Introduction: Cost of a meat-only diet
Healthclue – Cost of a meat-only diet. On the carnivore diet, which is also called the zero-carb or all-meat diet, you should eat a lot of red meat, fish, eggs, and fatty cheese. That’s not what most people think of when they hear “cheap food.” But if you know how to shop, the cost of the vegetarian diet can be a LOT less than most people think. This piece will explain how much the carnivore diet costs and give you some good ways to save money.
Cost of a Carnivore Diet vs. the Cost of Processed Food
It’s a myth that people eat prepared foods because they’re cheap. These foods aren’t even close to being healthy. When you look at the prices of processed foods and whole animal-based foods for carnivores, however, the numbers tell a different story.
In fact, people eat processed foods that are high in carbs because they mess up hormone signals, making them addicting and overriding the body’s natural signals that it’s full.
A 2018 review of several studies on the addictive properties of carbohydrates shows that eating foods high in carbohydrates makes brain pathways connected to addiction work harder. [9]
On the other hand, whole, animal-based carnivore diet foods make you feel fuller, stop you from being addicted to carbs, and give your body the macro- and micronutrients it needs to survive.
Poor People Can Eat a Carnivore Diet
The table below shows how much food aid poor families can get from the U.S. government each month on average. A single person who meets the requirements gets an average of $195 a month in SNAP (also known as food stamps) benefits from the US government.
For a carnivore diet full of the healthiest things on earth, $192 a month is plenty because you’ll see.
Change Chart for Processed Food vs. Whole Animal Products
For thirty days, that’s seventy thousand calories, since the average person eats about two thousand calories a day. Also, keep in mind that the carnivore diet is a “keto-carnivore” eating plan that is high in fat and low in carbs. In other words, it needs at least 65% of its calories to come from fat and the rest from protein.
To meet these calorie and macronutrient needs, we’ll need to make a shopping list for a carnivore diet that is both cheap and complete. We’ll also try to include some different foods just for fun. You could probably get by with just eating pork belly, but who would want to do that?
The following chart shows real Costco items and their prices. Costco was our first choice because it has over 700 stores and sells in bulk. But we bet you could do even better if you shopped at home stores that have sales.
How to Keep the Costs of Your Carnivore Diet Low
Buy a lot
In the long run, buying meat in bulk can save you money, as you can see from the last case. Visit a wholesale club or look for sales at the food store near you.
Pick meat cuts that cost less
A lot of the time, cheaper cuts of meat are just as healthy as more expensive ones. Ground beef, brisket, chicken legs, and pork belly are all great choices because they are cheap. In fact, organ foods are cheaper and healthier than even the best cuts of muscle.
Look around
Check out the prices at several grocery shops and meat markets. You might find that some things are cheaper in one shop than in another.
Think about frozen meat
Fresh meat might cost more than frozen meat, and frozen meat might last longer in the fridge.
Buy from local farmers. If you live near a farm or farmer’s market, you might be able to buy meat straight from the farmer. In some cases, this means getting a whole side of cow and putting it in the freezer. Quality cuts like ribeye are mixed in with less quality cuts like chuck and beef. The price per pound is the same for all of them.
Cook in bulk
Make a lot of meat at once and save the rest for later meals. You can save time and money this way.
You should only eat two meals a day. Most people only eat once or twice while on a carnivore diet because the foods they eat are very filling. This way of eating keeps you from snacking, which means you eat less and spend less.
Also, keep in mind that not buying other foods, like fruits, veggies, grains, and processed foods, while on a carnivore diet will save you money.
The Cost of a Carnivore Diet: The Bottom Line
Meat and other animal goods cost the most on most menus. However, if you’re smart about where you shop, you can still stock up on the healthiest foods even if you don’t have much money.
2500 calories of meat-based foods like eggs, beef, butter, and pork can be bought in bulk at the store closest to you for about $5.74 per day.
Also, when you think about how cheap the carnivore diet is, you should also think about how much it costs to treat the health problems that the diet can help to get better.
Conclusion: Cost of a meat-only diet
Adopting a meat-only diet may sound appealing to some, especially because of benefits such as high protein sources and potential weight loss. However, it is important to understand that the cost of a meat-only diet includes not only financial costs but also health and environmental impacts.
With meat prices varying by type and quality, the expense can be quite large, especially if you choose organic or premium meats. Additionally, considering other nutritional needs is also crucial to keeping this diet balanced and not posing long-term health risks.
If you’re interested in trying this diet, plan carefully, choose your ingredients wisely, and consult a nutritionist to make sure your diet meets all your body’s needs. Understand: the cost of a meat-only diet is more than just a number; it’s a lifestyle investment that requires careful consideration.