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Can one live on only meat?

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  • senecarr
    senecarr Posts: 5,377 Member
    I can't believe their are people who never eat raw meat. Thinly sliced beef with a raw egg on top (I had in Korea, can't recall the name) or kitfo (no citrus, but hella spices) is like heaven. Now I want kitfo again. QQ

    Plenty of people who eat no meat, raw or cooked. This is surprising to you?
  • DorkothyParker
    DorkothyParker Posts: 618 Member
    edited March 2016
    I mean, for those that eat meat, it seems odd to not have raw meat. It's often viewed as a specialty in many cultures. When offered the opportunity to eat food of other cultures, I look for what is most unlike food at home.

    But then, I am also a blue-steak girl. (Blue girl, blue steak.)

    If you eat cow, I recommend finding a reputable restaurant with tartare, yukhoe (I googled it!), or kitfo or some other ethnic version and try it. It's amazing. You can also get pho and just try a piece prior to mixing in the broth. Heaven! Heaven I say!

    Also, hyperbole.
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  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    edited March 2016
    I couldn't do it, i'd be blocked up for days :noway: And be bored after 2. I really can't come up with any health benefits to eating only meat??

    Plus eating organ meat of any description is a big fat NO for me, and medium is as low as i can go for cooked meats.
  • DorkothyParker
    DorkothyParker Posts: 618 Member
    edited March 2016
    I only eat raw ground beef (kitfo is the only ground, the others are sliced) if it is from a single cut of meat. I wouldn't eat prepackaged ground beef raw.
    And, actually, I only have eaten raw meat from restaurants. I guess technically my steaks are "black and blue" at home.

    I heard my toothbrush has a small amount of fecal material on it. I mean, your body, your choice. I just love these foods and wanted to share them. But there is definitely a balance of risk/reward. For example, their is a risk of listeria on lunch meats. This risk is significantly higher for pregnant women. While pregnant, I only ate heated lunch meat. I do not heat my sliced turkey now.

    As a totes healthy person, I don't get too bent up.
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  • sunnybeaches105
    sunnybeaches105 Posts: 2,831 Member
    I only eat raw ground beef (kitfo is the only ground, the others are sliced) if it is from a single cut of meat. I wouldn't eat prepackaged ground beef raw.
    And, actually, I only have eaten raw meat from restaurants. I guess technically my steaks are "black and blue" at home.

    I heard my toothbrush has a small amount of fecal material on it. I mean, your body, your choice. I just love these foods and wanted to share them. But there is definitely a balance of risk/reward. For example, their is a risk of listeria on lunch meats. This risk is significantly higher for pregnant women. While pregnant, I only ate heated lunch meat. I do not heat my sliced turkey now.

    As a totes healthy person, I don't get too bent up.

    I've eaten sushi, kitfo and steak tartare my entire adult life and never become ill. I've also eaten chicken sashimi and raw quail and chicken eggs with the same result. I won't eat raw oysters (or these other foods) from dives though. It depends on proper food prep. One can just as easily get sick from raw vegetables that aren't properly cleaned. There's quite a lot of cultural bias in the US against raw food though.
  • Akimajuktuq
    Akimajuktuq Posts: 3,037 Member
    edited March 2016
    No it is not unhealthy. Research ancestral diets. And I've done it much longer than a month but there are things in our society that make it a very hard lifestyle to maintain. I've been back at it (with the exception of a bit of coconut oil) for over two weeks and I'm finally getting back to feeling awesome. My child is half Inuit so it's an appropriate diet for her. Her health has been badly damaged by plant foods, including vegetables and fruits. I am not Inuit but am still at my healthiest on an all animal food diet.

    I'm not here to suggest anyone else should do it, but there's ample evidence to establish that it is not only safe, but ideal for some people. So accept that maybe it's not for you, but that it's an option for those who choose it.

    PS. After reading a few of the comments there is much ignorance. If you haven't tried it, you don't know. It would be lovely to remember that when commenting. For instance: there is NO flatulence and NO "bathroom stench" after one has adapted to the WOE; it's plant foods that cause that and many other very uncomfortable, but now considered "normal", digestive problems.
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    edited March 2016
    There's reason for it -- if you just buy stuff at the grocery store it's probably not safe to eat it raw.

    I've had raw fish/seafood, of course, and various types of raw beef (don't think any other raw meats, though), and don't think they are especially culturally disfavored (sashimi is mainstream, as it ceviche, although I wouldn't count it, and carpaccio isn't far from it). I've had sushi prepared for me by a guy I was dating who was into it, but even with sashimi grade I'd feel weird just making it at home, who knows why -- seared tuna is fine, on the other hand, and I've made ceviche -- and I definitely would not feel comfortable buying and making a raw beef dish, although I'd try most anything at a restaurant if I was comfortable with the quality (yes, this might be crazy, I've read Anthony Bourdain and all), and I do try unfamiliar things when traveling, of course.

    Anyway, that people don't eat meat is hardly surprising.
  • Akimajuktuq
    Akimajuktuq Posts: 3,037 Member
    Not good very unhealthy and lots of fat and disease causing food.

    "It's easier to fool people than to convince them they have been fooled." The plague of diseases called "diseases of civilization" did not plague our ancestors. Accidents, infections, high child mortality, and food scarcity did though.

    You might want to revisit the "fats are unhealthy" idea. I'd agree that Becel and most plant oils, which are in all our "healthy" low fat foods are definitely not healthy but humans have been eating, and showing preference for, animal fats for millions of years. You and I are here; proof is in our survival as a species. The future doesn't look so good though.
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  • Akimajuktuq
    Akimajuktuq Posts: 3,037 Member
    hallycat wrote: »
    queenliz99 wrote: »
    I have a friend on FaceBook that has challenged me to eat only meat for one month. This sounds horribly unhealthy.


    ETA: and eat no vegetables.

    Is there going to be a monetary payoff? Otherwise why would you take such an inane challenge

    Because it's delicious, easy, and after a short period, most people who do it feel amazing.

    It drives me crazy that people judge things that they have no experience with. Nor have done any research into peoples who do have experience... for millennia....
  • Akimajuktuq
    Akimajuktuq Posts: 3,037 Member
    shell1005 wrote: »
    No it is not unhealthy. Research ancestral diets. And I've done it much longer than a month but there are things in our society that make it a very hard lifestyle to maintain. I've been back at it (with the exception of a bit of coconut oil) for over two weeks and I'm finally getting back to feeling awesome. My child is half Inuit so it's an appropriate diet for her. Her health has been badly damaged by plant foods, including vegetables and fruits. I am not Inuit but am still at my healthiest on an all animal food diet.

    I'm not here to suggest anyone else should do it, but there's ample evidence to establish that it is not only safe, but ideal for some people. So accept that maybe it's not for you, but that it's an option for those who choose it.

    PS. After reading a few of the comments there is much ignorance. If you haven't tried it, you don't know. It would be lovely to remember that when commenting. For instance: there is NO flatulence and NO "bathroom stench" after one has adapted to the WOE; it's plant foods that cause that and many other very uncomfortable, but now considered "normal", digestive problems.

    Please share the ample evidence. You've discussed how much ignorance there is in this thread, so inform people then.

    Ignorance is when people judge something strongly that they have no experience with. I've already shared my experience. My own experience is anecdotal. Many people will call the survival of the Inuit on such a diet as "anecdotal".

    Either try it, or don't. But spare the judgments when experience is lacking. I pointed out one example of the ignorance versus reality but nothing will convince anyone else who has a strong belief for or against something regardless of existing evidence or lack of experience.
  • Unknown
    edited March 2016
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  • goldthistime
    goldthistime Posts: 3,213 Member
    I'd be double checking on the health of my kidneys before trying it. And after.
  • queenliz99
    queenliz99 Posts: 15,317 Member
    I'd be double checking on the health of my kidneys before trying it. And after.

    I have, my blood tests came back normal last month. I get complete blood tests twice a year.
  • SciranBG
    SciranBG Posts: 97 Member
    The low carber forums have posted at least 2 of these, a bacon challenge and ground beef challenge. When the before and after numbers were compared, there did seem to be a health benefit. Although I would say those would be more from the weight lost, since I assume these people were already on a ketogenic diet beforehand.
  • goldthistime
    goldthistime Posts: 3,213 Member
    edited March 2016
    You don't look your age. Not even close. But you don't have the kidneys of a 20 year old, even if nothing is showing up on your blood tests. Are you actually considering doing this?

    "Kidney function naturally declines with age due to the gradual loss of nephrons (filters) in the kidney. Therefore, a 90-year-old cannot safely consume the same amount of protein as a 20-year-old."

    Wikipedia, but still...
  • diannethegeek
    diannethegeek Posts: 14,776 Member
    No it is not unhealthy. Research ancestral diets. And I've done it much longer than a month but there are things in our society that make it a very hard lifestyle to maintain. I've been back at it (with the exception of a bit of coconut oil) for over two weeks and I'm finally getting back to feeling awesome. My child is half Inuit so it's an appropriate diet for her. Her health has been badly damaged by plant foods, including vegetables and fruits. I am not Inuit but am still at my healthiest on an all animal food diet.

    I'm not here to suggest anyone else should do it, but there's ample evidence to establish that it is not only safe, but ideal for some people. So accept that maybe it's not for you, but that it's an option for those who choose it.

    PS. After reading a few of the comments there is much ignorance. If you haven't tried it, you don't know. It would be lovely to remember that when commenting. For instance: there is NO flatulence and NO "bathroom stench" after one has adapted to the WOE; it's plant foods that cause that and many other very uncomfortable, but now considered "normal", digestive problems.

    I'm confused because your diary doesn't reflect an "all meat" diet. I'm not sure where the disconnect is between us, but we're talking about only consuming the flesh or organ meat of an animal for a "meat only" diet, right? No butter, eggs, cream, or other byproducts?
  • sunnybeaches105
    sunnybeaches105 Posts: 2,831 Member
    eric_sg61 wrote: »
    I've always thought the Eskimo diet was interesting for its lack of fruits and veggies. Not for me, but I guess it can be done. Anyone have any thoughtful criticism of this?
    http://www.livestrong.com/article/450725-eskimo-diet-heart-disease/

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/neal-barnard-md/eskimo-myth_b_5268420.html

    I'm just quoting because not everyone saw this.
  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    eric_sg61 wrote: »
    I've always thought the Eskimo diet was interesting for its lack of fruits and veggies. Not for me, but I guess it can be done. Anyone have any thoughtful criticism of this?
    http://www.livestrong.com/article/450725-eskimo-diet-heart-disease/

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/neal-barnard-md/eskimo-myth_b_5268420.html

    I'm just quoting because not everyone saw this.

    Huff post articles aren't generally very well received around here.

  • eric_sg61
    eric_sg61 Posts: 2,925 Member
    eric_sg61 wrote: »
    I've always thought the Eskimo diet was interesting for its lack of fruits and veggies. Not for me, but I guess it can be done. Anyone have any thoughtful criticism of this?
    http://www.livestrong.com/article/450725-eskimo-diet-heart-disease/

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/neal-barnard-md/eskimo-myth_b_5268420.html

    I'm just quoting because not everyone saw this.

    Huff post articles aren't generally very well received around here.

    Maybe actually read the studies linked in the article....
  • senecarr
    senecarr Posts: 5,377 Member
    No it is not unhealthy. Research ancestral diets. And I've done it much longer than a month but there are things in our society that make it a very hard lifestyle to maintain. I've been back at it (with the exception of a bit of coconut oil) for over two weeks and I'm finally getting back to feeling awesome. My child is half Inuit so it's an appropriate diet for her. Her health has been badly damaged by plant foods, including vegetables and fruits. I am not Inuit but am still at my healthiest on an all animal food diet.

    I'm not here to suggest anyone else should do it, but there's ample evidence to establish that it is not only safe, but ideal for some people. So accept that maybe it's not for you, but that it's an option for those who choose it.

    PS. After reading a few of the comments there is much ignorance. If you haven't tried it, you don't know. It would be lovely to remember that when commenting. For instance: there is NO flatulence and NO "bathroom stench" after one has adapted to the WOE; it's plant foods that cause that and many other very uncomfortable, but now considered "normal", digestive problems.

    Literally my *kitten* don't stink claims.
  • ForecasterJason
    ForecasterJason Posts: 2,577 Member
    I can't believe their are people who never eat raw meat. Thinly sliced beef with a raw egg on top (I had in Korea, can't recall the name) or kitfo (no citrus, but hella spices) is like heaven. Now I want kitfo again. QQ
    The funny thing is that I'm almost never intentionally had meat that was even close to being raw.

  • queenliz99
    queenliz99 Posts: 15,317 Member
    I can't believe their are people who never eat raw meat. Thinly sliced beef with a raw egg on top (I had in Korea, can't recall the name) or kitfo (no citrus, but hella spices) is like heaven. Now I want kitfo again. QQ
    The funny thing is that I'm almost never intentionally had meat that was even close to being raw.

    No sushi, no oysters on the half shell or poke? Wow!
  • senecarr
    senecarr Posts: 5,377 Member
    edited March 2016
    Not good very unhealthy and lots of fat and disease causing food.

    "It's easier to fool people than to convince them they have been fooled." The plague of diseases called "diseases of civilization" did not plague our ancestors. Accidents, infections, high child mortality, and food scarcity did though.

    You might want to revisit the "fats are unhealthy" idea. I'd agree that Becel and most plant oils, which are in all our "healthy" low fat foods are definitely not healthy but humans have been eating, and showing preference for, animal fats for millions of years. You and I are here; proof is in our survival as a species. The future doesn't look so good though.

    Actually, for those that lived into old age, newer forensic techniques are showing that our ancestors also had the disease of civilization. Being active helped prevent and slow some of it, but they not only had all the dreadful diseases we've eliminated or drastically reduced, a long life could see them have arthritis, gout, kidney stones, heart disease, stroke. All with worse chance of survival.
    https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2015/12/31/the-surprising-thing-ancient-mummies-tell-us-about-what-to-eat/

    But hey, admittedly, made up history is so much more romantic and idealistic.
  • auddii
    auddii Posts: 15,357 Member
    hallycat wrote: »
    queenliz99 wrote: »
    I have a friend on FaceBook that has challenged me to eat only meat for one month. This sounds horribly unhealthy.


    ETA: and eat no vegetables.

    Is there going to be a monetary payoff? Otherwise why would you take such an inane challenge

    Because it's delicious, easy, and after a short period, most people who do it feel amazing.

    It drives me crazy that people judge things that they have no experience with. Nor have done any research into peoples who do have experience... for millennia....

    Just curious, but how much is your weekly grocery bill? And how does it compare to what you were doing before?


    Also, you mentioned that plant material can lead to more gastrointestinal distress than meat. I would think that switch your diet from whatever someone's "normal" is to something else would cause distress. It wouldn't matter if it's going from plant based to meat or may based to plant.
  • SarcasmIsMyLoveLanguage
    SarcasmIsMyLoveLanguage Posts: 2,668 Member
    Just to clarify, sushi-grade fish is frozen first in order to kill any nastiness. As to raw beef.....ew
  • zoeysasha37
    zoeysasha37 Posts: 7,088 Member
    This is no different then the other fad type of challenges around.
    Every week there's a new one that goes around like " go paleo for a month " or " eat only eggs for a week and lose weight " or " green smoothie 30 day challenge"
    Some people will blindly follow anything.


    I'll continue to eat a well balanced diet that meets all my macros and micros.
This discussion has been closed.