How much protein does Shawn Baker eat?

January 10, 2026 •

3 min read

Dr. Shawn Baker, a prominent advocate of the carnivore diet, is famously known for his extremely high protein consumption. He often reports eating large quantities of meat, with estimates suggesting his protein intake is significantly higher than conventional dietary recommendations. Baker’s diet is almost exclusively animal-based, with his protein coming from fatty cuts of beef, lamb, and occasional other animal products.

Quick Summary

This article explores Shawn Baker's typical protein intake on his all-meat carnivore diet, referencing the high quantities of steak he consumes daily. It compares his approach to standard dietary guidelines, details the types of animal products he favors for their protein and fat content, and summarizes the rationale behind his unique eating pattern.

Key Points

High Volume: Shawn Baker consumes several pounds of meat per day, often around 4 pounds, contributing to an exceptionally high protein intake.
Favors Fatty Cuts: He prefers fatty cuts of beef, such as ribeye, which provide both high protein and necessary fat for energy.
Eats to Satiety: Rather than counting macros, Baker follows his appetite, leading to large, infrequent meals known as intermittent feasting.
Ancestral Rationale: His diet is based on the philosophy that human ancestors thrived on an all-meat diet and that it provides optimal health.
Exclusively Animal-Based: The protein he consumes comes almost entirely from animal products, eliminating all plant-based foods.
Unconventional Approach: His protein intake far exceeds standard dietary guidelines and is a central, controversial aspect of his carnivore lifestyle.

Understanding Shawn Baker's Protein Intake

Dr. Shawn Baker's protein consumption is a topic of great interest and debate, given his long-term adherence to a carnivore diet. Unlike typical nutritional guidelines, Baker's approach is meat-focused. His diet relies almost exclusively on animal products for protein, particularly fatty cuts of beef.

How Much Protein from Meat?

Baker has publicly stated that he consumes several pounds of meat daily, sometimes three to four steaks in a single day. This means his protein intake from meat is very high. A single 12-ounce ribeye can provide over 60-70 grams of protein. Along with other animal products like eggs, his total daily protein can reach hundreds of grams. He doesn't traditionally count calories or macros, but eats to satiety.

The Role of Fat and Intermittent Feasting

Baker prioritizes fat as an energy source, especially the high fat content in cuts like ribeye, to aid satiety since his diet has minimal carbohydrates. He also practices intermittent feasting, often eating only once or twice a day with large meals to stay full.

Baker's Approach vs. Standard Dietary Recommendations

Shawn Baker's diet contrasts significantly with typical nutritional advice that recommends lower protein intake from varied sources.

Comparison Table: Baker's Intake vs. Standard Guidelines


Feature	Shawn Baker's Carnivore Diet	Standard Dietary Guidelines
Daily Protein Intake	Consumes hundreds of grams from meat; eats to satiety, potentially 200g+.	Typically 50-175 grams, representing 10-35% of daily calories.
Primary Protein Sources	Almost exclusively meat, focusing on fatty beef and other animal products.	A variety of sources including lean meats, fish, dairy, eggs, legumes, and nuts.
Energy Source	Primarily animal fat, with minimal carbohydrates.	A mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fat.
Eating Pattern	Intermittent feasting, typically one or two large meals per day.	Generally three meals and a snack throughout the day.
Carbohydrate Intake	Virtually zero, as all plant-based foods are eliminated.	Encouraged from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Potential Health Implications and Debate

High-protein diets from animal sources are debated, with concerns about kidney strain. Baker, however, claims health benefits like reduced inflammation and weight loss. The debate underscores the individualized nature of this diet.

The Reasoning Behind Baker's Carnivore Diet

Baker adopted the carnivore diet after health issues persisted on a ketogenic diet. By eliminating plant foods, he saw further health improvements.

Carnivore Diet Philosophy

His philosophy centers on the belief that ancestral humans thrived on meat and that modern illnesses are linked to processed foods and agricultural products. He argues animal foods are nutrient-dense and eliminating plant anti-nutrients offers health benefits. This is detailed in his book, The Carnivore Diet.

The Final Word on Shawn Baker's Protein Intake

In summary, Shawn Baker's protein intake is exceptionally high, driven by his carnivore diet principle of eating exclusively animal products, primarily fatty beef, to satiety. His protein consumption varies based on the several pounds of meat he eats daily. While unconventional and not widely endorsed, it's key to his carnivore advocacy. The high protein and fat intake, with intermittent feasting, are core to his strategy. For more details, his book The Carnivore Diet offers insight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shawn Baker reports eating several pounds of meat per day, with past interviews citing figures of around 4 pounds. He eats to satiety, which means the quantity can fluctuate.

His main source of protein is beef, particularly fatty cuts like ribeye steak. He also includes other animal products such as eggs, dairy, and seafood occasionally.

No, he does not count macros in the traditional sense. He follows the principle of eating to satiety, and his high protein intake is a natural result of his meat-centric diet.

He believes the carnivore diet, rich in animal protein and fat, provides optimal health and resolves issues stemming from a modern diet. His high intake is a component of this dietary philosophy.

The safety of such a high-protein, all-meat diet is a subject of debate among health experts. While Baker reports positive health outcomes, others raise concerns about potential risks like kidney strain, especially over the long term.

While beef is his staple, he occasionally consumes other animal products for variety, including lamb, pork, eggs, certain dairy products, and seafood.

He often practices intermittent feasting, eating one or two large meals per day rather than smaller, more frequent meals. This approach is facilitated by the highly satiating nature of meat.