WHILE most parents will rummage through yellow sticker deals in order to save as much on their food shop as possible, Courtney Luna has a very different approach.
Making her way around the supermarket, the mum-of-two fills her trolley without checking the price and, when she makes it to the till, Courtney will happily hand over £300 for her
Courtney Luna is dedicated to a carnivore diet and says it is preparing her for world war threeCredit: Jam Press/Courtney Luna
She feeds her kids burgers slathered with cheese arguing that they are the most nutrient dense foodsCredit: Jam Press/Courtney Luna
But her cupboards won’t be filled with nor will her fridge be stocked with champagne, but rather it will be spilling over with nothing but meat and dairy.
And Courtney insists that her kids’ diet of , bacon and butter is doing them nothing but good and argues it is the only way to ‘prepare for .
Courtney goes through around at least $400 (USD) of meat per week for her family-of-four.
The mum, aged 41, began eating a – eating only animal and animal by-products – initially to .
And aside from shifting 55lbs in less than a year, she argues there were even more benefits to the controversial eating habit.
Now, as we enter the fifth week of the US-Iran conflict, Courtney is urging people to adopt the diet, too, to ‘prepare’.
“Ultra-processed foods don’t become a good idea just because times get hard,” the content creator says.
“Meat, eggs and animal fats are some of the most nutrient-dense foods available.
“And in a situation where food is limited, you want the most nutrition per bite; not empty calories.
“Having a freezer stocked with cuts of beef and simple meals are key.
“It doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective.”
Courtney, from Southern California, US, might opt for high-quality steaks for her and her family, including her husband and two kids (who she doesn’t wish to name) but she says her pricey method doesn’t have to be the case to reap the benefits.
She says: “It can be done really cheaply at around $5 (£3.77) per day, per person.
“A meal of cheap ground beef and eggs can go a long way.
“You can also prepare meats and eggs to be canned and have your own pantry of meat-based items in case of loss of power.
“Shelf-stable foods like pemmican, meat sticks, jerky and protein powers would also be great to stock up on.”
Her weekly shop costs her £300 but she argues the diet can be done cheaperCredit: Jam Press/Courtney Luna
She even uses a beef tallow moisturiser on her faceCredit: Jam Press/Courtney Luna
Fellow parents have been quick to criticise her cooking approachCredit: Jam Press/Courtney Luna
For Courtney and her family, a typical day consists of steak, eggs, burgers and chicken wings.
As for snacks, this includes pork rinds, salami or cheese.
But she draws the line at organs.
She says: “I won’t eat those because they’re just not as delicious as muscle meat.
“We’re spending a lot less now because we’re not wasting money on snacks or the bag of spring mix that always rots in the back of the fridge.”
Her meat-heavy method even stretches to her skin care; using beef tallow – or fat – as a moisturiser.
A typical visit to Costco sees Courtney pick up salmon, rotisserie chicken, eggs, steaks, ground beef and other cuts of meat, as well as different types of cheese – such as raw milk-based ones.
And if she needs to buy chicken broth she’ll be less than impressed if it has been simmered with vegetables.
Her controversial diet has proven quite the talking point online with fellow parents quick to criticise her approach.
Is the high-fat carnivore diet healthy?
Carolina Goncalves, Superintendent Pharmacist at Pharmica told Fabulous: “The high-fat carnivore diet, similar to the ketogenic diet, involves the consumption of animal-based foods, especially those containing high levels of fat, as well as other high-fat foods such as butter. The potential benefits of this diet include weight loss, reduced inflammation, and mental clarity.
“According to research, a high-fat carnivore diet may help with weight loss due to the reduced carbohydrate intake and the increased satiety from high-fat foods. This is because the body typically switches from using food as its primary energy source to fat when carbohydrates are limited (a process known as ketosis).
“Moreover, fats are more satiating than carbohydrates, meaning they can keep you full for longer. Therefore, eating a high-fat diet can help reduce overall calorie intake by making it less likely for the individual to eat more frequently.
“Regarding inflammation, omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and other seafood that can feature in a high-fat carnivore diet can potentially help reduce inflammation by incorporating into cell membranes. It is also thought that these omega-3 fatty acids could have anti-inflammatory properties and affect neurotransmitter functions that support serotonin and dopamine levels. This may help with anxiety and depression symptoms, although the research on this is unclear.
“Having said this, the high-fat carnivore diet can adversely affect the body in numerous ways. The exclusion of plant-based foods such as fruit and vegetables can lead to nutrient deficiencies and a lack of vitamins and minerals to support bodily functions. In addition, the high intake of saturated fats can increase LDL cholesterol levels which could result in cardiovascular issues. Finally, the lack of dietary fibre in a high-fat carnivore diet, due to the absence of fibrous plant-based foods, can lead to digestive problems such as constipation.
“Overall, even though there are a few benefits to the high-fat carnivore diet, the lack of key food groups and nutrients can lead to health problems. It is therefore recommended to have a balanced diet to ensure overall bodily health and function.”
“The adults that didn’t grow out of their hating vegetables phase,” one person commented on a recent TikTok video.
Another added: “I know your heart is screaming. This can’t be good for your heart AT ALL.”
While another commented: “I don’t believe this is healthier than eating an orange or apple.”
“Wait…this means their kids don’t eat veggies too?” someone else said.
However, Courtney says that she will be having the last laugh should food supplies deplete.
She says: “In a situation where food is limited, the goal isn’t just to eat – it’s to stay strong.
“Prioritising animal-based nutrition is the difference between thriving and surviving.
“We’ve been taught to fear red meat; but in a survival scenario, it’s the exact food you’d want most.
“Starting kids on a whole-food animal-based diet sets the foundation for stable energy, proper growth and a healthier relationship with food.
“You’re giving them real nutrition instead of ultra-processed habits they have to undo later.”
The mum credits the diet for keeping her figure in shapeCredit: Jam Press/Courtney Luna
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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