Staying true to the carnivore diet while on a budget may seem daunting, but it is possible with some planning and preparation. As someone who has followed this diet for years now, I can confidently say that you can enjoy quality animal foods without breaking the bank. The key is to get strategic with buying in bulk, batch-prepping meals, and maximizing less expensive cuts of meat.
In one long sentence, the best way to stick to the carnivore diet on a budget is to plan out weekly meals, shop sales and buy meats in bulk when possible, cook in batches, utilize cheaper cuts like chicken thighs and ground beef, supplement with eggs and canned fish, drink water instead of purchasing specialty drinks or powders, avoid wasting food, and focus your budget on high-quality animal foods like grass-fed beef over processed snacks and desserts.
Here are the most important tips and strategies I've learned for maintaining the carnivore diet on a budget:
Shop Sales, Buy in Bulk, and Meal Plan
The number one strategy is to capitalize on sales and stock up on meats when prices drop. This allows you to buy in bulk and save money. For example, I like to stock up on value packs of chicken thighs or ground beef when they go on sale. I portion and freeze what I don't plan to use right away.
Creating a meal plan is also key. This prevents food waste and helps you buy only what you need for the weekly meals you plan to prepare. I make it a habit to review the weekly sales circulars and plan carnivore meals around the best deals.
Ground beef and chicken thighs tend to be affordable options. Plans like taco bowls, meatballs with marinara sauce, chicken curry, stuffed peppers, and chicken salad provide variety without blowing your budget.
Cook in Bulk and Use a Slow Cooker
Preparing meat in batch cooking sessions saves time and money.
For example, I like to cook 4-5 pounds of ground beef at once. Then I separate it into meal-size portions to use in dishes like taco bowls throughout the week. The meat holds well in the fridge for 3-4 days when stored properly.
Using a slow cooker can also stretch your dollar. Less expensive tougher cuts of meat like pork shoulder or beef chuck become fall-off-the-bone tender after slowly cooking all day. I throw ingredients like a pork shoulder or pot roast into the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a delicious ready-to-eat meal at night.
Focus on Affordable Cuts of Meat
Chicken thighs, pork shoulder, chuck roast, and ground beef offer the best bang for your buck. They can be incorporated into endless carnivore-friendly meals.
Chicken thighs are a budget savior! They cost nearly half as much as chicken breasts, but are rich and flavorful. I use them in curries, salads, soups, and more.
Don’t overlook canned fish either. Anchovies, sardines, salmon, and other canned fish provide nutrition at a fraction of the cost of fresh cuts. I always keep a few cans on hand to create easy lunches and snacks.
Drink Water and Avoid Unneeded Extras
Drinking water is essential on the carnivore diet and saves a ton compared to purchasing specialty drinks or powders. I aim for a gallon a day.
It’s also important to avoid buying unnecessary extras like snacks and treats since they drive up costs quickly. I focus my budget on quality meat and do not waste money on processed “carnivore” treats and desserts which tend to be overpriced.
Don't Waste Food and Use Leftovers Creatively
Avoid wasting food by properly storing and freezing leftovers. Creative ways to use leftovers include:
- Ground beef or roasted chicken in soups or stir-fries
- Leftover steak sliced for salads or fajitas
- Shredded pork in omelets or deli meat wraps
- Roasted chicken in curries, tacos, or tossed with buffalo sauce
Planning weekly meals around ingredients on hand prevents good food from going bad and having to be tossed out unused.
Sample Weekly Meal Plan
To show how these strategies come together, here is a sample weekly meal plan shopping for sales process at my local grocery store:
Monday:
- Chicken Fajita Bowls (from chicken thighs, onions, peppers purchased in bulk)
Tuesday:
- Ground beef lettuce wrap tacos
- Side Salad
Wednesday:
- Slow cooker pot roast (chuck roast on sale)
- Side of sautéed zucchini
Thursday:
- Carnivore chili (ground beef)
-hard-boiled eggs
Friday:
- Salmon burgers
- Broccoli florets dipped in homemade mayo
Saturday:
- Steak and grilled mushrooms
- Canned sardines
Sunday:
- Egg scramble with ground sausage
- Leftover pot roast
Final Tips for Sticking to the Carnivore Diet on a Budget
Make a meal plan each week and shop accordingly. This is vital for not overspending.
Look for markdowns on meat that is nearing expiration and cook or freeze right away.
Ask your butcher for affordable bulk deals on chicken, beef, and pork.
Slow cookers are your wallet’s best friend when cooking cheap boneless/tough cuts.
Avoid wasting food and use leftovers creatively in other dishes.
Drink plenty of water instead of expensive supplements or protein shakes.
With some smart planning and preparation, anyone can succeed on the carnivore diet without destroying their budget. Stay focused on procuring high-quality animal foods over processed imitation snacks that drive up food costs. What strategies have helped you maintain a carnivore diet on a budget? Let me know in the comments!