Let’s talk about Shawn Baker’s book The Carnivore Diet.
Shawn Baker is a big-name carnivore. He’s one of the main popularizers of the carnivore movement (see: the Joe Rogan podcast). Also, he a) is a doctor and thus is a trusted source, b) has personal first-hand experience eating an all-meat diet, and thus is a trusted source, and c) shows his sources, and thus is a trusted source.
And, of course, he wrote a book. That’s why we’re here.
This book is perfect for people who want an overview of the carnivore diet, what it’s like, whether it can be healthy, how it’s helped people, and how to ward off the vegans. If you want information on the basics of the carnivore diet without searching for hours on the internet, this book is a great way to get it.
If you’re looking for a deep dive into the research or the physiology, this is not your book. Go look up something by Amber O’Hearn instead.
What you WILL get in this book is a personal overview of Dr Baker (yes, I’m going to call him “Dr Baker” in this article because it makes me giggle) and how he found his way to the carnivore diet. How it’s helped him personally and how he’s used it professionally—and paid a price.
Dr Baker also provides an overview of common questions and concerns that people have about the carnivore way of eating. Notable questions include “Won’t you get scurvy?” and “What about fiber, don’t you need that?”
Along the way, Dr Baker examines the difference between beliefs, what we’re taught to “know” about nutrition, and how to actually examine evidence and make an informed judgment about what kind of diet to eat (or really, any medical-related thing).
People make many assumptions about nutrition that are more firmly rooted in belief than in sound evidence. Consequently, we’ve seen unending attempts over the years to tailor knowledge and data to fit those deeply held beliefs. When trials produce results that run counter to those beliefs, they’re dismissed and discounted. Fortunately, the times are changing, and people are starting to realize that results speak far louder than any theory.
In this age of corporate-sponsored research and sensationalist news, good judgment is essential. Dr Baker’s results-based approach is great for people who are just starting out on their journey of discovering that not everything your doctor told you was true, and making changes accordingly.
Dr Baker is a supremely practical guy, with no need to prove his ego or his smartness to you. Because of this, his writing cuts directly to the heart of a matter with very little emotional involvement. It’s very direct.
If you want encouragement, or training wheels, on your entry into the carnivore world…this is not it.
No one can decide what is right for you; you must come to that decision on your own. My only recommendation is for you objectively to assess what is important to you. Base your decisions on your needs rather than what your family, friends, doctor, or society as a whole wants for you. You’re the one who has to walk around and sleep in the only body you will ever own. How you choose to live and take care of that body is up to you.
This is more like a dad who’s like “hey kid, you can do it,” and then pushes you off on the bike while you’re pedaling furiously. And you’re the kid, nervous and excited but working hard to balance that bike.
Who should read The Carnivore Diet?
Anyone who is curious about the carnivore diet would benefit from reading this book, especially if you want to know why people like it so much. There are a lot of people on the internet who shout “RAH RAH MEAT IS GOOD FOR YOU,” often without saying why—this book clears through the hype in favor of practical arguments.
People who want to start making decisions for themselves. If you are looking to stop being so dependent on the healthcare system, and start taking responsibility for your own health, this book will be helpful for you. Dr Baker gives tools and knowledge to make sound decisions, even in the face of a daunting amount of research, propaganda, and opinions.
Overall, I enjoyed this book.
Even as an experienced carnivore eater, it’s always helpful to brush up on the common misconceptions and practical realities of eating a meat-only diet. I liked Dr Baker’s inclusion of his personal background, and how he’s incorporated these principles in his medical practice. Thumbs up.
But don’t take my word for it—read The Carnivore Diet for yourself.
You can buy The Carnivore Diet on Amazon. Woop!
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