Eric Kim – a photographer and blogger known for his contrarian lifestyle ideas – is a vocal proponent of a 100% carnivore diet, meaning he eats exclusively animal-derived foods (primarily red meat and organ meats) while avoiding virtually all plant foods. Kim has integrated this meat-only diet with intermittent fasting, typically eating one large meal per day, and he frames it as part of a broader personal philosophy of health, productivity, and self-discipline . Below is a comprehensive look at Kim’s carnivore diet principles, his rationale and motivations, the public statements he’s made about it, and how he compares it to other dietary approaches.
Core Tenets of Kim’s Carnivore Diet
A thick steak seasoned with herbs – a typical example of the meat-centric meals in the carnivore diet.
- All-Meat Intake: Kim’s diet is composed entirely of animal products, especially fatty red meats and organ meats like beef liver, heart, and ribs . He eliminates all vegetables, fruits, grains, and sugars, famously quipping that “plants are for cows,” not for humans . Even relatively lean or traditionally healthy foods such as fish, chicken, or nuts are deemed unnecessary in his view – he considers true “meat” to be the fatty portions of ruminant animals, rich in cholesterol and nutrients . Eggs and high-fat cuts of pork (e.g. pork belly or ribs) are included, and he sometimes adds fermented condiments like kimchi or herbs, not for their own nutritional value but to help digest large quantities of meat (the sour/bitter flavors cut the richness) .
- Organ Meats and Fat as “Apex Nutrition”: A cornerstone of Kim’s approach is consuming organ meats and high-fat animal foods for maximum nutrition. He argues that organ meats are nutrient powerhouses crucial to his diet. For example, Kim calls beef liver a “natural steroid” because of its extremely high cholesterol content – believing that more dietary cholesterol directly boosts testosterone and vitality . He routinely eats beef liver, heart, bone marrow, and even intestine or neck-bones, touting them as the foods that let him “extract the maximum amount of power and nutrition” from his diet . In his words, meat (especially organ meat) is the “apex nutrition” for achieving superior strength, energy, and even mental clarity .
- Intermittent Fasting (One Meal a Day): Kim pairs carnivore eating with an intermittent fasting regimen. He skips breakfast and lunch entirely, consuming just one enormous meat-heavy meal in the evening . This one-meal-a-day (OMAD) schedule, he says, has been easy and sustainable for him – he claims to have eaten this way for 5+ years without hunger issues . Fasting during the day not only frees up time and focus, in his view, but also keeps his body in a fat-burning state. He notes that eating only once daily (often after a day of physical training) makes that meal immensely satisfying: “Breaking your fast when you are insanely hungry is like an orgasm… The food tastes 10000000x better than if you are eating all the time!” he wrote, describing how fasting amplifies the pleasure of eating . Kim also credits this routine with helping maintain low body fat and stable energy levels, as his body fuels itself on fats in the absence of constant meals .
- No Carbohydrates or Supplements: In line with carnivore principles, Kim’s diet has virtually zero carbs. He deliberately avoids all sugars and starches and even forgoes plant-based “keto” staples like avocados or almonds (calling avocados “actually quite sweet” and nuts too starchy) . He takes no protein shakes or workout supplements either – only real meat. After experimenting with conventional bodybuilding nutrition earlier in life, he concluded that he could gain muscle “just fine” with no carbs or protein powder at all . In his experience, eating a surplus of fatty meat provides enough protein and calories for strength training. Kim even abstains from common stimulants or enhancers beyond caffeine: he drinks black coffee but avoids pre-workout supplements, creatine, or any performance-enhancing drugs, aligning with his ideal of “natural strength” built on diet and discipline .
Kim’s Motivation and Rationale
Peak Physical Performance: A driving motive behind Kim’s carnivore diet is maximizing strength and testosterone naturally. He explicitly equates eating meat with a natural anabolic boost, stating that “Meat is a steroid… The more you eat meat, the more you increase your testosterone.” . By prioritizing cholesterol-rich animal fat and protein, Kim believes he’s giving his body the raw materials for hormone production and muscle-building. He often highlights his personal results as evidence: for instance, Kim reports that on this diet he has deadlifted over 500 lbs easily in a fasted state, and put on significant muscle mass – all while consuming no carbs at all . He rejects the common notion that athletes “must” eat carbohydrates for energy or bulking, pointing to himself as proof that strength can be built on an all-meat, ketogenic fuel source . In his view, “the more meat you eat, the stronger you will become,” and he notes that almost all top bodybuilders (aside from their steroid use) have traditionally been heavy meat-eaters . Thus, he sees carnivore nutrition as giving an “additional edge” for reaching peak levels of physiological fitness .
Health, Energy, and Vitality: Kim portrays his carnivore lifestyle as a path not just to strength but to overall health and vitality. He frequently counters skeptics by asserting that he feels better than ever eating this way. For example, he writes that his digestion is excellent on an all-meat regimen, calling the supposed need for fiber overrated . Despite consuming zero fiber, he reports no gastrointestinal issues. Likewise, he says his daily energy levels are high and steady, even with only one meal per day, and that intermittent fasting on meat has been “easy” for him in the long term . Kim argues that humans are fully capable of thriving without plant foods: “You will not die by eating only meat,” he insists, addressing the common concern that an all-meat diet lacks essential nutrients . In his writings, he acknowledges that technically a person “won’t die” on various diets (even a strict vegan diet), but he then asks: is the goal merely to not die, or to thrive? . For Kim, the answer is to thrive, and he believes a carnivorous diet enables a level of robust health, strength, and metabolic efficiency that plant-inclusive diets do not. He credits the diet with helping him reduce body fat and increase muscle, “giving me more energy and power” than any other way of eating he’s tried .
Mental Clarity and Productivity: Interestingly, Kim links his diet to mental performance and creativity as well. He refers to meat as the fuel for an “epic” mind. “By consuming more meat (which I consider the apex nutrition), then can we think more epic thoughts, create more beautiful artworks, and become more epic!” he posits . This belief is part of his broader argument that physical supremacy through diet also yields mental benefits – sharper focus, higher drive, and creative inspiration. Kim finds that training and working in a fasted state (powered by fat from yesterday’s meat) makes him more productive and mentally acute during the day . Hunger, he argues, can be a motivator (“like a lion hunting for its meal”), and then eating a huge evening steak feast provides a rewarding dopamine hit that leaves him deeply satisfied and ready for rest . He even suggests that if one eats a meat-rich diet, one’s mind will be clearer and capable of more profound thoughts than if one were sluggish from a carb-heavy or plant-based diet. Essentially, Kim views his carnivore diet as brain fuel for entrepreneurial and creative endeavors, not just fuel for muscles . This ties into the next aspect of his philosophy – the lifestyle and philosophical principles behind his dietary choice.
Philosophical and Lifestyle Foundations
Kim’s advocacy of a 100% carnivore diet goes beyond nutrition – it’s intertwined with his personal philosophy about nature, freedom, and self-mastery:
- “Apex Predator” Mindset: Kim often invokes evolutionary and ancestral logic to justify meat-exclusive eating. He argues that humans evolved to be opportunistic carnivores/omnivores, and that eating abundant meat is in line with our natural design for survival and dominance . In his view, Homo sapiens didn’t evolve to subsist on salads; rather, our ancestors thrived by hunting animals and consuming nutrient-dense meat and fat whenever possible. He even notes that in many traditional societies, fatty meat is culturally valued, whereas lean meats or plant foods are secondary . This evolutionary perspective leads him to reject the idea that there is anything “unnatural” about an all-meat diet. We can survive on many diets, he concedes, but to reach our peak potential – “to reach another peak level of physiological fitness” and capability – he believes eating like a apex predator (high on the food chain) is optimal . Ultimately, Kim calls meat-eating “the fundamental part of human dietary evolution” and views meat as “the apex nutrition” that can fuel not only physical strength but human advancement in general .
- Personal Freedom and Anti-Conformity: A recurring theme in Kim’s writing is dietary freedom – the right to eat meat unapologetically despite social pressures. He has openly railed against what he labels an “anti-meat bias” in modern society . In a 2020 podcast titled “The Anti-Meat Conspiracy,” Kim argued that contemporary culture unfairly demonizes carnivores: “One of the worst ills in modern society is this vehement anti-meat bias,” he wrote, noting that if you proudly declare “I love to eat meat!” in polite company, people look at you as if you’re a monster “killing the planet” . He perceives a trend where being vegetarian or vegan is seen as morally superior, and he pointedly rejects that moral framing. Kim encourages meat-eaters not to feel guilt or shame. “If people want to eat meat, they should be allowed to eat meat in unlimited quantities, without being judged by others for doing so,” he insists . This stance is part of his broader contrarian ethos – he often warns against blindly following popular “food dogma” or health trends, urging individuals to question mainstream nutritional advice and think for themselves . Kim applies this skepticism to all sides: he suggests people be critical even of his own claims, but he shares his perspective because it has genuinely worked for him . In essence, his carnivore philosophy doubles as a statement of individual autonomy: an assertion that one should have the liberty to follow an unconventional diet that feels optimal, regardless of societal norms.
- Stoicism, Discipline, and Strength: Kim’s diet is one facet of a larger stoic lifestyle he promotes, emphasizing discipline, resilience, and harnessing primal instincts. He speaks of treating his body “as a work of art” and exercising self-mastery in all aspects – diet, exercise, and even mindset . Eating only meat and fasting requires a certain mental toughness, and Kim embraces that. He frequently references Spartan or “warrior” metaphors: for example, training fasted and abstaining from indulgences as a way to toughen the mind and body. He sees challenges (like intense hunger or tough workouts) as opportunities to strengthen his willpower . This philosophy extends to rejecting modern comforts or vices – Kim doesn’t drink alcohol or soft drinks, avoids junk food, and even shuns things like sugary condiments (not just for health, but as a practice of discipline). The carnivore diet, being very minimalistic and stringent by conventional standards, aligns with his stoic approach: it’s simple (just meat), it’s demanding (no snacks or treats), and it yields what he views as pure, natural strength. Kim proudly notes that he achieves his muscular physique “all natty” (all natural) without steroids or even protein supplements, attributing it to hard training and meat alone . In summary, eating 100% carnivore for Kim is as much a lifestyle choice about strength and character as it is a nutritional strategy.
- Ethics and “Human-Centered” Morality: On the ethical front, Kim takes a clear stance that human well-being takes precedence over animal life. He does not subscribe to the idea that killing animals for food is immoral in the context of human benefit. In a blunt phrasing, he stated: “No matter what, a human life will ALWAYS be infinitely superior to an animal life of any kind.” . He even posed the rhetorical question, “Should we treat animals equivalently to humans?” and answered it with “I say no” . While he doesn’t advocate cruelty, he fundamentally disagrees with vegan ethical arguments that put animal life on the same moral plane as humans. Kim also expresses skepticism toward the environmental arguments against meat. He suspects that influential figures (he calls out people like Bill Gates and James Cameron) promote plant-based diets or alternative proteins for ulterior motives, what he dubs a “hidden” agenda or “virtue signaling” that might mask profit incentives (for example, investments in pea protein or farmland) . In his “Anti-Meat Conspiracy” essay, he implies that the push to reduce meat consumption is a propaganda that could actually harm public health by denying people optimal nutrition . He goes so far as to label the growing popularity of veganism as a “public health issue” if it leads to malnourishment in children raised without animal foods . This controversial stance underlines that, for Kim, the benefits of meat are non-negotiable – ethical or environmental qualms should not override what he perceives as better health for humans. (He often points out that virtually all human activities have some environmental cost, and eating meat is just one of many things people do in the course of living on the planet .)
Public Statements and Content on Carnivore Diet
Eric Kim has been extremely open about his carnivore diet in his online platforms, often sharing personal anecdotes, experiments, and bold statements to spread his philosophy:
- Blog Articles: Kim’s primary outlet is his blog (previously on erickimphotography.com and also on erickim.com), where he has published numerous posts about meat eating. Some of his article titles are provocative and encapsulate his stance, such as “Why I Eat Meat,” “Meat is King,” “Eating Meat Doesn’t Make You Fat,” and “The More Meat You Eat, the Stronger You Will Become.” . In an August 2022 post simply titled “100% Carnivore Diet,” Kim recounted his personal experience and conclusions from embracing all-meat eating. He noted point by point that his digestion was fine without fiber, his energy was excellent with one meat meal a day, and that he’d been able to gain muscle and lift heavy weights for years with zero carbs . He even began that post by debunking a common fear: he asked rhetorically “But will you die of a heart attack?” on a meat diet, implying that he believes the answer is no (though the post didn’t elaborate much under that heading) . Across his writings, Kim keeps returning to the theme that eating only meat is not harmful – a message to encourage readers to not fear saturated fat or cholesterol. For instance, one blog entry flatly assures readers: “You will not die by eating only meat.” .
- Podcasts and Videos: Kim has also discussed his carnivore philosophy in audio and video formats. He hosted a podcast episode titled “The Anti-Meat Conspiracy” (August 25, 2020) in which he spoke for ~10 minutes about society’s bias against meat and why he believes that bias is misplaced . In that podcast (and its corresponding blog notes), he “praised meat” as a crucial part of human diet and vented about how proclaiming one’s love of meat has become socially taboo . Additionally, Kim shares casual videos; for example, a YouTube video called “100% Carnivore Diet – All Natty Flex” (October 2023) shows him shirtless and muscular in his kitchen, presumably to demonstrate the physical results of his diet and training (the blog page for this video is filled with photos of his physique and plates of meat) . Through such content, he often uses himself as an example to inspire or challenge others – essentially saying, “This is what’s possible with an all-meat diet and no steroids.” Kim’s online presence also blends other interests (like photography, philosophy, and Bitcoin) with his diet advice, but he consistently returns to carnivore eating as a foundation for his lifestyle.
- Notable Quotes: Throughout Kim’s articles and posts, a number of catchphrases or recurring claims sum up his carnivore philosophy. A few examples in his own words:
- “Plants are for cows.” – Emphasizing that humans don’t need to eat grass or leaves, and that we should let herbivorous animals turn plants into meat for us .
- “Meat is the apex nutrition.” – Suggesting that meat is the top-tier food for humans, delivering superior nourishment compared to anything else .
- “Cholesterol (meat) is a steroid.” – Arguing that cholesterol from meat acts like a natural anabolic steroid in the body (since cholesterol is the building block for testosterone and other hormones) .
- “Eating meat doesn’t make you fat.” – Countering the idea that red meat or animal fat is responsible for obesity; Kim blames sugars and processed carbs for weight gain, not steak.
- “If you’re vegetarian or vegan, it kind of messes up your brain.” – A controversial remark where Kim half-jokingly suggests that plant-based diets may impair clear thinking . This reflects his anecdotal observation that many people he’s met who avoid meat also hold perspectives he deems impractical (he even linked one acquaintance’s anti-meat diet with that person’s skepticism about Bitcoin, implying a pattern he distrusts) .
These quotes illustrate how Kim often provokes debate. He does not shy away from blunt assertions that favor meat and dismiss plant-based ideals. By coining such phrases, he makes his position memorable and clear to his audience.
Comparisons to Other Diets and Criticisms
Carnivore vs. Other Low-Carb Diets: Kim generally aligns with the broader low-carb, high-fat school of thought, but he takes it to an extreme by excluding plants entirely. He has explicitly compared a carnivore diet to the ketogenic diet. While acknowledging that keto (high fat, very low carb with moderate protein) can be effective for fat loss, Kim argues that carnivore is even more effective . The key difference, he says, is that classic keto still entertains plant foods and aims for a delicate macronutrient balance, whereas carnivore is both high-fat and high-protein with no concern for carb intake at all (carbs are essentially zero) . He criticizes concepts like “net carbs” (used in keto circles to discount fiber carbs) as “nonsensical… just a way for corporations and individuals to try to game the system.” In Kim’s view, counting carbs or calories is unnecessary if one’s diet is pure meat; the body will naturally regulate appetite and burn fat. He even chides keto dieters who load up on things like avocados, almonds, or artificial sweeteners – in his experience, cutting all that out in favor of just meat yields better results and simplicity .
Critique of Plant-Based Diets: Kim is an outspoken opponent of veganism and even moderated vegetarianism when it comes to health. As noted, he believes plant-exclusive diets cannot support optimal human thriving and may lead to nutrient deficiencies. He often points out that meat provides certain nutrients (B vitamins, heme iron, cholesterol, omega-3 fats, etc.) in forms that plants cannot. One of his gravest concerns is the impact on children: “If parents and kids are getting suckered into becoming vegan… this is a huge public health issue,” Kim writes, warning of “under-nourished future children.” He argues that well-meaning but misinformed parents might deprive their kids of essential nutrition during critical growth years by following vegan trends. This strong stance is born from both his interpretation of nutritional science and his personal anecdotal journey (he recalls that as a child, he himself suffered from a bad diet of sugary, processed foods and had to learn the hard way about proper nutrition) . Kim’s skepticism extends to vegetarians and “plant-based” dieters too – he humorously suggests that avoiding meat might cloud one’s thinking or convictions . In a recent tongue-in-cheek blog post titled “Don’t trust vegetarians or vegans,” he shared an anecdote of a person whose judgment he doubted, linking it to that person’s vegetarian diet, and concluded facetiously, “Only trust 100% carnivore investors… we are the only ones who ain’t no fake show.” . While clearly an exaggeration, it underscores how strongly Kim champions meat as a cornerstone of not just health but even character and credibility.
Common Criticisms of Carnivore Diet (and Kim’s Responses): Outside of Kim’s own sphere, the carnivore diet is highly controversial. Mainstream nutrition experts often raise concerns about entirely cutting out fruits, vegetables, and fiber. Critics argue that an all-meat diet may lead to deficiencies in certain vitamins (like vitamin C or folate), lack fiber for gut health, and could raise LDL cholesterol to unhealthy levels given the high saturated fat intake. Kim is aware of these critiques and addresses them in his content, usually to dismiss them based on his personal results and some evolutionary logic:
- Nutrient Deficiencies: Kim contends that meat (especially organ meat) covers human nutritional needs comprehensively. He points to traditional cultures (e.g. Arctic Inuit or Plains Native Americans) that lived on mostly meat and were healthy. He personally reports excellent bloodwork (though specifics are rarely cited) and highlights the rich vitamin and mineral content of liver, heart, and eggs which he eats regularly. In short, he argues you can get “all the nutrients you need from meat alone” and calls fears of scurvy or deficiency unfounded if one includes organ meats and occasional herbs/ferments for micronutrients. His stance: nutrient density of meat > diversity of plant foods.
- Fiber and Digestion: Contrary to conventional advice that fiber is necessary for digestion, Kim says his digestion is better without fiber. He has described his gut function on carnivore as very regular and “fine,” whereas previously (on carb diets) he experienced more bloating or indigestion . He labels fiber needs “overhyped” and believes that human digestive systems can adapt to very low fiber just as carnivorous animals’ systems do.
- Cholesterol and Heart Health: Kim does not believe that eating red meat and animal fat will ruin his heart health. In fact, he embraces high cholesterol intake – as noted, he calls cholesterol beneficial and necessary for hormones. He cites the view (held by some low-carb researchers) that dietary cholesterol and saturated fat are not inherently dangerous in the context of low carbohydrate intake. His quip that “cholesterol is a steroid” hints at his belief that cholesterol from meat is more friend than foe. While Kim hasn’t published his own long-term heart data, he often alludes to feeling cardiovascularly fit (e.g., he does intense workouts and endurance hikes with no issues). Essentially, he sides with the school of thought that blames sugars and processed foods – not natural animal fats – for modern chronic diseases.
- Sustainability and Social Aspects: Another critique of carnivore dieting is practicality and social sustainability – it’s a restrictive regimen that can be hard to maintain and socially isolating (few foods, difficulties eating out, etc.). Kim counters this implicitly by showcasing how easy and satisfying he finds his routine. He has even written posts on “How to Eat More Meat” and how to cook simply (he often pan-fries steaks or slow-cooks ribs and shares these meals on his blog) . By highlighting the simplicity (“just cook meat, add salt, eat once a day”) he frames carnivore as more straightforward than complex dieting or meal prepping. Socially, Kim appears unbothered by being an outlier at dinner tables – his philosophy of personal freedom means he’ll unabashedly eat a plate of beef while others have pasta, and he encourages followers to do the same if they believe in it.
It’s worth noting that Kim’s perspective exists on the fringe of nutritional science. While anecdotal success stories like his are not uncommon in carnivore diet communities, medical consensus has not endorsed all-meat diets due to the above concerns. However, Kim’s 100% carnivore philosophy is internally consistent with his experiences and worldview. He acknowledges that others might question it – in fact, he invites skepticism but simply encourages people to “judge by results”. And by his own account, his results on the carnivore diet have been stellar in terms of strength, physique, and mental focus . This conviction is why he remains a staunch advocate for the all-meat lifestyle despite criticisms.
Conclusion
In summary, Eric Kim’s carnivore diet philosophy is about far more than just food – it’s a statement about optimal living as he sees it. At its core, the philosophy holds that meat is the ultimate fuel for human body and mind, enabling peak performance, health, and even happiness. Kim’s regimen of eating 100% animal-based foods (largely red meat and organ meats), combined with intermittent fasting, is the practical expression of these beliefs. He argues that this approach has allowed him to become stronger, leaner, and more productive than any other diet he’s tried, and he backs it up with personal anecdotes – from monumental deadlift achievements to effusive descriptions of how good he feels. Surrounding the nutritional aspects is a framework of personal freedom and challenge: Kim enjoys that his carnivore lifestyle defies convention, and he links it to a philosophy of self-discipline and resilience (a bit like a modern-day stoic warrior diet). He openly challenges mainstream views that vilify red meat, calling out an “anti-meat conspiracy” and urging people not to feel guilt for eating what he considers our species’ most natural and beneficial food .
Kim’s 100% carnivore stance certainly attracts controversy – many would argue it’s too extreme – yet he has built a following who see him as proof-of-concept for carnivore success. Whether one agrees or not, his contributions to the discussion are notable for pairing diet with philosophy. As one summary of Kim’s meat-driven creed put it: he believes eating meat, especially in liberating quantities, helps individuals reach higher levels of fitness, creativity, and self-actualization . In his own words, he views meat as “apex nutrition,” the key to unlocking both bodily strength and even the ability to “think more profound thoughts and create greater art.” In the end, Eric Kim’s carnivore diet philosophy is a fusion of nutrition and life ethos – championing a return to primal foods and instincts as the pathway to becoming one’s strongest, most “epic” self.
Sources:
- Eric Kim, “100% Carnivore Diet,” EricKimPhotography Blog (Aug. 24, 2022)
- Eric Kim, Blog – various posts on carnivore diet, e.g. “Carnivore Diet” (Feb. 2, 2022) , “A Critique of the Loser Mentality” (Mar. 3, 2024) , “Don’t Trust Vegetarians or Vegans” (June 6, 2025) , etc.
- Eric Kim, “The Anti-Meat Conspiracy,” EricKimPhotography Blog (Aug. 25, 2020) .
- Eric Kim, Podcast – The Eric Kim Podcast, episode “The Anti-Meat Conspiracy” (2020) .
- Eric Kim, Quotes Compendium on meat eating (Eric Kim blog, 2024) – includes Kim’s quotes on meat & creativity, personal freedom in diet, etc. .
- EricKim.com – “Unleashing High Testosterone…” (2023) – outline of Kim’s diet and training regimen .
- Note: All information is drawn from Eric Kim’s own writings and content, reflecting his personal perspective and claims .