RFK Jr, known for his polarizing opinions, has publicly endorsed a carnivore diet, consisting solely of meat and fermented foods.
Robert F. Kennedy Junior, the U.S. Health Secretary and a prominent figure in environmental and health advocacy, recently shared insights into his eating habits, which focus solely on animal products.
Read more: Meat-Heavy US Nutrition Guidelines Will Require Millions Of Acres Of New Farmland
In a recent appearance on Fox News, RFK Jr was questioned about his snacks for Super Bowl Sunday. He stated, “I am on a carnivore diet, so I just eat meat and ferments. I’m very happy with that, so I’m probably going to have yogurt.”
He continued, “People can eat what they want, including Buffalo wings. However, it’s crucial to scrutinize the ingredients; if there’s an abundance of seed oils or corn syrup, and artificial flavors, it’s best to avoid them.”
His comments regarding the carnivore diet ignited a lively debate online. Notable personalities like Jon Stewart referenced them on The Daily Show, while comedian Jason Selvig remarked in a segment on MS NOW, “Maybe don’t take medical advice from someone who swims in raw sewage.”
RFK Jr previously discussed his dietary choices in USA Today. His wife, actress and author Cheryl Hines, confirmed that he starts many days with steak and sauerkraut, a fermented cabbage dish, as reported by The Cut.
RFK Jr’s appearance on Fox News also aligned with the rollout of a Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Super Bowl ad featuring former boxer Mike Tyson. This ad included stark comments about the American obesity crisis and prominently featured messages like “Processed Food Kills,” along with the slogan “Eat Real Food.”
Read more: Why RFK Jr’s Position On Ultra-Processed Foods Is Problematic
RFK Jr’s New Dietary Guidelines for Americans
RFK Jr’s new U.S. health guidelines have faced criticism for prioritizing meat, dairy, and saturated fats. The abbreviated guidelines present an inverted food pyramid that positions meat and dairy alongside fruits and vegetables.
Should Americans increase their intake of animal products as suggested, it could necessitate an additional 100 million acres, approximately the size of California, in agricultural land each year. Some health experts attribute rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs), cancer risks, and climate change to the consumption of meat and dairy products.
The carnivore diet, in particular, is labeled as unbalanced and potentially harmful. Furthermore, the negative views on seed oils articulated by RFK Jr during his Fox News segment have been thoroughly disputed, especially when compared to the benefits of tallow and butter endorsed by MAHA.
Conversely, an expanding body of evidence suggests that diets rich in plants are more beneficial for health and the environment, playing a critical role in fostering a sustainable food system.
Read more: Updated EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet Could Prevent 40,000 Deaths Per Day
