What Does Paul Saladino Eat In A Day
Paul Saladino, MD, has become one of the most recognised voices in the ancestral health movement, advocating for an "animal-based" approach that prioritises nutrient density, metabolic health, and elimination of plant toxins. His daily eating pattern has sparked curiosity—and debate—across the wellness community, particularly among those seeking clarity on what optimal human nutrition might look like. Understanding what Paul Saladino eats in a day offers valuable insight into his philosophy and may help you evaluate which principles align with your own health goals.
Saladino's typical day revolves around whole, unprocessed animal foods paired with selective carbohydrates from fruit and honey. He often begins with a substantial breakfast featuring grass-fed beef, organ meats such as liver or heart, and pasture-raised eggs cooked in tallow or ghee. Lunch and dinner follow similar patterns: high-quality animal protein, generous amounts of fat, and minimal seasoning. He incorporates raw dairy when available, along with bone marrow and nutrient-dense nose-to-tail options. Notably absent are grains, legumes, seeds, and most vegetables—foods he believes contain defence chemicals that may interfere with gut health and nutrient absorption in susceptible individuals.
The Science Behind Saladino's Approach
Saladino's dietary framework is grounded in evolutionary biology and emerging research on plant antinutrients. He argues that compounds like oxalates, lectins, and phytates—present in many plant foods—evolved as protective mechanisms and may contribute to inflammation, digestive distress, and mineral deficiencies in humans. His emphasis on organ meats stems from their exceptional micronutrient profiles: liver, for instance, provides bioavailable vitamin A, B vitamins, iron, and copper in concentrations far exceeding most plant sources. Research suggests that haem iron from animal sources demonstrates superior absorption compared to non-haem iron from plants, supporting his preference for animal-based nutrition.
His inclusion of fruit and honey represents a departure from strict carnivore protocols. Saladino maintains that these carbohydrate sources support thyroid function, athletic performance, and metabolic flexibility without the antinutrient burden of starchy vegetables or grains. Studies indicate that adequate carbohydrate intake may indeed support thyroid hormone conversion and reproductive health, particularly in active individuals. His approach acknowledges that human ancestors likely consumed seasonal fruit and wild honey—a middle path between zero-carb carnivore diets and standard high-carbohydrate eating patterns.
How Chaski Cacao Nootropic Mushroom Chocolate Helps
Whilst Saladino's animal-based template offers compelling insights, many health-conscious individuals seek functional foods that bridge traditional wisdom with cognitive support—without synthetic additives or blood sugar disruption. Chaski Cacao combines ceremonial-grade cacao with lion's mane mushroom, cordyceps, and ginkgo biloba to deliver sustained mental clarity and energy. Unlike conventional snacks laden with refined sugars, our formulation respects the principle of nutrient density that underlies Saladino's philosophy: real ingredients, no fillers, and functional benefits you can feel. The adaptogenic mushrooms may support focus and endurance, whilst cacao provides naturally occurring compounds such as theobromine and flavonoids—research suggests these may enhance blood flow and cognitive function without the jittery crash of coffee or energy drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Paul Saladino's core nutrition philosophy?
Paul Saladino advocates an "animal-based" approach centring on nutrient-dense animal products—including organ meats, muscle meat, eggs, and raw dairy—paired with selective carbohydrates from fruit and honey. He avoids grains, legumes, seeds, and most vegetables due to concerns about plant antinutrients such as oxalates and lectins, which he believes may interfere with gut health and mineral absorption in susceptible individuals.
Does Paul Saladino eat any plant foods at all?
Yes, Saladino includes fruit and honey as his primary carbohydrate sources, believing these provide metabolic benefits without the antinutrient load of vegetables, grains, or legumes. He occasionally consumes seasonal fruit such as berries, melons, and tropical varieties, alongside raw honey for quick energy and micronutrient support. This distinguishes his approach from strict carnivore diets that eliminate all plant matter.
How does Saladino structure his meals throughout the day?
Saladino typically eats two to three substantial meals daily, often starting with a breakfast of grass-fed beef, organ meats, and eggs. Lunch and dinner follow similar patterns with generous portions of animal protein and fat, complemented by fruit or honey for carbohydrates. He prioritises meal timing around activity and hunger cues rather than rigid schedules, and often includes raw dairy, bone marrow, or other nose-to-tail options for micronutrient density.
