From Carnivore to Animal-Based: The Great Shift
Dr. Paul Saladino, once the leading proponent of the strict carnivore diet, has evolved his nutritional philosophy over the past few years. His initial approach, popularized in his book The Carnivore Code, involved consuming only meat, fish, and dairy. However, after experiencing symptoms such as reduced testosterone, disturbed sleep, heart palpitations, and muscle cramps, he decided to re-evaluate his restrictive protocol. This personal health journey led him to his current "animal-based" way of eating, which still prioritizes animal products but strategically reincorporates select plant-based foods.
The Core Components of Saladino's Current Diet
Saladino's animal-based diet is a carefully curated selection of nutrient-dense foods. His aim is to maximize bioavailable nutrition while minimizing what he perceives as 'plant toxins' or 'anti-nutrients'.
- Fatty Meat and Organs: The foundation of his diet remains animal-based, with a strong emphasis on fatty, grass-fed meats like beef and organ meats such as liver. Organ meats are a critical component, with Saladino advocating for their high density of essential nutrients.
- Fruit and Honey: To reintroduce carbohydrates and combat the side effects of long-term ketosis, Saladino added ripe fruits and raw honey back into his diet. This provides an energy source while avoiding the compounds he believes are problematic in other plant foods like vegetables, grains, and legumes. For instance, a common meal might include grilled beef, mangos, and local honey.
- Raw Dairy: Saladino has also incorporated raw dairy products like kefir and cheese. He advocates for raw milk for its supposed health benefits, though health experts and institutions like the FDA point to risks of bacterial infection.
- Eliminated Foods: Grains, seeds, and most vegetables are still largely excluded. Saladino views these foods as containing defense chemicals or 'anti-nutrients' that can impair health. He avoids all seed oils, focusing only on animal fats.
Comparison: Carnivore vs. Animal-Based
The table below outlines the key differences between Saladino's former strict carnivore diet and his current animal-based approach.
| Feature | Strict Carnivore Diet (Former) | Animal-Based Diet (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | Near-zero, only trace amounts from animal products. | Moderate, derived primarily from ripe fruit and raw honey. |
| Meat and Organs | Exclusively meat, organs, and fish. | Primary focus on meat, organs, and fish. |
| Fruit | Entirely eliminated. | Included and encouraged. |
| Dairy | Allowed, often full-fat. | Included, with a preference for raw forms like kefir and raw cheese. |
| Honey | Eliminated. | Included and encouraged. |
| Vegetables | Entirely eliminated. | Largely eliminated, with some exceptions for specific varieties. |
| Grains/Legumes/Seeds | Entirely eliminated. | Entirely eliminated. |
Life on the Animal-Based Diet
Saladino's daily routine reflects his animal-based philosophy. For example, he has described making meals from high-quality, grass-fed ground beef mixed with organs. This is often paired with a selection of fruits like pineapple or mango, and a drizzle of raw honey. He also incorporates raw dairy products, such as fermented kefir and raw cheese, throughout the day. This nutritional approach aligns with his broader "biohacking" and wellness brand, Heart & Soil, which promotes animal-based nutrition through organ meat supplements.
The Controversies and Evolving Science
Saladino's dietary shifts and claims have not been without controversy. While his openness about personal health struggles is seen by some as a positive move, critics point out that he built a career on a highly restrictive diet that he later abandoned. His continued advocacy for raw dairy, despite bacterial infection risks, has drawn criticism from health experts. Furthermore, mainstream nutrition experts continue to question the scientific basis of some of his claims about plant toxins and the optimal human diet. The long-term effects of an animal-based diet, especially a version as specific as Saladino's, remain a subject of ongoing debate.
Conclusion
Dr. Paul Saladino no longer follows the strict, all-meat carnivore diet he once championed. His current diet, which he calls "animal-based," incorporates meat, organs, fruit, honey, and raw dairy, while continuing to restrict many other plant foods. This evolution was reportedly driven by personal health challenges he experienced with prolonged ketosis. While his modified approach addresses some of the nutrient deficiencies of a pure carnivore diet, it remains a departure from standard dietary recommendations and continues to attract both followers and critics. His journey underscores the dynamic and often highly personalized nature of dietary experimentation within the wellness community. For more insights into his changing nutritional philosophy, readers can explore his podcasts and interviews.
A Typical Daily Intake
Here is an example of what a day of eating might look like on Saladino's current regimen:
- Breakfast: A glass of watermelon juice followed by a meal of grass-fed beef and raw egg yolks.
- Snack: Raw kefir or raw cheese.
- Lunch: Beef burgers, possibly with fresh fruit like mangos or strawberries.
- Snack: A spoonful of raw honey.
- Dinner: Ground beef with fresh or desiccated organ meats, followed by more fruit.
This structure prioritizes animal products for protein and fats, uses fruit and honey for carbohydrates, and integrates raw dairy, while consciously avoiding grains, processed foods, and many common vegetables.
Summary of Key Changes
- Strict Carnivore to Animal-Based: Moved from an all-meat diet to one that includes selected plant foods.
- Carbohydrate Reintroduction: Added fruits and honey to address health issues from long-term ketosis.
- Continued Focus on Animal Products: Still heavily relies on fatty meats and organ meats.
- Persistent Elimination: Still avoids grains, nuts, seeds, and most vegetables.
- Incorporation of Raw Dairy: Includes raw kefir and cheese, despite health warnings from mainstream institutions.
