From Strict Carnivore to an Evolved Animal-Based Approach
Paul Saladino, known by many as "Carnivore MD," first became a prominent figure in the health and wellness space by advocating for a highly restrictive, meat-only carnivore diet. His book, The Carnivore Code, laid out his philosophy that many modern ailments stem from consuming plant foods, which he referred to as containing “defense chemicals” or “anti-nutrients”. During this period, his diet was famously limited to meat, organs, animal fat, and bone marrow, with an emphasis on a nose-to-tail approach.
The Health Issues That Prompted a Change
After approximately five years on the strict carnivore diet, Saladino began reporting a series of persistent, negative health symptoms. These included sleep disturbances, heart palpitations, muscle cramps, and a measurable decrease in testosterone levels. He openly discussed his struggles, concluding that long-term ketosis was not a sustainable state for him, or likely for most humans. This candid admission led to him publicly announcing his departure from the extreme version of the carnivore diet. His shift marked a significant evolution in his dietary philosophy, emphasizing personal experience over strict adherence to dogma.
The Modern Animal-Based Diet
Today, Paul Saladino’s diet is primarily centered on animal products, but it is no longer exclusively so. He refers to his current regimen as a "properly constructed nose-to-tail, animal-based diet" that selectively includes carbohydrates from low-toxicity plant foods. The core tenets of his modern approach include:
- Prioritizing Animal Products: The foundation remains high-quality meat, organ meats, animal fat (like tallow and suet), and bone marrow from grass-fed and pasture-raised animals.
- Incorporating Carbohydrates: To address the hormonal and mineral issues he experienced on a zero-carb diet, Saladino added fruits and raw honey. He views fruit as the best carbohydrate source with the fewest problematic plant compounds.
- Raw Dairy: Raw dairy products, such as kefir, milk, and cheese, are included for those who can tolerate them.
- Selective Plant Foods: Beyond fruit and honey, he includes other low-toxicity plants, often mentioning avocados and cucumbers in examples.
- Avoiding Problematic Plant Foods: He continues to avoid grains, nuts, seeds, and most vegetables, which he still believes contain harmful compounds.
A Typical Day on the Animal-Based Plate
For a glimpse into his evolved diet, consider a typical daily intake, which reflects a balance of animal fats, protein, and carbohydrates. In a podcast discussion, Saladino described meals that combine nutrient-rich animal foods with specific carbohydrate sources. A meal could consist of grilled grass-fed beef, fresh mango, raw cheese, and kefir. This provides bioavailable nutrients while also supplying the energy from carbohydrates that he found lacking during his more restrictive phase.
Comparison: Strict Carnivore vs. Current Animal-Based Diet
| Feature | Strict Carnivore (Past) | Current Animal-Based (Present) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Foods | Meat, organ meats, animal fat, bone broth | Meat, organ meats, fruit, honey, raw dairy |
| Carbohydrates | Excluded completely (zero-carb) | Included from fruits and honey |
| Plant Foods | Strictly forbidden | Limited to low-toxicity items like fruit, avocados, and cucumbers |
| Dairy | Minimal, often excluded | Raw dairy, if tolerated |
| Reported Benefits | Weight loss, reduced inflammation | Improved hormones, better sleep, consistent energy |
| Reported Drawbacks | Nutrient deficiencies, fatigue, low testosterone | High LDL cholesterol reported by some critics |
The Rationale Behind the Shift
Saladino's dietary transition was driven by personal health data and a re-evaluation of ancestral eating patterns. His experience revealed that prolonged ketosis, the metabolic state achieved on the strict carnivore diet, led to significant physiological stress and electrolyte imbalances. By reintroducing certain carbohydrates, he aimed to provide the necessary insulin signal for mineral retention and hormone balance, a function he had previously overlooked. His current approach is a testament to adapting a dietary strategy based on lived experience and observable health markers, rather than adhering rigidly to a single ideological framework.
Scientific Perspective and Controversy
Despite his modifications, Saladino’s diet remains controversial within mainstream nutritional science. Health experts, such as registered dietitians and physicians, caution against a diet so high in saturated fat and low in dietary fiber, which can lead to elevated LDL cholesterol. His vocal advocacy for raw dairy and his broad generalizations about the toxicity of most plant foods are also not supported by the broader scientific consensus. Critics argue that his approach is overly simplistic and dismisses the well-documented health benefits of a diverse diet rich in whole plant foods.
Conclusion: A Constantly Evolving Perspective
So, what diet does Paul Saladino eat? His journey from a strict carnivore to a more balanced animal-based approach reflects a dynamic and evolving health philosophy. He now includes fruits, honey, and raw dairy alongside high-quality meat and organs, a change driven by negative health symptoms he experienced on his earlier restrictive regimen. This shift highlights that even rigid dietary principles can be adapted based on personal experience. While his current diet remains controversial and deviates significantly from mainstream dietary guidelines, it provides an interesting case study in how one influencer has navigated his personal health journey. Anyone considering a similar path should research thoroughly and consult a range of health professionals to understand the potential risks and benefits. For more on his company's guidelines, see the Heart & Soil's official guide to the animal-based diet.
