Can You Survive Without Vegetables? The Carnivore Arguement

As someone who has tried the vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian diet, if you’d told me that one day I’d be exploring a diet that eliminates vegetables, I’d have asked if you were okay.

But here we are, deep into the world of the carnivore diet, a lifestyle that says: “Meat only, please. Hold the plants.”

The carnivore diet is as strict as it sounds. Think steak, eggs, liver, butter, and salt. No carbs. No fiber. And definitely no green juice.

So… can you survive, and thrive, without plants?

The Case for Carnivore

Carnivore advocates argue that plants aren’t as innocent as they seem. Some contain anti-nutrients (like oxalates and lectins) that may irritate the gut or interfere with mineral absorption. By removing them, people report fewer digestive issues, less bloating, improved skin, and mental clarity. There’s also research proving benefits for autoimmune conditions and inflammation.

Organ meats are like nature’s multivitamin. The diet leans into nutrient density from animal sources, iron, B12, zinc, and fat-soluble vitamins in their most bioavailable form.

But Let’s Remember…

Fiber plays a role in gut health for many people, and diversity in the microbiome often comes from eating a variety of plant foods. Plus, eliminating entire food groups isn’t for everyone, especially without medical supervision.

Still, the popularity of the carnivore diet is stirring the pot. It’s forcing us to reexamine assumptions about “healthy” eating and pushing conversations around inflammation and food quality.

My Take?

I’m not trading in all my roasted cauliflower and Brussels sprouts just yet, but I am open to asking hard questions about what works for my body. A little food experimentation, when done intentionally, can be a powerful way to reconnect with your body. Over the next few weeks, I will be exploring the carnivore lifestyle through the lens of nutrition, PCOS, and gut health. In the meantime, here are some links to videos where I have started my research: