Joe Rogan's Carnivore Experiment: The 2020 Challenge
In January 2020, Joe Rogan undertook a 30-day carnivore diet challenge, documenting his progress on Instagram. The experience was a mix of positive and negative outcomes. He primarily ate meat, eggs, and occasionally supplemented with other animal fats. Rogan's main motivation was to improve his overall health and see if the restrictive diet could alleviate symptoms of vitiligo, an autoimmune condition.
During this initial month, Rogan lost a total of 12 pounds. He reported a remarkable improvement in his energy levels, noting that they felt "completely flat the whole month" with no energy crashes after meals. He also experienced a reduction in some body aches and inflammation, and saw some positive changes in his vitiligo. However, the most talked-about side effect was the severe, explosive diarrhea he experienced for the first couple of weeks. Rogan, with his typical candor, shared this uncomfortable detail with his followers, warning that it was an expected, albeit unpleasant, part of the process for some.
Repeat Attempts and Iterations
Since his first attempt, Rogan has cycled on and off the carnivore diet, often in January for "World Carnivore Month". These subsequent attempts have included variations, such as incorporating fruit alongside meat in his 2022 challenge, indicating a willingness to experiment rather than adhere to a single, strict protocol. This behavior demonstrates a pragmatic, and perhaps skeptical, approach to extreme dieting. He uses himself as a test subject while also providing a platform for prominent carnivore diet proponents, such as Dr. Shawn Baker and Dr. Paul Saladino, on his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience.
The Joe Rogan Experience Podcast and Carnivore Advocacy
Rogan's podcast has been instrumental in amplifying the voices of carnivore diet advocates. He has interviewed figures like psychologist Jordan Peterson and his daughter Mikhaila, who credit the diet with resolving numerous chronic health issues. These conversations often serve as a forum for presenting the purported benefits of the diet, from improved mental clarity to resolving autoimmune disorders. While Rogan listens to these testimonials and sometimes experiments with the diets himself, he does not present them as a cure-all. He regularly features guests who hold opposing viewpoints or provide context on the limited scientific research surrounding the diet.
A Comparative Look at Carnivore and Keto
The carnivore diet and the ketogenic (keto) diet are often discussed in similar circles due to their low-carb nature, but they have distinct differences. Here is a comparison:
| Feature | Carnivore Diet | Ketogenic (Keto) Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Food Sources | Exclusively animal products (meat, fish, eggs, some dairy). | High-fat, moderate-protein, very low-carb. |
| Carbohydrates | Zero or near-zero carbs, completely eliminating plant-based foods. | Very low carb intake (typically 20-50 grams per day). |
| Plant Foods | None, as the diet eliminates all vegetables, fruits, and grains. | Allowed, especially low-carb options like leafy greens, broccoli, and avocados. |
| Nutrient Gaps | Potential for missing fiber and certain vitamins typically found in plants. | Still includes diverse sources of vitamins and minerals from allowed plant foods. |
| Proponents | Joe Rogan, Dr. Shawn Baker, Jordan Peterson. | Numerous health experts and dieticians. |
Rogan's Food Choices Beyond the Experiment
Even when not strictly on a carnivore diet, Rogan's dietary preferences lean heavily towards meat, particularly wild game like elk, which he hunts himself. He praises wild game for being lean and nutrient-dense, contrasting it with conventionally raised meat. This long-standing preference for meat-heavy eating provides a backdrop for his carnivore diet explorations, suggesting a personal affinity for the diet's core principles even when not strictly adhering to its rules. His continued interest is less of an unwavering endorsement and more of a persistent, public-facing exploration of its potential benefits and drawbacks.
Conclusion: A Personal Experiment, Not a Professional Endorsement
So, does Joe Rogan support the carnivore diet? The answer is nuanced. He has repeatedly experimented with it, discussed its potential benefits on his platform, and reported positive personal outcomes like weight loss and increased energy. However, he has also acknowledged its significant downsides, such as severe digestive issues, and includes both proponents and critics of the diet on his show. Therefore, it is more accurate to say that Rogan is a curious and influential experimenter of the carnivore diet, rather than an unconditional supporter. His public journey encourages listeners to consider the diet's claims and potential effects for themselves, based on his anecdotal, and often unfiltered, accounts.
Ultimately, Rogan's involvement has raised the profile of the carnivore diet significantly, but he frames his experiences as personal observations rather than expert medical advice. His approach, combining self-experimentation with a platform for diverse guests, positions him as a central figure in the online conversation about the carnivore diet, without a clear-cut, single-minded endorsement.
