Before You Start the Carnivore Diet, Read This: 7 Crucial Mistakes to Avoid

Starting the carnivore diet can be both exciting and intimidating. While it may seem as simple as eating meat and avoiding carbs, there are common pitfalls that can undermine your progress and leave you feeling frustrated. Before you dive in, familiarize yourself with these 7 crucial mistakes — and learn how to avoid them for a successful carnivore journey.

Before you dive in, make your transition easier with our 28-Day Carnivore Diet Meal Plan. It’s packed with nutrient-dense recipes, grocery lists, and meal prep guides to keep you on track. Get it here.

Fat-to-Protein Ratio Recommendations:

A quick reference for different fat-to-protein ratios based on common carnivore diet foods:

Food	Fat (g)	Protein (g)	Fat-to-Protein Ratio
Ribeye Steak	28	23	1.2:1
Pork Belly	44	9	4.9:1
Ground Beef (80/20)	22	17	1.3:1
Chicken Thighs	9	21	0.4:1
Beef Liver	3	20	0.15:1

Click Here For a Done-For-You Carnivore Diet Meal Plan

Mistake 1: Not Eating Enough Fat

On a carnivore diet, fat is the body’s main source of fuel, but many beginners mistakenly prioritize protein instead. Skimping on fat can leave you feeling drained, constantly hungry, and irritable.

How to Fix It:

• Increase your intake of fatty cuts like ribeye, pork belly, and oxtail.
• Add butter, tallow, or bone marrow to meals.
• Avoid lean meats as they can leave you feeling unsatisfied.

Electrolyte Recommendations:

Maintaining proper electrolyte levels is crucial during the transition to a carnivore diet. Here’s a breakdown of essential electrolytes and their best sources:

Electrolyte	Source	Recommended Intake	Symptoms of Deficiency
Sodium	Himalayan Salt, Bone Broth	3,000–5,000 mg/day	Headaches, fatigue, dizziness
Potassium	Organ Meats, Bone Broth	2,500–3,000 mg/day	Muscle cramps, weakness
Magnesium	Supplements, Bone Broth	300–400 mg/day	Cramps, irritability, sleep issues

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Mistake 2: Not Getting Enough Electrolytes

Electrolyte imbalances are a common issue when transitioning to a carnivore diet. As the body sheds excess water, key minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium are lost, leading to symptoms like headaches, cramps, and fatigue. Nutrition with Judy emphasizes the importance of electrolyte balance in preventing these issues.

How to Fix It:

• Add a little Himalayan salt to your water.
• Consume bone broth daily to replenish sodium and potassium.
• Consider an electrolyte supplement, especially in the early stages.

Meal Prep Ideas:

Preparing meals in advance helps you stay on track and prevents impulsive eating. Here are some easy-to-prep carnivore meals and their storage duration:

Meal	Ingredients	Prep Method	Storage Duration
Beef Patties	Ground Beef, Salt	Grill or Pan-Fry	3–5 days (fridge)
Bone Broth	Beef Bones, Salt	Simmer for 24 hrs	5–7 days (fridge)
Pork Belly	Pork Belly, Salt	Oven Roast	4–5 days (fridge)
Egg Muffins	Eggs, Ground Beef	Bake for 20 mins	3–4 days (fridge)

Mistake 3: Not Prepping Meals Ahead

Lack of meal prep can lead to poor food choices, especially when hunger strikes. On a carnivore diet, convenience foods are limited, so preparation is key to staying on track.

How to Fix It:

• Batch-cook burger patties, steaks, and roasts for the week.
• Keep pre-cooked meats in the fridge for quick snacks.
• Freeze portions of cooked meats for quick reheating.

Mistake 4: Eating Too Much Protein and Not Enough Fat

Beginners often consume excessive protein with insufficient fat, leading to energy crashes and hindering ketosis. Dr. Robert Kiltz recommends a balanced intake of fat and protein to maintain energy levels and prevent cravings.

How to Fix It:

• Aim for a fat-to-protein ratio of approximately 70% fat to 30% protein.
• Incorporate more fatty meats like pork belly, brisket, and lamb.
• Cook with butter, ghee, or tallow to increase fat intake.

Mistake 5: Ignoring Food Quality

The quality of meat consumed on the carnivore diet impacts nutrient intake and overall health. Grass-fed and pasture-raised meats offer higher levels of beneficial nutrients.

How to Fix It:

• Choose grass-fed beef and pasture-raised pork when possible.
• Incorporate organ meats like liver and heart for nutrient density.
• Consider sourcing meats from reputable farms committed to ethical practices.

Mistake 6: Not Listening to Your Body

Ignoring signs of nutrient deficiencies or electrolyte imbalances can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and cravings — especially in the early days of the carnivore diet.

How to Fix It:

• Monitor how you feel after meals. If you feel fatigued, increase fat intake.
• Include liver and other organ meats to prevent nutrient deficiencies.
• Stay hydrated and keep an eye on electrolyte balance.

Mistake 7: Going Too Hard, Too Fast

Jumping into a strict carnivore diet too quickly can cause digestive discomfort and intense cravings. Easing into the diet allows your body to adjust more comfortably.

How to Fix It:

• Start by eliminating processed foods and gradually reducing carbs.
• Follow a 7-day transition plan that includes a mix of meat and low-carb vegetables.
• Allow your body time to adjust to increased fat intake.

Summary Table: Common Carnivore Diet Mistakes

Mistake	Why It’s a Problem	Solution
Not Eating Enough Fat	Fatigue, cravings, protein poisoning	Aim for 70–80% calories from fat
Not Getting Enough Electrolytes	Headaches, cramps, fatigue, heart issues	Supplement sodium, potassium, etc.
Not Prepping Meals Ahead	Increases risk of poor food choices	Plan and prep meals in advance
Too Much Protein, Not Enough Fat	Energy crashes, digestive issues	Maintain proper fat:protein ratio
Ignoring Food Quality	Missed nutrients, potential deficiencies	Include organ meats, grass-fed options
Not Listening to Your Body	Persistent symptoms, nutrient imbalances	Adjust diet based on feedback
Going Too Hard, Too Fast	Digestive discomfort, cravings, keto flu	Transition gradually

Additional Resources:

For more tips and resources to get started on the carnivore diet, check out these recommendations:

• Electrolyte Supplements: Replenish essential minerals lost during the transition to carnivore.
• Organ Meat Supplements: A convenient way to incorporate nutrient-dense organ meats into your diet.
• Meal Prep Containers: Stay organized and prepared with easy-to-store meals.
• Carnivore Diet: Doctor Shawn Baker has one of the best books on eating Carnivore. Highly recommended.