Influencers, Carnivores, and Kids (oh, my!)
Social media used to be so simple – a way to share photos and stay connected. But, today, it’s also a marketplace where “influencers” can make big money.
The problem?
Influencers aren’t experts. They’re just really good at convincing people to do things.
But post enough, gain enough followers, and strike enough brand deals, and suddenly you’re seen as a “trusted source,” whether or not you have any real qualifications.
Still not convinced?
A TikTok analysis found that 88% of nutrition content came from non-experts.
A survey of Instagram showed only 14% of influencer posts were science-based.
The Example…
The Wall Street Journal recently covered a disturbing social media trend – feeding babies and toddlers the carnivore diet. Three influencer couples were profiled. No surprise that at least two profit by selling some of the products they feed their kids.
For context: the carnivore diet revolves entirely around animal products — meat, seafood, animal fat, eggs, dairy — and excludes all plant foods. That means NO fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, nuts, or seeds.
For children. 🤯
Their reasoning?
One couple believes humans thrive on an ancestral meat-heavy diet, so they raise their kids on what they call “species-appropriate nutrition.” (Should we live in caves and wear animal skins, too?)
Another feeds their infant raw egg yolks, rib-eye steak, and chicken liver purée, convinced these are more “nutrient-dense” than fruits or veggies.
A third says they put their child on carnivore simply because the diet gives them more energy and they want to share that with their child.
But the thing is, there’s absolutely no evidence to support the carnivore diet – for children or anyone else.
Lots of flash. Lots of media attention. Lots of money.
No science.
The Truth…
The more plants you eat, the healthier you will be. That’s the evidence.
The human body needs the full spectrum of vitamins and minerals from a varied whole-food diet.
Phytonutrients – which are powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation, protect us from cancer, and balance our hormones – are found exclusively in plants. The carnivore diet has NONE.
Fiber is essential to healthy digestion and feeding the gut microbiome. Lack of fiber in the diet increases the risk of colon cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. The carnivore diet has NONE.
The Mediterranean Diet has consistently been found to be one of the healthiest eating patterns for a wide variety of people/conditions. Here, meat is a secondary consideration, not the focus of the meal. What is the focus? Plants.
The Children…
Introducing solids to babies isn’t really about nutrition — they still get most of what they need from breast milk or formula. Instead, it’s about developing their palates. Early foods help kiddos get used to a wide range of flavors, textures, and colors so they grow up open to a variety of healthy options. A carnivore diet is a “one-note” experience.
As nutrition becomes more central in the toddler years, the risks grow:
Severe deficiencies (vitamin C, fiber, folate, magnesium, potassium, and more).
Increased strain on the kidneys and liver from excess protein.
Higher risk of stunted growth, anemia, bone weakness, and cognitive delays.
Resistance to new foods with texture and color
As I always say, nutrition is a science, not an opinion. When it comes to how you feed yourself and your children, stick to the evidence.
Leave the influencers behind.
Until next time….
Eat Well,
