The steak and eggs carnivore diet is a zero-carb eating plan that uses only beef and eggs, cooked in animal fats like butter or tallow. People follow it for weight loss, muscle building, and mental clarity, but it is very restrictive and may not suit everyone.
What Is the Steak and Eggs Carnivore Diet?
The steak and eggs carnivore diet is a strict form of the carnivore diet.
You eat:
-
Beef (mostly fatty cuts)
-
Animal fats like butter or beef tallow
-
Salt for seasoning
You avoid:
-
Vegetables
-
Fruit
-
Grains
-
Sugar
-
Fiber
-
Processed foods
This makes it a zero-carb, meat-only diet.

Why Do People Eat Only Steak and Eggs?
Because steak and eggs are filling, simple, and nutrient-dense.
People report:
-
Fewer cravings
-
Longer fullness
-
Steady energy
-
Clear thinking
Protein supports muscles.
Fat provides energy when carbs are gone.
Where Did the Steak and Eggs Diet Come From?
In the 1950s, bodybuilding coach Vince Gironda created a steak and eggs diet.
His plan:
-
Eat steak and eggs for 5 days
-
Add carbs on day 6
-
Rest or reset on day 7
Modern carnivore followers often eat steak and eggs every day, without carb refeeds.
What Does a Typical Meal Look Like?
Simple example:
-
Ribeye steak, pan-seared in butter or tallow
-
3–4 eggs cooked in the same pan
-
Salt only
Many people eat:
-
1–2 meals per day
-
0.75–1.5 lb steak
-
4–6 whole eggs
How Is the Food Cooked?
Most use very simple methods.
Common cooking tips:
-
Sear steak in a hot pan
-
Use beef tallow or butter
-
Cook eggs in leftover fat
-
Keep yolks soft if desired
Popular meals include:
-
Steak and egg hash
-
Steak “egg-in-a-hole”
-
Sous-vide steak with fried eggs

Nutrition: What Do Steak and Eggs Provide?
Macronutrients
-
High protein (muscle support)
-
Moderate to high fat (energy)
-
Zero carbs
Key nutrients
-
Iron
-
Zinc
-
Vitamin B12
-
Choline
-
Selenium
These nutrients are highly absorbable from animal foods.
What Are the Reported Benefits?
People following this diet often report:
-
Strong appetite control
-
Mental clarity
-
Stable energy
-
Simple digestion
These effects vary from person to person.
Are There Risks?
Yes. This diet is very restrictive.
Possible concerns:
-
Missing vitamin C
-
Electrolyte imbalance
-
Limited food variety
This diet may not be safe for:
-
People with kidney disease
-
Diabetes (without medical guidance)
-
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
Always talk to a qualified health professional first.
How Long Should You Follow the Steak and Eggs Carnivore Diet?
Most people use the steak and eggs carnivore diet for 7 to 30 days, not forever.
Why duration matters
This diet is very strict. Eating only two foods for too long may cause nutrient gaps.
Common approaches:
-
7–14 days: Metabolic reset or appetite control
-
30 days: Fat loss or diet elimination phase
-
Long-term: Only with medical supervision
Signs you should stop or adjust
-
Ongoing fatigue
-
Dizziness
-
Digestive discomfort
-
Poor workout recovery
Best practice:
Treat this diet as a tool, not a lifetime rule.
What Supplements Are Common on a Steak and Eggs Carnivore Diet?
Some people add supplements to reduce deficiency risk, but needs vary.
Most commonly used supplements
-
Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium)
-
Vitamin C (low in meat-only diets)
-
Magnesium (muscle and sleep support)
Important safety note
Supplements are not a substitute for medical advice.
People with:
-
Kidney issues
-
Heart conditions
-
Blood pressure concerns
should talk to a healthcare provider first.
What Are Common Mistakes on the Steak and Eggs Carnivore Diet?
Most problems come from eating too lean, too little, or too fast.
Top beginner mistakes
-
Choosing lean steak cuts only
-
Not adding enough fat for energy
-
Undereating calories
-
Skipping salt and electrolytes
-
Expecting instant results
How to avoid them
-
Choose fatty cuts like ribeye
-
Cook with butter or tallow
-
Eat until satisfied
-
Salt food properly
-
Allow time for adaptation
Reminder:
Fat is the main energy source when carbs are zero.

Is the Steak and Eggs Diet Good for Weight Loss?
It can help some people eat fewer calories without counting.
Why:
-
Protein and fat increase fullness
-
No sugar or refined carbs
-
Fewer food choices
Weight loss depends on:
-
Total food intake
-
Activity level
-
Individual health
Is It Good for Muscle Building?
Protein from steak and eggs supports muscle growth.
It works best when:
-
Calories are high enough
-
Training is consistent
-
Recovery is prioritized
Athletes may still need careful planning.
Steak and Eggs vs Keto vs Carnivore
| Diet | Carbs | Foods |
|---|---|---|
| Steak & Eggs | Zero | Beef, eggs |
| Carnivore | Zero | All animal foods |
| Keto | Very low | Meat, fat, some plants |
Steak and eggs is the most restrictive.
Frequently Asked Questions
The steak and eggs carnivore diet is a zero-carb eating plan where people eat only beef and eggs, cooked in animal fats like butter or tallow. It is commonly used for short-term weight loss, muscle building, and mental clarity. While it provides high protein and fat, it is very restrictive and should be followed carefully, especially for people with medical conditions.
-
Is steak and eggs healthy on a carnivore diet?
Yes, for some people in the short term. Steak and eggs provide protein, fat, iron, and B vitamins, but the diet is very restrictive and may miss other nutrients long term.
-
Can you lose weight eating only steak and eggs?
Many people lose weight because the diet is filling and removes sugar and carbs. Results depend on how much you eat and your overall health.
-
How many eggs should I eat on a steak and eggs diet?
Most people eat 3 to 6 whole eggs per day, depending on calorie needs and activity level.
-
Is the steak and eggs diet safe long term?
Long-term safety is unclear. Most experts suggest using it short term only unless supervised by a medical professional.
-
Do you need supplements on a steak and eggs carnivore diet?
Some people add electrolytes or vitamin C, but supplement needs vary. Always ask a healthcare provider before supplementing.
-
What is the best steak cut for the carnivore diet?
Fatty cuts like ribeye are popular because they provide energy when carbs are removed.
-
How long should beginners follow the steak and eggs diet?
Beginners often try it for 7 to 14 days to see how their body responds.
-
Can I drink coffee on the steak and eggs carnivore diet?
Strict carnivore followers avoid coffee, but some people include it. Tolerance varies by individual.
-
Is steak and eggs better than keto?
Steak and eggs is more restrictive than keto. Keto allows some plants, while steak and eggs does not.

-
Should I talk to a doctor before starting this diet?
Yes. This is especially important if you have any medical conditions or take medication.
-
Can you eat steak and eggs every day?
Some people do, but long-term safety depends on your health, nutrients, and medical guidance.
-
How many eggs per day is common?
Most eat 3–6 whole eggs daily, depending on calorie needs.
-
Do you need supplements?
Some people add electrolytes or vitamin C, but needs vary.
-
Is this diet sustainable long term?
For many, it works best as a short-term or focused phase.
As nutrition science shows, highly restrictive diets can help some people short term, but they also carry risks if followed without guidance.
Balanced, personalized nutrition is always safer than extremes.
Final Verdict
The steak and eggs carnivore diet is:
-
Simple
-
Filling
-
Zero-carb
It may support fat loss and focus for some people, but it is not for everyone and should be approached with care.
If your goal is long-term health, always prioritize medical guidance, nutrient balance, and sustainability.
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. The steak and eggs carnivore diet is a highly restrictive eating plan. While some people report short-term benefits, individual health responses can vary widely.
This content has been reviewed for accuracy and safety using current nutrition science, but it does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. You should consult a doctor, registered dietitian, or healthcare provider before starting this diet if you:
-
Have kidney disease
-
Have diabetes or blood sugar issues
-
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
-
Have heart or cholesterol concerns
-
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
-
Take prescription medications
Do not ignore medical advice or delay treatment based on information from this page. Your health history matters. Personalized guidance is always safer than self-experimentation.
Reference:
Here are 10 globally recognized authority websites with links related to the carnivore diet, nutrition, risks, and health guidance that are highly relevant when discussing topics like “steak and eggs carnivore diet.” These sources are trusted by clinicians, researchers, and major health systems for credible information.
-
https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/what-is-the-carnivore-diet — Harvard Health Publishing on carnivore diets
-
https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/nutrition-fitness/a-meat-only-diet-is-not-the-answer-examining-the-carnivore-and-lion-diets/ — Mayo Clinic perspective on meat-only diets
-
https://www.webmd.com/diet/carnivore-diet — WebMD expert-reviewed carnivore diet guide
-
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-carnivore-diet — Cleveland Clinic discussion of carnivore diet health implications
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11722875/ — Peer-reviewed nutrient composition analysis related to carnivore dietary patterns
-
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/high-protein-diets/faq-20058207 — Mayo Clinic expert Q&A on high-protein diets (context for extreme diets like carnivore)
-
https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/news/behind-the-headlines/carnivore-diet — British Heart Foundation review of carnivore diet health impact
-
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/18/2/348 — MDPI open-access scientific review on the carnivore diet (evidence synthesis)
-
https://www.pennutrition.com/TrendingTopic.aspx?id=31135 — PEN Nutrition evidence-based overview on the carnivore diet

