How to Meal Prep on the Carnivore Diet: Weekly Planning Made Easy

Meal prepping on the carnivore diet might sound intimidating at first, especially since it revolves around just animal-based foods. But with the right strategy, weekly planning becomes straightforward, time-saving, and cost-effective. Whether you're new to the carnivore lifestyle or a seasoned meat-lover, this guide will help you master carnivore meal prep with ease.

What is the Carnivore Diet?

The carnivore diet meal plan is a zero-carb eating plan that focuses exclusively on animal products. That means your meals are made up of meat, fish, eggs, and animal fats. This diet eliminates plant-based foods entirely and is praised by many for its simplicity, potential health benefits, and ability to reduce inflammation.

Why Meal Prep Matters

Meal prepping is essential on the carnivore diet because:

• It helps you stay on track with your goals.

• It saves time during the week.

• It prevents last-minute cravings or cheating with non-carnivore foods.

• It reduces stress around daily cooking.

Step 1: Make a Weekly Meal Plan

Start by deciding how many meals you want to prep. Most carnivore dieters eat two meals a day, so plan for 14 meals per week. Keep it simple by repeating meals. Here's an example:

• Breakfast: 4 eggs, 3 strips of bacon

• Lunch/Dinner: Ribeye steak, ground beef bowl, or grilled chicken thighs

Pro tip: Choose 2–3 different proteins for the week to keep things interesting.

Step 2: Make a Carnivore Shopping List

A well-planned grocery list will save you time and money. Stick to high-quality animal-based foods like:

• Ribeye steaks, ground beef, chuck roast

• Chicken thighs, wings, or drumsticks (skin-on for fat)

• Pork belly, bacon, pork chops

• Salmon, sardines, tuna

• Eggs

• Beef liver, heart, or other organ meats (optional but nutrient-dense)

• Tallow, butter, ghee, or beef fat for cooking

Buying in bulk at warehouse stores or local butchers can significantly reduce costs.

Step 3: Batch Cook Your Proteins

Set aside a few hours each week (typically Sunday) to cook in bulk. Here are some tips:

• Grill or pan-sear steaks in batches and store them in airtight containers.

• Bake or air-fry chicken thighs all at once.

• Brown ground beef with salt and store in portioned containers.

• Use a slow cooker or Instant Pot to make tender roasts or bone broth.

Let everything cool before refrigerating or freezing. Most cooked meats last 3–4 days in the fridge, so freeze anything you won’t eat within that timeframe.

Step 4: Portion and Store Meals

Invest in quality storage containers to portion your meals for the week. Clear containers make it easy to see what's inside, and having meals portioned helps with consistency.

Label each container with the type of meat and the date it was prepared to avoid waste.

Step 5: Reheat with Care

To keep meats juicy, avoid microwaving them too long. Reheat on a skillet, in the oven, or use an air fryer for better texture.

Bonus Tips for Success

• Use beef tallow or butter generously to add flavor and fat.

• Keep hard-boiled eggs or cooked bacon on hand for quick snacks.

• Stay hydrated, especially in the first few weeks of the carnivore diet.

• Listen to your body – eat until full and don’t worry about strict portion control.

Final Thoughts

Meal prepping on the carnivore diet doesn’t have to be complicated. By planning your meals, buying in bulk, and batch cooking, you’ll save time and stay consistent with your health goals. With just a few hours of prep each week, you can make the carnivore diet work seamlessly in your daily routine.