Animal-Based Diet
What is an Animal-Based Diet?
(And Why It Might Be the Key to Unlocking True Wellness)Thousands of years ago, our ancestors thrived in maintaining robust health and that too, without supplements and medical advancements or anything of the sort. But today in the modern world, every year, 1.6 million early deaths from diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer are linked to obesity—more than deaths from car accidents.
The difference? Primarily, their diet.
Our ancestors were mostly dependent on a meat and animal-based diet of any kind, as they give nutrients that our bodies use easily. By returning to these traditional eating habits, we can reclaim our health, energy, and vitality.
The Ancestral Roots of Animal-Based Eating
For 2+ million years, humans evolved on animal fats and proteins. Our brains grew, energy soared, and immune systems strengthened—all fueled mostly by wild game.
Hunter-gatherer societies thrived on a diet that was primarily animal products and consumed everything from meat, eggs, and fish to animal fats, organs, and seasonal forage items. At its core, this way of eating prioritizes nutrient-dense, bioavailable foods like grass-fed meats, pasture-raised eggs, and organ meats—nature’s original multivitamins.
Today, you start to mimic these ancestral diets, and you not only have an opportunity to address modern health crises at their root but also take immense advantage of animal-based diets.
Benefits of an Animal-Based Diet
>> Ancestral Blueprint:
Our bodies are designed to thrive on a diet focused on animal proteins, fats, and nutrient-rich fruits. This natural way of eating helped our ancestors stay strong and healthier.
>> Real, Unprocessed Food:
An animal-based diet consists mainly of single-ingredient foods (such as meat, eggs, and dairy). It doesn't contain any sort of processed ingredients, additives, seed oils, or refined sugars, which are found in today's supermarket aisles.
>> Nutritional Superiority:
Animal-based foods are some of the richest sources of bioavailable protein, vitamins, and minerals, which our bodies absorb more easily than plant-based alternatives. They provide higher nutritional value per gram.
>> Complete Amino Acid Profile:
Unlike plant-based proteins, animal foods contain all the essential amino acids our bodies need for muscle repair, energy, and overall survival.
>> Defense Against Plant Toxins:
Plants naturally produce defense chemicals (like lectins, oxalates, and phytic acid) that can disrupt digestion and nutrient absorption. By focusing on animal-based nutrition, we can minimize these harmful compounds.
What to Eat on an Animal-Based Diet?
Here’s a quick overview of the primary food groups with highlighted benefits of animal-based diets that form the foundation of this lifestyle:
Meat
Ruminant animals like beef, bison, lamb, deer, and elk offer some of the most nutrient-dense foods on Earth. Their grass-fed digestive systems create incredibly bioavailable nutrition for humans — including vital proteins, vitamins, and healthy fats.
Monogastric animals like pork, chicken, and duck are eaten as well, but sourcing really matters here, as these animals are often fed poor diets. Nonetheless, they are included in animal-based eating. You can see my full breakdown in my animal-based guide.
Pro tip: Prioritize grass-fed, pasture-raised sources whenever possible to minimize toxins and maximize nutrient density.
Organs
Organs are true superfoods, revered by indigenous cultures for centuries. For instance, liver, heart, kidney, and spleen are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and peptides that are not found in muscle meats. Adding an organ to your diet can help you create a complete, well-rounded diet.
Eggs
Pasture-raised eggs are one of the best natural foods you can eat. They are full of bioavailable protein, healthy fats, and important nutrients like vitamin A, choline, zinc, and selenium. They provide your body with everything it needs for optimal health.
Dairy
Rich in protein, fats, live enzymes, and probiotics, quality dairy supports gut health and immune function.
Pro tip: Choose A2/A2 dairy when possible. Try fermented options like kefir for an extra probiotic boost. Preferably, go for grassfed, A2/A2, raw, or gently pasteurized, as this preserves the integrity of the nutrition.
Honey and Fruit
Fruits like melon, citrus, and berries are loaded with hydrating electrolytes, antioxidants, and vitamins, whereas raw honey provides a natural energy source that's filled with beneficial enzymes.
Note: Just be mindful to avoid fruit seeds, as they can be hard to digest.
Beyond Personal Health: Healing the Planet Too
Choosing animal-based foods, especially from regenerative farms, benefits more than just our bodies. This involves rotating livestock, grazing management, and maintaining biodiversity.
Ruminant animals (like cows, sheep, and goats) naturally regenerate soil health by improving biodiversity, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration.
However, the narrative about cow emissions is misleading when animals are properly raised.
Monocrop agriculture, in contrast, strips the soil and leads to environmental degradation.
By supporting regenerative farmers, you help heal the planet while nourishing yourself. See my list of trusted farms here.
A Final Word
Switching to an animal-based diet isn't just about weight loss, muscle gain, or staying extremely active and healthy.
It's a return to our roots — a chance to eat real, nourishing food again, just the way nature intended. By reclaiming this ancestral wisdom, we can reverse modern chronic disease trends, foster vitality, and leave a legacy of health for generations to come.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
This blog just scratches the surface.
Inside my downloadable guide, you’ll find step-by-step instructions, detailed breakdowns of each food group, and practical tips to make animal-based living simple and sustainable.
>> Learn more here! <<
