- The UFC commentator and podcaster Joe Rogan said he would eat only meat and fruit for a month.
- He's said the "carnivore" diet helped him lose weight and have more energy. It also caused diarrhea.
- Dietitians don't recommend the diet because it lacks nutrients like fiber.
The podcaster Joe Rogan said he was giving up vegetables, bread, and just about every other food group to kick off the new year.
Rogan said on Instagram last week that he was embarking on a so-called carnivore diet in January (after a final indulgence of pasta for dinner).
"Just meat and fruit for the whole month," he wrote.
It's not clear what his regular meals consist of, though his Instagram suggests ribeye for breakfast is one staple.
Rogan has tried the diet before — he said he lost weight but had severe digestive issues, too. Dietitians don't recommend it because a lack of nutrients can cause side effects like digestive upset.
Rogan's previous meat-only diet led to weight loss, increased energy, and diarrhea
In January 2020, the podcaster said he'd spent 30 days eating nothing but animal products, during which he lost 12 pounds and experienced more energy and relief from some health issues.
He said on Instagram that "lots of aches and pains went away" and that he'd seen "improvements in my vitiligo," a chronic skin condition.
There was, however, a major side effect: Rogan said he had frequent and explosive poops, which he described in graphic detail to his followers.
"I haven't shit my pants yet, but I've come to accept that if I keep going with this diet it's just a matter of time before we lose a battle," he posted on January 11, 2020, with a picture of his dinner of liver and bacon.
The gastrointestinal issues lasted about two weeks, Rogan wrote later.
At the time, Rogan's Instagram suggested a typical day of eating on the carnivore diet involved two meals. Breakfast included six eggs or a steak, and for dinner he would eat another steak, either beef or elk, and occasionally other types of wild game such as bison.
Meat-only diets lack fiber, which can cause side effects like digestive upset
Diarrhea may be a common side effect of cutting veggies, grains, and other plant foods out of your diet. While meat contains important nutrients, it's devoid of fiber, a type of carbohydrate that is slow to digest.
Research suggests fiber can reduce the risk of illnesses like heart disease and aid in healthy digestion.
Many plant foods are also rich in other nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants — and missing them in your diet may cause health issues.
