In a persistent social media trend, enthusiastic meat lovers, mostly men, are showcasing themselves devouring juicy rib-eye steaks, sizzling bacon, and various meaty delights.
In a recent viral video on TikTok, a well-known user going by the handle @carnivoreray shared a new snack idea. He demonstrated placing bacon strips on sheet pans and then pouring melted butter from grass-fed cows over them before freezing the concoction. The next day, he enthusiastically sampled the frozen treat, exclaiming, “This tastes like candy,” to his sizable following. (Attempts to reach out to the person behind the account were unsuccessful.)
This video is just one example of a popular social media genre dominated by muscular individuals who advocate for a meat-heavy diet as the ultimate path to physical and mental well-being.
A stricter version of low-carb, high-fat diets like Atkins and keto, the carnivore diet revolves solely around meat, seafood, and eggs. While some enthusiasts may include dairy and a bit of fruit, the most devout followers stick to what they call B.B.B.E.: beef, bacon, butter, and eggs.
Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are flooded with videos of these meat enthusiasts feasting on all kinds of animal products. Some proudly declare they haven’t touched a vegetable in months, touting health benefits such as significant weight loss and enhanced mental clarity. Some of these “meatfluencers” even ditch plates and eat straight from cutting boards.
Despite claims of its benefits, health experts remain skeptical of the carnivore diet’s supposed health advantages. Whitney Linsenmeyer, an assistant professor of nutrition and dietetics, notes that the diet contradicts established nutrition science. However, this lack of mainstream endorsement may actually contribute to its allure.
Prominent figures like podcasters Joe Rogan and Lex Fridman have endorsed the diet, catering to a segment often dubbed the “manosphere.” Fridman, a computer scientist, has expressed feeling his best when consuming only meat, echoing sentiments shared by psychologist and fellow carnivore Jordan Peterson.
The diet gained traction following orthopedic surgeon Shawn Baker’s appearance on “The Joe Rogan Experience” in 2017. Baker, who experienced health issues in his 50s, turned to the all-meat diet after encountering online communities advocating for it. His positive experience led him to write a book about the diet.
Other influencers, like Brian Johnson, known as the Liver King, have amassed large followings by promoting meat-centric diets, even claiming to consume raw meat and organs for physique gains.
Critics argue that such diets are contrary to accepted notions of balanced eating and could pose health risks due to high saturated fat content. Additionally, there are environmental concerns, as meat and dairy production contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Proponents justify the diet by invoking ancestral diets, claiming humans historically subsisted mainly on animal products. They view carnivorism as a return to a presumed hunter-gatherer lifestyle, free from modern processed foods.
Despite its controversies, the carnivore diet continues to attract attention and followers, perpetuated by a blend of social media influence and a desire for alternative health approaches.
