Top 10 Mistakes Ruining Your Carnivore Diet Results

Mistake #2: Relying Solely on Pricey Cuts of Meat

The second most common mistake is that some people think that on a Carnivore Diet, you have to consume only steaks and other high-end cuts of meat. But it is just a common myth.

You don’t always have to consume expensive meat cuts. There are many affordable meat sources and other animal-based alternatives you can use without 

sacrificing quality or diet results.

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Solution: Smart Purchasing and More Affordable Alternatives

• Choose budget-friendly cuts, such as ground beef, chuck roast, brisket, pork shoulder, or chicken thighs, instead of premium steaks. These are also fattier and help you reach your daily Carnivore macros.
• Buy in bulk or whole animals: Purchasing larger quantities, like half a cow or bulk ground beef, from a local farmer or butcher can significantly reduce the cost per pound.
• Use organ meats, such as liver, heart, kidney, and tongue, which provide essential vitamins (A, B12, iron, zinc) and are inexpensive.
• Include eggs, sardines, tuna, and salmon, which are affordable, high-quality animal proteins.
• Shop smart. Look for discounts, bulk sales, or local markets instead of grocery chains. You can also consider frozen meats, which are usually cheaper.
• Use homemade bone broth and fat trimmings. Render beef or pork fat to use as cooking oil instead of buying pricey butter or tallow.
• Plan meals based on fat-to-protein ratio.

Learn More: Why Primal Diet? 10 Science-Backed Primal Diet Benefits

Mistake #3: Neglecting Organ Meats

Another one of the common mistakes on a Carnivore Diet is not consuming enough organs.

Organ meats are not only less expensive than meat but also a rich source of essential nutrients. The liver, heart, kidney, and other organ meats provide a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients.

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Solution: Eat Enough Organ Meats

Use these Carnivore Diet recipes to learn how to make delicious dishes with organ meats. You will enjoy the taste and gain invaluable nutrients from an affordable meal.

Mistake #4: Neglecting Electrolyte Balance

Electrolytes, such as sodium, magnesium, potassium, and calcium, are essential for the body, and their lack of imbalance can lead to symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, irregular heartbeat, and muscle weakness [5] [6].

Solution: Salt Your Foods and Drinks

You can use magnesium, potassium, and sodium supplements, or simply add a bit more salt to your foods. You can also add a pinch of salt to water and drink it as an electrolyte drink.

Learn More: Carnivore Diet Side Effects and How to Avoid Them

Mistake #5: Restricting Calories Too Much

While you need to create a caloric deficit to lose weight, restricting calories excessively can signal that the body is in a state of famine.

This can lead to nutrient deficiencies and side effects, such as lethargy, hormone imbalances, and gut dysfunction [7] [8].

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Solution: Eat Enough Calories

Consult your healthcare provider to find the proper number of calories you need to consume each day. Also, try to eat filling foods like fatty cuts of meat to stay full longer with fewer calories.

You can also use this free Carnivore Diet Macro Calculator to find the right balance of macros based on your age, gender, and activity level. This can help you know your macro limits and tweak them to source calories from more protein and fat.

Mistake #6: Eating Only One Meal a Day

While fasting can be easier on a Carnivore Diet because meat can make you feel full longer, combining a low-carbohydrate diet with fasting can increase stress levels in the body. This can cause insomnia, water retention, and poor recovery.

Solution: Eat at Least 2 Meals Daily

Having two meals daily with a fasting window of 16-18 hours is recommended to manage stress levels better and allow optimal nutrient absorption.

There are no limits on the number of meals you can have on a Carnivore Diet. You can have as many as you want, unless you don’t cross the daily macro limits.

Learn More: Not Losing Weight on Carnivore Diet: 30 Reasons & Solutions

Mistake #7: Eating Too Much Chicken and Pork

Ruminant animals like cattle and sheep have a more efficient digestive system than monogastric animals like chickens and pigs.

Eating too much chicken and pork can lead to imbalances in fatty acid ratios and poor meat quality [9].

Solution: Eat Enough Fatty Meat

Meat is the main food source on a Carnivore Diet. Remember to consume enough ruminant meat, but also consume fish, seafood, and poultry in moderation.

You can use this 30-Day Carnivore Diet Meal Plan to access samples of healthy and nutritious meal plans on a Carnivore Diet. You can also use this free Carnivore Diet Meal Planner to make Carnivore meals based on your taste and needs.

Learn More: 30-Day Carnivore Diet Meal Plan PDF Free Download

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Mistake #8: Eating Too Much Liver

Number 8 on the list of common mistakes on a Carnivore Diet is again about a popular organ meat, liver. While the liver is nutritious, consuming too much of it can lead to hypervitaminosis and copper toxicity.

Solution: Do Careful Portion Control

Liver should be consumed in moderation, and a few ounces per week are usually sufficient to meet nutrient needs. Carefully control your portion sizes and do not overindulge in liver consumption.

Mistake #9: Banning All Supplements

While the Carnivore Diet can provide a wide range of nutrients, and you do not need special supplements, there may be cases where additional supplementation is necessary [10].

Solution: Tweak Your Plan Based on Your Needs

Supplements such as betaine HCL, probiotics, and vitamins can help address specific needs or deficiencies. Do not be too restrictive about using supplements and consider individual circumstances and requirements.

However, please remember to take supplements only after consulting your healthcare professional.

Learn More: 7 Carnivore Diet Supplements for Filling Nutritional Gaps

Mistake #10: Ignoring Hydration

Even on a Carnivore Diet, consuming enough water is crucial. A low-carb, high-protein diet can increase water loss and deplete electrolytes, leading to dehydration, headaches, and fatigue [11] [12].

Solution: Drink Enough Water Daily

• Drink 2-3 liters of water per day, or more depending on your activity level and temperature.
• Consume broths for hydration and extra electrolytes.
• Monitor urine color as a simple hydration indicator: pale yellow is ideal.

Summary

While the Carnivore Diet is a simple, animal-based, low-carb diet, many people unknowingly make mistakes that hinder their results.

By understanding these mistakes and implementing the practical solutions given above, you can optimize your Carnivore Diet results and improve your health.

Learn More: Bone Marrow Nutrition Facts: Knowing the Carnivore Superfood

FAQs

Let’s find answers to the most frequently asked questions about Carnivore Diet mistakes.

What Are the Most Common Mistakes on the Carnivore Diet?

Neglecting fat intake, organ meats, variety of cuts, and hydration/ electrolytes

Do I Need Expensive Cuts of Meat to Succeed on the Carnivore Diet?

No, focusing on costly cuts is not a good idea because cheaper cuts are fattier and offer better fat‑to‑protein ratios.

How Much Organ Meat Should I Eat on the Carnivore Diet?

It depends on your goals and current nutrient level, but a few ounces per week is good enough.

How Important Is Electrolyte Balance on a Meat‑Based Diet?

It is very important because low‑carb, animal‑based diets can shift fluid and mineral balance, and missing electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) can cause fatigue, cramps, or Carnivore Flu symptoms.

How Long Does It Take for the Body to Adapt to the Carnivore Diet?

Adaptation time varies: Some note changes in a few weeks, others take months, especially for hormone regulation, gut adaptation, and metabolic shifts.

What Signs Show I’m Doing the Carnivore Diet Effectively?

Consistent energy levels, stable mood, good sleep, minimal cravings, good digestion, steady weight (or fat loss), normal lab values (lipids, liver/kidney, electrolytes).

Which Fat‑to‑Protein Ratio is Ideal on the Carnivore Diet?

There is no one perfect ratio, but many find better results when sourcing 60‑80% of calories from fat.

How Do I Manage Social Eating, Travel, or Dining Out on the Carnivore Diet?

Plan your meals. In restaurants, pick simple meat‑only items, bring portable foods, like hard‑boiled eggs and canned fish. The Carnivore Diet is about progress, not perfection.