Lion Diet Calculator
Calculate your exact protein and fat needs for the lion diet — the strictest elimination version of carnivore.
The lion diet is the most restrictive form of the carnivore diet: beef, salt, and water only. Made famous by Mikhaila Peterson, it was developed as an extreme elimination protocol for autoimmune conditions, chronic illness, and inflammation. This calculator helps you determine how much beef and fat to eat to thrive on the lion diet.
Calculate your lion diet targets
Why Carnivore Works for This Protocol
- ✓Eliminating all but beef removes every potential food trigger — the ultimate elimination diet
- ✓Ruminant meat (beef) is the most digestible food source for humans
- ✓Most autoimmune and inflammation conditions are driven by gut permeability — the lion diet removes all gut irritants
- ✓Fatty beef provides a complete nutrient profile without any supplements
- ✓Many people with decades of chronic illness have reported remission on the lion diet
Example Macro Targets
| Example Person | Calories | Protein | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 160 lb person (fat adaptation focus) | 2200 | 73g | 135g |
| 200 lb person (strict lion diet) | 2750 | 91g | 169g |
| 130 lb woman (autoimmune protocol) | 1800 | 59g | 110g |
Use the calculator above for your exact numbers. These are examples only.
Tips for Success
- 1.Ribeye is the ideal lion diet cut: high fat, high protein, low connective tissue
- 2.Ground beef 70/30 is more economical and works excellently for the lion diet
- 3.Add tallow if you need more fat without more protein (pure beef fat)
- 4.Eat until completely satisfied — hunger signals normalize after 2-4 weeks
- 5.Reintroduce foods slowly after 90+ days to identify your specific triggers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lion diet exactly?
The lion diet is a strict elimination protocol: ruminant meat (primarily beef), salt, and water only. No pork, no poultry, no fish, no eggs, no dairy. The strictness is intentional — it eliminates every potential food sensitivity to find a symptom-free baseline.
Who created the lion diet?
The lion diet was popularized by Mikhaila Peterson, who used it to reverse multiple autoimmune conditions including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, depression, and skin disorders. Her father, Jordan Peterson, also reported significant health improvements following the same protocol.
How long do you do the lion diet before reintroducing foods?
Most protocols recommend 30-90 days minimum before reintroduction. The longer you stick to the elimination phase, the cleaner your baseline becomes. Then reintroduce one food at a time, waiting 3-5 days to observe any reactions.
How much beef should I eat on the lion diet?
Use the calculator above to get your specific targets. A rough starting point: 1-1.5 lbs of ground beef or ribeye per day for a 150-180 lb person. On the lion diet, fat is your primary energy source, so don't trim the fat off your cuts.
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