The Lion Diet vs. The Carnivore Diet: What's the difference? Which is Better?
The Lion Diet has sparked substantial interest in recent years, particularly among those battling autoimmune conditions, chronic inflammation, and gut health issues. It has been spruiked by a number of podcasters and bloggers including Mikhaila Peterson (daughter of Jordan Peterson). But what is the Lion Diet, and how does it differ from the broader Carnivore Diet? More importantly, how can you shop for the best carnivore-friendly products in Australia? Let's break it all down.
What is the Lion Diet?
The Lion Diet is an extreme elimination diet designed to reset your body by healing the gut, reducing inflammation, and improving food sensitivities. Created by Mikhaila Peterson, the diet eliminates nearly all food groups, focusing exclusively on meat from ruminant animals, salt, and water. Ruminant animals include cows, sheep, goats, bison, and deer.
This highly restrictive approach excludes common allergens and inflammatory foods like dairy, chicken, grains, fruits, vegetables, and processed products. The diet's proponents claim it helps tackle autoimmune issues, boosts mental clarity, and creates a pathway to improved overall health by reintroducing foods systematically after an initial phase.
Key Benefits of the Lion Diet
Although research on the Lion Diet is limited, anecdotal evidence highlights several benefits:
- Potential Gut Healing
By removing problematic foods, the diet lets your gut recover from inflammation, leaky gut syndrome, or dysbiosis.
- Reduced Inflammation
The Lion Diet cuts out plant toxins, grains, and processed foods, leading to decreased inflammation for many followers.
- Improved Food Sensitivities
By reintroducing foods after an initial ruminant-meat-only phase, you can pinpoint the specifics of your food triggers.
- Relief from Autoimmune Symptoms
Chronic issues like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus may alleviate when dietary triggers are removed.
- Mental Clarity and Mood Boost
Many users report sharper focus and emotional stability, possibly linked to stabilised blood sugar and reduced inflammation.
- Weight Loss
The Lion Diet’s low-carb, high-fat structure aids fat metabolism, helping some achieve sustainable weight loss.
The Carnivore Diet vs. The Lion Diet
While the Carnivore Diet also focuses on animal-based foods, it is far less restrictive than the Lion Diet. The Carnivore Diet typically includes meat, seafood, dairy, and eggs, whereas the Lion Diet exclusively permits ruminant meats, salt, and water.
The Lion Diet is essentially a stripped-back, more demanding version of the Carnivore Diet, aimed primarily at people dealing with severe chronic health issues. For those who want the health benefits of the Carnivore Diet without such tight restrictions, the Carnivore Diet offers a more practical and sustainable alternative.
How to Follow the Lion Diet
The Lion Diet follows a strict regimen that’s suitable for short-term implementation. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
- Stick to the Essentials
Eat exclusively ruminant meats like beef or lamb, season with salt, and drink only water. Fatty cuts of meat are ideal to avoid protein poisoning.
- Eliminate Everything Else
Avoid dairy, fruits, vegetables, chicken, seafood, and grains.
- Commit to a Timeframe
Stick to the diet for at least 6–8 weeks or until symptoms subside.
- Reintroduce Foods Gradually
Once your health improves, reintroduce foods one at a time to identify which are safe and which cause issues.
Potential Risks and Nutritional Gaps
While the Lion Diet may offer benefits, its restrictive nature raises concerns about nutritional deficiencies and sustainability. Health experts point out potential risks like:
- Insufficient fibre intake, which can affect digestion.
- Lack of vitamin C and other micronutrients, increasing the risk of deficiencies.
- High saturated fat intake, which could spike LDL cholesterol levels.
- Keto flu symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and muscle cramps during the initial adjustment phase.
Before starting the Lion Diet, consult a healthcare professional to ensure it aligns with your health needs and nutritional requirements.
Shopping Carnivore in Australia
If you’re considering the Lion Diet or the Carnivore Diet, sourcing high-quality ruminant meats is essential. Here are tips on finding top-notch carnivore products in Australia:
- Choose Grass-Fed and Pasture-Raised Meats
Look for local Australian suppliers that specialise in high-quality beef, lamb, or goat. Grass-fed meat is often more nutrient-dense and ethically produced.
- Explore Specialty Butchers
Many Australian butchers now stock cuts tailored for carnivore enthusiasts, including organ meats rich in essential vitamins.
- Order Online from Carnivore Store
Online stores, such as Carnivore Store, provide a wide range of products that can help you stay true to the Carnivore way of eating.
- Consider Organ Supplements
If you’re struggling to include organ meats in your diet, seek out high-quality organ supplements available at Australian carnivore specialists like Carnivore Store.
Is the Lion Diet Right for You?
The Lion Diet isn’t for everyone. It’s highly restrictive and requires careful planning to avoid health risks. However, for individuals struggling with severe chronic ailments, it may offer a powerful tool to identify and manage food sensitivities and restore overall balance.
Discover Carnivore Products at Carnivore Store
Whether you’re taking on the Lion Diet or exploring the broader Carnivore Diet, you’ll need reliable and nutritious supplies. Carnivore Store offers Australia’s finest selection of meats and carnivore-friendly essentials to keep you on track.
Start your carnivore journey today! Explore Carnivore Store’s premium range of products and discover the power of meat.