7 Day Carnivore Specific Carbohydrate (SCD) Meal Plan with Shopping List

If you are looking to switch to a carnivore-specific carbohydrate diet (SCD) but are unsure of where to start, this article is for you. The SCD is a dietary approach that involves eliminating certain carbohydrates and sugars from your diet to improve gut health. The carnivore SCD meal plan is a specific version of this diet that focuses on animal-based proteins and fats to avoid any plant-derived carbohydrates or sugars. In this article, we will cover the benefits of following a carnivore SCD meal plan and provide you with a 7-day meal plan, shopping list, and tips to help you get started.

What is the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD)?

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) is a dietary approach designed to reduce inflammation and improve gut health. It involves removing specific carbohydrates and sugars from your diet, such as grains, starches, and processed sugars, that are difficult for your gut to digest. This diet has been shown to help with several gut-related disorders, including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

One of the key principles of the SCD is to focus on consuming nutrient-dense foods that are easy to digest, such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. This can help to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which can improve overall gut health and reduce inflammation.

While the SCD can be challenging to follow, many people have reported significant improvements in their gut health and overall well-being after adopting this dietary approach. It is important to work with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to ensure that you are meeting your nutritional needs while following the SCD.

Benefits of following a carnivore SCD meal plan

The carnivore SCD meal plan has several benefits, including:

Improved gut health: By eliminating difficult-to-digest carbohydrates, the carnivore SCD meal plan can help to reduce inflammation and improve gut health.
Increased satiety: The high fat and protein content of the carnivore SCD meal plan can help to increase feelings of fullness and satiety, which can aid in weight loss.
Reduced sugar cravings: By cutting out all sugars, including those found in fruits and vegetables, the carnivore SCD meal plan can help to reduce sugar cravings and improve overall metabolic health.

In addition to the above benefits, following a carnivore SCD meal plan can also lead to improved mental clarity and focus. By eliminating processed foods and sugars, the brain is able to function more efficiently, leading to increased productivity and cognitive function. Additionally, the high protein content of the meal plan can help to support muscle growth and repair, making it a great option for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

How to prepare for a 7-day carnivore SCD meal plan

Before starting a 7-day carnivore SCD meal plan, it is important to prepare yourself and your kitchen. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Clean out your pantry and fridge: Remove all non-compliant foods from your pantry and fridge, including grains, starches, processed sugars, and any fruits and vegetables.
Plan your meals and snacks: Use our 7-day meal plan as a guide to plan your meals and snacks for the week.
Stock up on compliant foods: Go grocery shopping and make sure you have all the ingredients needed for your meals and snacks.
Invest in quality cookware: Cooking with high-quality cookware can make your carnivore SCD meal plan more enjoyable.

It is also important to consider your protein sources when preparing for a carnivore SCD meal plan. Choose high-quality, grass-fed meats and wild-caught fish to ensure you are getting the best possible nutrients.

Additionally, make sure to stay hydrated throughout the week. Drinking plenty of water and electrolyte-rich beverages can help prevent dehydration and keep your body functioning properly.

Sample menu for Day 1- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks

Here's a sample menu for Day 1 of your 7-day carnivore SCD meal plan:

Breakfast:

3 fried eggs cooked in ghee
4 strips of bacon

Lunch:

Grilled chicken thighs
Steamed broccoli with olive oil and sea salt

Dinner:

Pan-seared steak
Sautéed mushrooms and onions

Snacks:

Beef jerky
Hard-boiled eggs

It's important to note that this meal plan is high in protein and fat, but low in carbohydrates. This type of diet may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet.

Sample menu for Day 2- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks

Here's a sample menu for Day 2 of your 7-day carnivore SCD meal plan:

Breakfast:

Pork sausage
Avocado slices

Lunch:

Salmon fillet
Brussels sprouts roasted with olive oil and garlic

Dinner:

Beef burger patty
Grilled portobello mushrooms

Snacks:

Beef liver pate
Celery sticks with almond butter

It's important to note that while this meal plan is high in protein and healthy fats, it may not be suitable for everyone. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet. Additionally, it's essential to listen to your body and adjust the meal plan as needed to ensure it meets your individual nutritional needs.

Tips for grocery shopping on a carnivore SCD meal plan

Grocery shopping for a carnivore SCD meal plan can be a bit tricky, but it can be done. Here are some tips to help you on your next shopping trip:

Shop for meat at your local butcher or farmer's market: High-quality meats are essential on a carnivore SCD meal plan, so it's worth investing in the best quality you can find.
Look for healthy fats: Add healthy fats to your meals by choosing avocado, coconut oil, ghee, and olive oil.
Choose low-carb vegetables: Leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, and zucchini are all great low-carb options for your meal plan.

Another important tip for grocery shopping on a carnivore SCD meal plan is to choose grass-fed and pasture-raised meats whenever possible. These meats are not only higher in nutrients, but they are also free from antibiotics and hormones that can be harmful to your health.

It's also a good idea to stock up on bone broth, which is a great source of collagen and other nutrients that can help support gut health. You can make your own bone broth at home or purchase it from a health food store.

Common mistakes to avoid when following a carnivore SCD meal plan

When following a carnivore SCD meal plan, it's important to avoid these common mistakes:

Not getting enough variety: Eating only meat can get boring quickly, so it's important to get creative with your meals and snacks to ensure you're getting enough variety in your diet.
Not getting enough fiber: Since the carnivore SCD meal plan eliminates all fruits and vegetables, it's important to get your fiber from other sources, such as flaxseed, chia seeds, and psyllium husk.
Not drinking enough water: The high protein and fat content of the carnivore SCD meal plan can make you feel dehydrated, so it's important to drink enough water throughout the day.

Another common mistake to avoid when following a carnivore SCD meal plan is not getting enough micronutrients. While meat is a great source of protein and essential nutrients like iron and vitamin B12, it's important to also incorporate organ meats and bone broth into your diet to ensure you're getting a wide range of micronutrients. Additionally, it's important to consider taking supplements to fill any gaps in your nutrient intake.

How to adjust the meal plan based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions

The beauty of the carnivore SCD meal plan is that it's adaptable to your personal preferences and dietary restrictions. If you don't like a specific meat or vegetable, feel free to swap it for something that you do like. If you have any dietary restrictions, such as gluten intolerance or lactose intolerance, just look for compliant alternatives.

It's also important to note that the meal plan can be adjusted based on your individual needs. If you're an athlete or have a physically demanding job, you may need to increase your portion sizes or add in additional snacks to meet your energy needs. On the other hand, if you have a sedentary lifestyle or are trying to lose weight, you may need to decrease your portion sizes or limit your intake of high-calorie foods. Remember, the meal plan is a guide, and it's up to you to make adjustments that work best for your body and lifestyle.

Frequently asked questions about the carnivore SCD meal plan

Here are some common questions people have about the carnivore SCD meal plan:

Can I eat dairy on a carnivore SCD meal plan? Yes, as long as it's full-fat and lactose-free.
Can I eat fruit on a carnivore SCD meal plan? No, all fruits are eliminated on this diet.
Can I have coffee on a carnivore SCD meal plan? Yes, as long as it's black and unsweetened.

Another common question people have about the carnivore SCD meal plan is whether or not they can consume any carbohydrates. The answer is that while the diet is primarily focused on consuming animal products, some people may choose to include small amounts of carbohydrates from non-starchy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and broccoli. However, it's important to note that the carnivore SCD meal plan is designed to be very low-carb, so any vegetable intake should be limited and monitored closely.

Conclusion: Is the carnivore SCD meal plan right for you?

The carnivore SCD meal plan is a great option for those looking to improve their gut health, reduce inflammation, and lose weight. With our 7-day meal plan and shopping list, you have everything you need to get started. Remember to listen to your body and adjust your diet based on your personal preferences and dietary restrictions. If you're unsure if this meal plan is right for you, consult with a healthcare professional before starting.

It's important to note that the carnivore SCD meal plan is a restrictive diet that eliminates many food groups, including fruits, vegetables, and grains. While this can be beneficial for some individuals, it may not be sustainable or appropriate for everyone. It's important to consider your individual health needs and goals before starting any new diet. Additionally, it's important to ensure that you are getting all necessary nutrients and vitamins from your diet, and consider supplementing if needed. As with any diet, it's important to approach it with caution and make informed decisions based on your individual needs.