Can You Eat Cottage Cheese on the Carnivore Diet?
If you’re just starting out with the carnivore diet, you might be wondering what’s allowed—and what isn’t. Can you have garlic on the carnivore diet? Can you eat cottage cheese? The answer depends on which type of carnivore diet you follow. Yes, there are different versions of the carnivore diet, and each comes with its own rules and flexibility.
Let’s dive into the main types of carnivore diets and why someone might choose one approach over another.
1. Standard Carnivore Diet: The All-Meat Approach
This is the broadest version of the carnivore diet, and it’s what most people think of when they hear “carnivore.” It focuses on eating animal-based foods like meat, eggs, and dairy (if tolerated). In this version, foods like cottage cheese, butter, heavy cream, and cheese are typically allowed. Many people on the Standard Carnivore Diet allow limited use of herbs and spices, including garlic, black pepper, paprika, and parsley. These are considered negligible in terms of carbs and are used sparingly for flavor. Some, however, report better results (e.g., reduced inflammation or improved digestion) when cutting out all plant-derived foods, including seasonings.
Why Choose This Version?
It’s flexible and easy to follow.
It’s great for beginners easing into the carnivore lifestyle.
Can You Eat Cottage Cheese on Standard Carnivore?
Yes! Dairy products, like cottage cheese, add variety to meals.
Keep in mind that by including dairy, some people may experience issues (bloating, inflammation) and eventually move to stricter versions.
2. The Lion Diet: The Ultimate Elimination Protocol
The Lion Diet is the strictest form of the carnivore diet, consisting of only ruminant meat (e.g., beef, lamb, bison), salt, and water. It’s designed as an elimination diet to help identify and heal food sensitivities or autoimmune issues.
Why Choose This Version?
Ideal for those with autoimmune conditions or severe food intolerances.
Simplifies eating to focus on highly nutrient-dense, hypoallergenic foods.
Removes all potential irritants, including dairy and even eggs.
Can You Eat Cottage Cheese on The Lion Diet?
Absolutely not. The Lion Diet excludes all dairy, eggs, and non-ruminant meats.
3. BBBE Diet (Beef, Butter, Bacon, and Eggs)
This variation narrows the carnivore diet to just four foods: beef, butter, bacon, and eggs. It’s often used as a reset or short-term challenge to simplify eating and maximize results.
Why Choose This Version?
A great way to reset cravings and break through plateaus.
Focuses on highly satiating and nutrient-rich foods.
Encourages fat adaptation and helps beginners transition to strict carnivore.
Can You Eat Cottage Cheese on BBBE?
Nope. Dairy isn’t allowed except for butter.
4. Ketovore: A Low-Carb Hybrid
Ketovore combines elements of the ketogenic and carnivore diets. It’s predominantly animal-based but allows for small amounts of low-carb, plant-based foods like avocados, leafy greens, and spices.
Why Choose This Version?
Ideal for those who want the benefits of carnivore without fully cutting out plants.
Allows flexibility for social situations and personal preferences.
Easier to maintain long-term for some people.
Can You Eat Cottage Cheese on Ketovore?
Yes! Full-fat cottage cheese fits into this diet, as long as it aligns with your macros and doesn’t trigger any sensitivities.
5. Dairy-Free Carnivore
Some carnivore enthusiasts avoid dairy altogether, even in the standard diet, due to sensitivities or inflammatory concerns.
Why Choose This Version?
To avoid bloating, acne, or other reactions linked to dairy consumption.
It’s stricter than the standard diet but less restrictive than Lion or BBBE.
Can You Eat Cottage Cheese on Dairy-Free Carnivore?
No, since all dairy is excluded.
So, Can You Eat Cottage Cheese on the Carnivore Diet?
It depends on which version of the carnivore diet you’re following. If you’re doing the standard carnivore or ketovore diet, cottage cheese is often allowed. However, stricter versions like the Lion Diet or BBBE eliminate it completely.
How to Decide Which Version Is Right for You
Choosing the best type of carnivore diet depends on your goals and current health. Here are some tips to guide your decision:
If You’re a Beginner: Start with the standard carnivore diet or ketovore. They offer flexibility while allowing you to adjust to an animal-based lifestyle.
If You Have Health Issues: Consider the Lion Diet or BBBE for a reset or elimination protocol.
If You’re Dairy-Intolerant: Yo, cottage cheese is dairy. Opt for a dairy-free approach or strict carnivore.
If You Want Balance: Ketovore provides the best of both worlds, allowing occasional carbs while staying primarily animal-based.
The carnivore diet isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether or not you include cottage cheese—or any other food—depends on your personal goals, preferences, and health needs. By understanding the different types of carnivore diets, you can choose an approach that works best for you and adjust as you learn more about how your body responds.
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