The carnivore diet is an eating plan that excludes plant foods and focuses on animal foods. As a natural product obtained from bees, honey is technically an animal food. But that raises an interesting question in the carnivore community. Can you eat honey on the carnivore diet?
There is no hard and fast rule on this, as your own goals, needs and preferences will dictate your choice. But we want you to get the most value out of your carnivore diet experience. That is why we have covered this important issue, including the benefits of eating honey, and tips for using it on the carnivore diet.
Is Honey Carnivore?
The short answer to this question is no. As an animal product, raw honey is an animal food, and thus not necessarily prohibited on an animal-based diet. But it is not usually considered a carnivore diet food.
Carnivore diet foods include meats, organ meats, animal fats, fish, and seafood. Dairy products like milk, cream, yogurt, and cheese, derived from animals, are also considered carnivore foods. Their consumption is dependent on each carnivore dieter’s unique tolerance of dairy.
It should be noted, though, that honey meets the basic requirements of carnivore eating. It is one of the animal-based foods, not one of the plant-based foods. That is why honey is not considered vegan. Although its production depends on gathering nectar from flowers, bees make the honey.
So, as an animal food, is there any room for honey on the carnivore diet? Perhaps, yes. But this depends on the type of carnivore diet you follow.
So, Can You Eat Honey On The Strict Carnivore Diet?
Although it is an animal food, it is not usually recommended to eat honey on the carnivore diet. This is especially true for the strict carnivore diet. Because, unlike other animal foods that are rich in protein and/or animal fats, honey is a carbohydrate source, high in natural sugar.
If you are familiar with the carnivore way of eating, you will know that the carnivore diet excludes plant foods and therefore, most carbohydrates (which are typically plant-based). The strictest form of the carnivore diet goes further than this, permitting only meat, salt for seasoning, and water to be consumed.
Other animal-based diets like the paleo diet allow honey, as it is a natural food with minimal processing. And if you follow one of the more lenient forms of the carnivore diet, with more versatility and food choices, you may use a little honey occasionally.
Benefits Of Eating Honey On The Carnivore Diet
If you crave a bit of sweetness in your life, honey does the job. And there are other advantages, including distinct health benefits, to eating honey on the carnivore diet.
Take note that honey may trigger your symptoms if you are sensitive to the FODMAP fructose.
1.Natural Sweetener
Honey is one of the few animal-based products that’s naturally sweet. It’s completely natural, unlike table sugar which is highly refined, and artificial sweeteners, some of which can be harmful. So if you can’t resist a bit of sweetness in your tea or coffee, honey is the better choice.
2.Source Of Energy
Thanks to its sugar content, honey is also a natural source of energy. But if you’re considering honey because you’re worried the carnivore lifestyle will leave you starved of energy, there’s no need for concern. On the carnivore diet, you get energy not from carbs, but from animal fats, much like the keto diet.
3.Immune Booster
Ever wondered why honey is often recommended for colds and flu? It’s a natural immune booster! Its immune-boosting and therapeutic effects were even identified as potentially beneficial in the fight against COVID-19.
4.Strengthens Digestive System
Honey strengthens the digestive system, too, acting as a prebiotic to nourish beneficial gut bacteria. So if you’re interested in the carnivore diet for relief from IBS and other digestive ailments, you may want to consider the occasional drizzle of honey in your diet.
5.Antimicrobial Properties
Honey is a powerful antimicrobial agent. In recent years, research has been done into the antibacterial activities of honey, but the knowledge that honey is effective against bacteria is not new. The potential health benefits of honey were recognized well over a century ago.
Tips For Eating Honey On The Carnivore Diet
Honey is not usually considered a carnivore food. But you don’t have to avoid honey on a carnivore diet if you don’t want to. Just follow these three tips.
1.Eat In Moderation
One of the most common uses of honey on the carnivore diet is as a sweetener for tea and coffee. However, it is still a carbohydrate, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation, as an occasional treat, or in a delicious carnivore dessert.
2. Opt For Raw Honey
Opt for raw honey, which offers even more goodness than pasteurized honey. It contains bee pollen and propolis, which provide health benefits of their own. Raw honey also has loads of antioxidant properties to keep you healthy.
Be aware that the presence of bee pollen in raw honey may trigger pollen allergies. It will not trigger bee sting allergies, as no bee venom is present.
3.Combine With Animal Foods
Make the most of your honey consumption by combining it with other animal foods. This will ensure you still get all the nutrition you need from carnivore diet recipes but with even more flavor and meal versatility.
Final Thoughts
Can you eat honey on the carnivore diet? Yes, you can if you want to. The carnivore diet focuses on animal foods and honey is an animal food. Whether or not you choose to use honey on the carnivore diet is ultimately up to you.
Honey is a carbohydrate, and not ideal for the strict meat-only form of the carnivore diet. But if you follow a less strict carnivore plan, or are starting to reintroduce other foods, go ahead. Honey is a nutritious animal product that will add sweetness and flavor to your meals.
