Joe Rogan's 30-Day Carnivore Experiment
Joe Rogan's initial high-profile plunge into the carnivore diet took place in January 2020. Inspired by conversations with guests on his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience (JRE), he committed to a 30-day, all-meat eating plan. The protocol was simple: eat only meat and animal products. At the end of the month, he took to Instagram and his podcast to share the results, which were notably mixed but ultimately positive from his perspective.
Rogan reported that he lost 12 pounds, primarily from around his midsection, and experienced consistently high energy levels without the usual energy crashes after eating. Aches and pains that had been bothering him reportedly disappeared, and he noted improvements in his vitiligo, an autoimmune skin condition. However, the experience was not without its struggles. Rogan famously described the first couple of weeks as a period of "explosive uber diarrhea". Despite the uncomfortable start, the side effects subsided, and he felt the overall benefits were substantial enough to recommend the experience to others.
The Role of Influential Podcast Guests
Joe Rogan's interest in the carnivore diet was heavily influenced by guests on his podcast who advocated for the meat-only lifestyle. These interviews served as a platform, not only for his own exploration but for the promotion of the diet to a massive audience.
Jordan and Mikhaila Peterson
Psychologist Jordan Peterson and his daughter, Mikhaila, were pivotal figures in bringing the carnivore diet to the JRE audience. Mikhaila Peterson used a strict carnivore elimination diet to address debilitating autoimmune issues, which she discussed with Rogan. Jordan Peterson later adopted the diet himself, reporting incredible improvements in his own health conditions, including mood stabilization and skin problems. The Peterson family's dramatic stories of recovery from chronic illness were influential in shaping Rogan's view.
Dr. Shawn Baker
An orthopedic surgeon and a leading proponent of the carnivore diet, Dr. Shawn Baker appeared on the JRE and discussed his personal experience and advocacy. Baker, who is an accomplished athlete, presented his case for the diet based on his own impressive physical condition, which intrigued Rogan and his listeners.
Dr. Paul Saladino
Over time, Rogan's discussions evolved to include variations of the diet. He spoke with Dr. Paul Saladino, known as "Carnivore MD," who later shifted his recommendations to a more "animal-based" approach, incorporating fruit and honey alongside meat. This evolution, also discussed on the JRE, reflects the nuanced and sometimes shifting conversation around strict all-meat eating. It also influenced Rogan's own later attempts, where he included fruit.
Rogan's Approach and Modifications
Rogan's carnivore diet protocol involved specific types of meat and a high-fat focus. He often prioritized grass-fed, pasture-raised, or wild game, such as elk and moose, which he sometimes hunts himself. His typical meals included high-quality steaks and bacon, and he emphasized supplementing with high-fat sources like tallow to ensure his body had sufficient energy, as low-fat and low-carb can be problematic. He also used electrolyte supplementation, such as pink Himalayan salt in his water, to counter the effects of carb-cutting.
Rogan's Typical Carnivore Meal Plan
- Breakfast: Several eggs or a ribeye steak.
- Lunch: Often skips, follows an intermittent fasting style.
- Dinner: Grass-fed steak, bison, or wild game like elk.
- Supplements: When eating lean game meat, he adds bacon or tallow for fat.
- Fluids: Water, often with pink Himalayan salt.
Carnivore Diet vs. Animal-Based Diet
After his initial strict carnivore stints, Rogan has spoken about adopting a more flexible "animal-based" approach, influenced by figures like Dr. Saladino. He acknowledges that adding back some plant-based foods, specifically fruit and honey, can resolve issues like low energy during intense workouts. This demonstrates his willingness to adapt his dietary experiments based on his body's feedback and the experiences of his guests.
| Feature | Strict Carnivore (JRE 2020) | Modified Animal-Based (Later experiments) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Foods | Meat, eggs, certain dairy, animal fats | Meat, eggs, certain dairy, animal fats, fruit, honey |
| Plant-based Foods | None | Limited to fruits and honey |
| Energy Levels | Excellent overall, but "flat" during high-intensity workouts | Improved energy for workouts with the addition of carbs from fruit |
| Side Effects | Severe, temporary diarrhea for the first two weeks | Potentially fewer digestive issues from the initial adaptation phase |
| Nutrient Sourcing | Primarily from meat, supplementation for certain vitamins/minerals | From both animal products and select plant sources |
| Influence | Heavily influenced by Jordan Peterson and Dr. Shawn Baker | Influenced by Dr. Paul Saladino's evolving views |
Conclusion
What does Joe Rogan say about carnivore diet? His narrative is one of personal experimentation and discovery, influenced by compelling anecdotal accounts from his podcast guests. He has publicly championed the diet's potential for weight loss, increased energy, and addressing specific health issues, based on his own positive short-term results. However, he is also candid about the significant, albeit temporary, digestive struggles he faced. Rogan’s evolution towards a more flexible "animal-based" approach, which includes fruit, indicates his pragmatic stance on diet—prioritizing how his body feels over strict adherence to a single dogma. Ultimately, Rogan's commentary serves as a public documentation of one person's experience with a highly controversial diet, driven by curiosity and a search for optimal health, while also broadcasting the perspectives of its most vocal proponents to a massive audience.
Disclaimers and Considerations
While Rogan's platform has made the carnivore diet a popular topic, it is crucial to remember that his positive anecdotal experience is not a substitute for medical advice. Mainstream health organizations and many dietitians warn against the long-term potential health risks and nutritional deficiencies of such a restrictive diet. A significant point of concern is the lack of fiber, which is vital for digestive health and is found in plant foods. While some carnivore proponents, and Rogan, use supplementation to address potential nutritional gaps, it does not fully replicate the benefits of a diverse diet. Anyone considering a dramatic dietary change should consult a healthcare professional. For more information, the World Health Organization (WHO) provides dietary guidelines for a balanced and healthy diet.
Is the carnivore diet beneficial?
- Yes, for some: As Dr. Georgia Ede pointed out on Fox News, for specific individuals, the carnivore diet might help identify food sensitivities, curb binge-eating, and relieve digestive issues. However, there is currently no consensus that it is beneficial for everyone.
- No, not recommended by medical experts: Many dietitians and medical professionals warn against the carnivore diet due to a lack of fiber, potential for nutrient deficiencies, and the long-term risk of kidney stones and heart disease from high saturated fat intake.
- Mixed evidence: A 2021 study out of Harvard looking at 2,000 self-reported carnivore dieters found 89% reported improving or resolving autoimmune disorders, but more scientific data is needed to confirm the long-term health effects.
Joe Rogan's experience with the carnivore diet
- Lost 12 pounds in a 30-day challenge.
- Experienced increased energy levels.
- Reported that aches and pains went away, and he saw improvements in his vitiligo.
- Suffered from explosive diarrhea during the initial two weeks.
- Modified his approach over time, incorporating fruit and honey in a more "animal-based" diet.
