The Carnivore Cookbook: The Complete Guide to Success on the Carnivore Diet with Over 100 Recipes, Meal Plans, and Science

After reading Dr. Shawn Baker’s book I got excited to preorder this book and test some of the recipes. Even though it’s the first book I read from Maria and Craig Emmerich, I’m impressed by their clear and honest outlook of the carnivore diet. In fact, I had a hard time putting it down before finishing the first 2 sections. These are the chapters where we learn the science behind the carnivore diet and how to implement it. Following that, the writers share 2 well-organized meal plans. Whereas the first meal plan addresses weight management, the second focuses on an autoimmune protocol. Each meal plan covers dishes for 4 weeks and contains a weekly grocery list. Finally, the last section brings around 100 recipes, including all of the recipes previously mentioned earlier in the meal plans. Let me break the review down in 3 parts. First, I’ll share essential takeaways from the carnivore diet explained throughout the first sections. Next, some details from the recipes. Last, I’ll share my personal journey through the years. CARNIVORE PRINCIPLES Maria and Craig start by sharing the science behind the carnivore diet. For that, they don’t only explain the potential health benefits when adopting this elimination way of eating, but also include interesting evidences to support it. In addition to evolutionary data, which shows how our ancestors evolved over time, we also learn why consuming plant-based foods can be detrimental. Among the arguments, they explain in detail plant toxins, additives, hybridization, cross-breeding, and even seasonality. Last, there is an entire section covering the case in favor of a meat-based diet where it’s discussed bioavailability of nutrients, protein intake, as well as common myths about meat consumption. Whereas earlier Maria and Craig focused on the fundamentals, now they explore feasible ways to implement the carnivore diet. For that, they divide into 4 levels to serve different needs. For example, the first level, which is about elimination and healing, includes only parts of the cow and salt. Then, the second level adds all parts of other animals such as fish, lamb, pork, and poultry. Next, the third level incorporates eggs and low-sugar dairy products. The last level, which isn’t technically a carnivore diet, the inclusion of some low-sugar plant-based spices and condiments for seasoning is added. The writers then show how to choose the right level based on personal needs and preferences. Based on that, we delve into the implementation steps such as what to expect when transitioning to the carnivore diet. RECIPES Even though I have only cooked 3 recipes so far, I noticed that most of them are straightforward. Each recipe contains the number of servings, preparation time, cooking time, as well as macros and calories per serving. In terms of pictures, what I appreciate most is that they are appealing, and yet they don't look overly polished pictures that look unrealistic. Salt-Baked Fish: It’s an easy and impressive method to cook whole fish covered by salt. I served with ghee and we all loved the genuine flavor of the fish. Scotch Eggs: It was the first time I had wrapped ground pork around soft-boiled eggs. The combination of flavors is outstanding, and again, the preparation was quite effortless. Meatballs: It’s basically a blend of ground beef and beef liver. I didn’t only enjoy the flavor, but was also happy to find a practical dish to include grass-fed liver more often. MY JOURNEY Although I’ve been fortunate to be in good health, I became intrigued by the role of nutrition in physical performance and overall health when I was 17. Now, in my early 30s, it’s humbling to say I've navigated through different approaches during these years. In the beginning, my focus was to prioritize natural ingredients low in sugar. In college I became vegetarian. During those 2 years into vegetarianism, I was vegan for 6 months. Based on self-reflection and personal education, I ended up acknowledging that vegetarianism wasn’t doing well for my overall health. So I reintroduced meat based foods slolwy, trying to become a conscious omnivorous. In late 2013, I was hooked when I read The Paleo Solution, by Robb Wolf. From then on, I started following Robb Wolf and Mark Sisson’s suggestions, and have refined my approach from figures such as Dr. Hyman, Dr. Mercola, and Dr. Perlmutter. A considerable adjustment happened in early 2018, when I was introduced to Dr. Gundry’s program. He encourages us to avoid foods high in lectin. Upon adopting it, I felt even better—my skin looked brighter and my digestion worked smoother. That all said, I became intrigued in mid 2019 upon hearing Dr. Paul Saladino’s arguments in favor of a whole food animal based diet—the carnivore diet. In addition to human health, he is also an advocate of regenerative farming, and concerned about the ethics of eating meat and the socio-economic impacts. As counterintuitive as it may seem, having an unbiased outlook is important to acknowledge different perspectives—and perhaps give it a try. If so, this book is a useful companion replete of easy-to-prepare meals. As a final digression, independently of the eating habits we choose, creating a positive relationship with the food we eat is important. In addition to food, embracing positive habits that promote well-being deserve equal importance in our daily lives. Take care, Haical

TL/DR: if you are curious about carnivore, starting a carnivore diet, or currently a carnivore looking for some new meaty recipes, you need this book. I knew of the Emmerich power team from their amazing keto cookbooks and was super excited to see a carnivore iteration from them. This book does not disappoint! I know that it is titled The Carnivore Cookbook (and it is a excellent source of carnivore appropriate recipes) but it is so much more than a collection of recipes. The first quarter of the book is a science-intensive guide to the health benefits of meat and carnivory and the possible negative impacts that plants can have on the human body. While this may seem a bit nerdy and in the weeds, the information is presented alongside graphics that make the information dynamic, thought-provoking, and easy to understand. The next section of the book dives into the nitty gritty of safely storing and cooking meat. Again, this section proves the book to be so much more than a typical cookbook by providing meal plans based on your goals with the carnivore diet. Finally, the recipes! I think a lot of people assume the carnivore diet to be monotonous - it’s not, and this cookbook is proof! This book is jam (or beef)-packed with recipes that will make your mouth water. Not gonna lie, the carnivore hollandaise is mildly life changing. The recipes span the gamut of easy to cook weeknight meals, ways to try organ meats for the first time, and more complex, gourmet dining experiences you would not be ashamed to serve to your mother in law! Overall, this book is a comprehensive guide to the carnivore diet. The Carnivore Cookbook is well thought out and informative while remaining easily approachable.

This book is such a great read, it has a ton of research and information followed up with plenty of recipes to get you started. The text is well written, easy to understand, and helped me grasp the concept of the carnivore diet. There are plenty of photos and instructions for recipes are easy to follow. Overall this is a great book to get you started on the carnivore diet.

Superbe livre en anglais avec des recettes faciles et très visuels. Un indispensable pour les carnivores avec un guide très complet sur cette alimentation.

Bought this book based on such stellar reviews and the authors. Here is what is crucial to know before paying almost $50 for a paperback cookbook. Carnivore diet is radical for a radical fix and I'm in. The book has beautiful full page photos of each recipe. Recipes are quick to make and focus on technique. As an experienced cook and bit of a foodie, browsing through the recipes, I was looking for more than salt as the only listed ingredient to add. Some of the hundred recipes are for other organs like tongue, sweetbread, heart, you get the picture. Some are cooked in smoker. I do not own a smoker. You will need to purchase fresh very good quality meat to get an excellent result because all you are adding is salt! Am revising this review to 5 star having tried a few recipes. Anything to me with salt tastes better, especially the smoked salt. Short ribs with browned butter was spectacular. Seems to be the best cookbook for those following strict carnivore.

Great book about carnivore lifestyle and very good cooking recipes

Diese Buch kommt mit allem. Die Philosophie, Daten, Rezepten und Menuplan wenn man sich nicht zu helfen weiß.

I've been a carnivore for 3 months and LOVE this way of eating. Someone gave me this book and the recipes are brilliant and simple. Gave me some fresh ideas. I bought it for my friend. It is a great resource. Also do not believe the nay-sayers about carnivore, rather re-educate yourself about everything you think you know about food and diet.