Though an animal-based diet is centered around animal products, incorporating fruits in moderation can provide a dose of natural sweetness and additional nutrients. Fruits like berries, which are lower in sugar compared to some tropical fruits, offer antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. These nutrients contribute to overall health, supporting immune function and providing a delicious and refreshing complement to the richness of animal-based foods. It is important that you buy organic fruit to remove pesticides and other chemicals from your body.

If you have sticker-shock over some of the prices of organic fruit (it's crazy!), I would recommend at a minimum you purchase organic berries. Berries actually absorb the pesticides used. There is no amount of baking soda soaking or rinsing you can do to rid any berry of the pesticides.

Conclusion:

Embracing an animal-based diet can offer a plethora of health benefits when approached mindfully and with a focus on nutrient diversity. By incorporating grass-fed, grass-finished ground beef, organs, fatty meats, hard cheese, raw milk, honey, and fruits into your diet, you can create a well-rounded and nourishing eating plan that aligns with the principles of ancestral nutrition.

If you're overwhelmed and looking for the easiest way to test out an animal-based diet, I'd recommend using a meat subscription. Save yourself the hassle of selecting the right meats and get them delivered directly to your door. Here's a list of my favorite meat subscription services.

Remember, individual dietary needs vary, so it's essential to listen to your body.

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