Why This South African Embraced A Carnivore Diet—and What Experts Say About It
- A South African man sparked conversation after sharing his preference for eating only animal products and avoiding everything else.
- He believes the carnivore diet is superior to consuming processed foods in colorful packaging.
- While some social media users agreed with him, others raised concerns about the nutritional implications of such a restrictive eating plan.
- Briefly News consulted a clinical dietician to weigh in on whether this diet can provide adequate fiber and who should steer clear of it.
When it comes to diets, there’s no shortage of approaches people take to achieve their health goals. But one South African man decided to go all-in on a carnivore diet, turning his back on anything that doesn’t come from an animal. This bold choice has sparked a lively debate online, leaving many wondering if this extreme way of eating is worth considering—or dismissing entirely.
Meat, Eggs, and Nothing Else
Dante Belmont, a TikTok creator who found himself browsing the aisles of a Checkers supermarket, made waves when he posted a video declaring that he doesn’t touch the “junk in colorful boxes and packets.” Instead, Dante explained, his meals consist solely of animal products. When people ask him what he eats, Dante isn’t shy about sharing his thoughts:
“We as a species haven’t been brainwashed. We’ve been brain-sanitized.”
He went on to argue that whole foods—like meat, eggs, and dairy—should be the default rather than the exception. For Dante, the idea of filling your plate with anything else seems almost absurd. If you’re curious, check out his TikTok video below to hear more about his perspective.
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What Exactly Is a Carnivore Diet?
According to WebMD, the carnivore diet involves cutting out carbs entirely and focusing exclusively on animal-based foods. The logic behind this approach? By eliminating carbs, your body switches to burning fat for energy, potentially helping with weight loss. But is it as simple as it sounds?
Potential Benefits of the Carnivore Diet
Beyond shedding pounds, proponents of the carnivore diet claim it offers a range of benefits, including better mood regulation, improved heart health, reduced symptoms of autoimmune diseases, and better blood sugar control. However, it’s worth noting that these claims are based on limited research. As WebMD points out:
“It’s hard to know if or how this diet might improve health since there’s been very little scientific study into its effects.”
Possible Downsides of the Carnivore Diet
On the flip side, WebMD warns that cutting out entire food groups could leave dieters deficient in critical vitamins and minerals. Without plant-based foods, it’s challenging to meet your daily fiber needs, which are essential for digestive health and preventing serious conditions like colon cancer.
Can You Get Enough Fiber on a Carnivore Diet?
Rudo Tshabalala, a local clinical dietician, weighed in on this question during an interview with Briefly News. She explained that fiber comes exclusively from plant sources—both soluble and insoluble—and isn’t naturally present in animal products like meat or dairy. While fiber supplements exist, they too are derived from plants.
“Fiber is crucial for maintaining a healthy digestive system. It aids digestion and helps reduce the risk of diseases like colon cancer.”
“Even though you can take supplements, they ultimately come from plant-based sources. So, you’re still relying on plants indirectly.”
Rudo emphasized that there’s no specific group of people who should adopt the carnivore diet. In fact, she pointed out that animal products tend to be high in saturated fats, which have been linked to issues like high cholesterol. Her advice? Balance is key.
“We encourage incorporating a variety of food groups into your diet so you can access all the essential nutrients your body needs. Focusing solely on one group often leads to nutrient deficiencies. To put it plainly, people should avoid the carnivore diet.”
South Africans React to Dante’s Choices
Dante’s bold stance didn’t go unnoticed. His post generated a flurry of responses from social media users, with opinions ranging from supportive to skeptical. Some were curious, while others were downright amused.
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One user, @sithole_st, politely questioned Dante’s approach:
“So you’re basically against consuming carbs and favoring proteins? No offense, just curiosity, sir.”
Dante responded with characteristic confidence:
“Fiber is a scam.”
@opinionsforthee couldn’t resist chiming in with a touch of humor:
“Tell that to people who can actually afford eggs.”
@catsthefood offered a compromise, suggesting that a balanced diet might work better:
“I still eat vegetables, cheese, and some dairy products.”
@lifegracedaily encouraged Dante to reconsider his choices:
“You need to get the right information and rethink your diet.”
Meanwhile, @elaine.roth summed up the sentiment of many by advocating for simplicity:
“Eat real food.”
Three Other Briefly News Stories About Food
- A frustrated customer took to social media to criticize a local restaurant after waiting over two hours for her meal. Her scathing review quickly gained traction online.
- In a major win for South African cuisine, Cape Town was crowned the number-one city in the world for food, beating out global culinary powerhouses like Milan.
- A compassionate teacher went above and beyond her duties when a student handed her a note asking for food, proving that teaching is about much more than academics.
