Jul 3, 2023 4 min read Carnivore Diet

Fish Tales: Can You Really Eat Fish on a Carnivore Diet?

If you've been following me for a while, you already know that I'm diving headfirst into the world of the carnivore diet. There's been a lot of steak, eggs, and questions about what else you can eat. Today, we're taking a dip in the ocean to ask: Can you eat fish on a carnivore diet? The answer, to my relief and delight, is a resounding yes!

Fish, it turns out, aren't just aquatic creatures that taste great with some lemon and dill (not that we carnivores need it, right?). They're also swimming in health benefits. Who knew, right? So, why should we be incorporating fish into our carnivore diet?

Health Benefits of Eating Fish

Let's talk omega-3 fatty acids. Now, I’m no dietitian, but even I know these guys are essential for our body and brain health. But did you know that it's not just about omega-3s? The ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids also matters, and it's something we carnivores need to watch out for. Too much omega-6 and too little omega-3 can lead to inflammation and other health issues.

On the carnivore diet, the primary source of omega-3 is animal products, particularly fatty fish. So, it makes sense to sprinkle some of these into our meat feast. But which ones? And how often? We'll get into that later.

Speaking of animal products, they're the stars of the carnivore diet show. Plants have a walk-on part at best. Sure, they might appear in the form of herbs and spices to add a little zing to our dishes, but the bulk of our diet is good old-fashioned meat. None of that processed stuff though, just hearty, nutritious meat from various animals.

Excellent Sources of Protein and Nutrients

Now let's talk protein. It's not just about bulking up your biceps – protein is vital for loads of bodily functions. And lucky for us, meat is packed full of it.

Fish, especially, are an excellent source of protein. They also come with a host of other nutrients, like vitamin D, iodine, and, of course, those omega-3 fatty acids we talked about earlier. I've found that adding some fish to my carnivore diet has done wonders for my energy levels. Plus, it gives a nice break from all the beef and poultry. Variety is the spice of life, after all!

Oh, and before you get worried about getting your nutrients, rest assured: you can get pretty much everything you need from meat, especially if you're not squeamish about trying some offal. Beef liver, anyone? I've been mixing it into my ground beef patties, and you wouldn't believe the nutritional punch it packs.

Potential Risks of a High-Meat Diet

Now, let's address the elephant in the room: are there risks to a high-meat diet? The answer isn't straightforward. On one hand, studies have linked high-meat diets to constipation, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancers. But hold on, before you freak out and start throwing out your steak supply, remember that a lot of this research isn't specific to the carnivore diet. The science is ongoing, and it's always good to stay informed and listen to your body. I haven't experienced any of these issues, but everyone's different.

Types of Fish to Eat on a Carnivore Diet

There's a whole sea of fish out there (pun intended), but let's talk about a few that fit right into our carnivore diet.

Whitefish

Whitefish are a great place to start. They're packed full of nutrients and, because they're small, you can eat the bones too for a bonus dose of calcium.

Salmon and Tuna

Now let's talk salmon and tuna. I've been eating a lot of salmon and eggs lately, and I can vouch for their tastiness. Remember, wild-caught is the way to go, as it's usually higher in nutrients and lower in pollutants.

Anchovies, Sardines, and Herring

These guys are some of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids you can find, and they're also brimming with other essential nutrients. As a bonus, they're also wallet-friendly, which is great news for us carnivores on a budget!

Meal Plans for the Carnivore Diet that Include Fish

Speaking of budget, planning your meals can help to stretch your dollars (or pounds, in my case) further. Plus, it's a great way to make sure you're eating a variety of meats and getting all those nutrients your body needs.

I've been reading through a lot of other people's meal plans for inspiration. Of course, everyone's different, so you'll want to tailor your meal plan to your own needs and tastes. If you're not sure where to start, why not try a simple all-meat meal plan that includes fish options? Throw in some fatty fish like mackerel and sardines for their omega-3s, and pair them with other carnivore-friendly meats to create a balanced meal.

So, there you have it. Fish are more than welcome in our carnivore diet, and they come with a host of health benefits to boot. So why not give it a try? You might find that it's not only a tasty addition to your meal plan, but it could help your wallet too!