
π§ What Can You Drink on the Carnivore Diet? A Simple Guide
π§ What Can You Drink on the Carnivore Diet? (A Guide to Staying Hydrated) π§
The carnivore diet is built on a very simple rule: eat only animal products. This makes your food choices straightforward. But what about your drinks? Many common beverages are plant-based or loaded with sugar. This can be confusing when you are starting out.
So, what can you drink on the carnivore diet? The answer is just as simple as the diet itself. The focus is on purity and avoiding all plant-based ingredients and sugars. Your beverage choices will become very focused.
This guide will provide a clear list of what is allowed, what is debated, and what you must avoid. Let's keep your hydration simple and compliant. β
π€ What is the Number One, Non-Negotiable Drink?
The primary and most important beverage on the carnivore diet is water. It is essential for your health on any diet, but it is especially crucial when you are adapting to a zero-carb lifestyle. Proper hydration is key.
Many people on the carnivore diet also add unrefined salt to their water. This is to ensure they are getting enough electrolytes, like sodium. When you stop eating carbs, your body flushes out a lot of water and electrolytes. Replenishing them is important for preventing fatigue and headaches.
- What is the Best Nutrient-Dense Beverage to Include?
The second-best and highly encouraged beverage is bone broth. This is a perfect fit for the carnivore diet. It is made by simmering animal bones for a long time. This process extracts beneficial nutrients.
Bone broth is a fantastic source of collagen, gelatin, and minerals. It is great for your gut health, joints, and skin. A warm mug of salty bone broth is also incredibly satisfying. It is the perfect, nourishing drink for a cool autumn day. π
βοΈ What About Coffee and Tea? (The Gray Area)
This is the most debated topic when it comes to what you can drink on the carnivore diet. Coffee and tea are both made from plants. Therefore, from a strict, purist standpoint, they are not allowed.
However, many people take a more relaxed approach. They find that a simple cup of black coffee or unsweetened tea does not negatively affect them. This is a personal choice. If your goal is to use the diet as a strict elimination plan, you should avoid them. If your goal is a long-term lifestyle, you may decide to include them.
π₯ Can You Drink Milk?
Milk is an animal product, but it should be approached with caution. Milk contains a natural sugar called lactose. A large amount of milk can add a significant number of carbs to your day. This can prevent you from staying in ketosis.
For this reason, most people on the carnivore diet avoid milk. Some may include a small amount of raw, full-fat milk or heavy cream, as they are lower in lactose. Again, this is a matter of personal tolerance and goals.
π« What Drinks Must You Absolutely AVOID?
This list is very clear and non-negotiable. You must avoid all sugary and plant-based beverages. This includes:
- Soda and Sugary Drinks: These are full of sugar and have no place on the diet.
- Fruit Juice: This is just concentrated fruit sugar.
- Plant-Based Milks: Almond milk, soy milk, and oat milk are all derived from plants.
- Alcohol: Beer, wine, and most spirits are derived from plants and are not allowed.
By keeping your drinks simpleβfocusing on water and bone brothβyou can stay perfectly on track with your carnivore lifestyle. β¨