Carnivore Diet in the 1800s: The Remarkable Results of a Historical All-Meat Experiment
The carnivore diet, while often perceived as a modern nutritional trend, actually has historical roots dating back to the late 19th century. In 1886, a man named John Fletcher Little documented his six-week experiment with what was essentially an all-meat diet in the British Medical Journal. His regimen, prescribed by Dr. James Salsbury, consisted solely of meat consumption (primarily beef with occasional chicken or rabbit) and hot water throughout the day.
Little's results were remarkable by his own account. He reported losing one stone in weight, reducing his girth by six inches, and experiencing numerous health improvements. These included reduced flatulence, increased mental and physical energy, better sleep, and what he described as the disappearance of "hereditary deposits." Though his experiment lacks the scientific rigor of modern nutritional studies, it offers a fascinating historical perspective on dietary approaches that continue to generate interest today.
Key Takeaways
An early version of the carnivore diet was documented in the British Medical Journal in 1886 by John Fletcher Little.
The six-week meat-only regimen included specific timing for consuming beef, occasional poultry, and hot water throughout the day.
Little reported significant weight loss, increased energy, better sleep, and numerous other health improvements from following this strict dietary protocol.
Historical Context of the Carnivore Diet
The carnivore diet, often discussed in modern nutrition circles, actually has historical roots dating back to the 19th century. In February 1886, a man named John Fletcher Little documented his experience with what we would now recognize as a carnivore diet in the British Medical Journal. His six-week experiment followed Dr. James Salisbury's treatment protocol, which prescribed consuming only meat and hot water.
Little's initial situation was concerning to him - he had gained significant weight over seven years, increasing from 11 stone 12 pounds (approximately 166 pounds) to 14 stone (196 pounds). He described this excess weight as equivalent to wearing a coat with "two stone of shots stowed away in the pockets." His friends' comments about his appearance bothered him deeply, motivating him to seek change.
The diet regimen Little followed was quite structured:
Time Consumption 7:00 AM Pint of hot water 8:30 AM One pound of beef 11:30 AM Tea with lemon 1:30 PM One and a quarter pounds of beef 3:30 PM Tea Evening One pound of chicken or rabbit 10:00 PM Pint of hot water
After six weeks, Little reported remarkable results. He lost one stone (14 pounds) in weight and reduced his girth by six inches. Beyond weight loss, he noted numerous health improvements including: reduced flatulence, elimination of what he called "gouty heirlooms" or hereditary deposits, increased mental and physical energy, improved sleep, and enhanced kidney function.
Little was so pleased with these outcomes that he planned to continue the diet beyond the initial six-week period. His enthusiasm is evident in his description of himself as "triumphant" despite his tailor being "in despair" over his rapidly changing measurements. This historical account provides an interesting glimpse into early experimentation with meat-based diets, long before they gained their current popularity.
John Fletcher Little's Meat-Only Experiment
In 1886, John Fletcher Little documented his six-week experiment with a meat-only diet in the British Medical Journal. Little had noticed his weight increase significantly over seven years, going from 11 stone 12 pounds to 14 stone. His friends' comments about his appearance bothered him deeply, describing their "compliments" as "gall and wormwood" to his soul.
Little followed Dr. James Salisbury's treatment plan, which consisted of consuming only meat and hot water for six weeks. His daily regimen was quite structured:
Daily Diet Schedule:
7:00 AM: One pint of hot water
8:30 AM: One pound of beef
11:30 AM: Tea with lemon
1:30 PM: One and a quarter pounds of beef
3:30 PM: Another tea
Evening: One pound of chicken or rabbit
10:00 PM: Final pint of hot water
The results Little reported after six weeks were remarkable. He lost one stone in weight and reduced his girth by six inches. Little also noted several other health improvements, including the disappearance of what he called "gouty heirlooms" (hereditary deposits), elimination of flatulent indigestion, and doubled mental and physical energy.
Little claimed his speaking stamina improved dramatically, allowing him to speak for an hour with less effort than previously required for a 10-minute talk. He reported sleeping seven hours without movement, wearing smaller gloves and shoes, experiencing fewer colds, and having muscles that were "daily hardening." His kidneys, according to him, were "doing their duty nobly."
At the conclusion of his experiment, Little indicated he planned to continue the diet and would report further results. His tailor, however, was reportedly "in despair" over the rapid changes to Little's figure.
Eating Regime
Everyday Meal Structure
The dietary protocol follows a structured daily meal plan. It consists primarily of beef consumption, totaling about 3.25 pounds (approximately 1.5 kg) per day, divided into three meals.
Daily Schedule:
7:00 AM: One pint of hot water
8:30 AM: One pound of beef
11:30 AM: Tea with lemon
1:30 PM: One and a quarter pounds of beef
3:30 PM: Tea
7:00 PM: One pound of protein (beef, chicken, or rabbit)
10:00 PM: One pint of hot water
This regimen includes only meat products with no other food groups. The evening meal offers slight variety by allowing chicken or rabbit as alternatives to beef. Hot water consumption is strategically placed throughout the day to supplement hydration.
Six-Week Program Results
The six-week commitment to this meat-only diet produced notable physical changes. The participant experienced a weight reduction of one stone (approximately 14 pounds or 6.35 kg) and a six-inch decrease in waist circumference.
Health Improvements:
Elimination of hereditary deposits
Resolution of flatulent indigestion
Doubled mental and physical energy
Improved speaking stamina
Consistent seven-hour sleep without interruption
Reduced susceptibility to colds
Increased muscle definition
Enhanced kidney function
These changes occurred rapidly enough to require new clothing in smaller sizes. The participant found the results so satisfactory that he planned to continue the regimen beyond the initial six-week period. The protocol represents a historical predecessor to modern meat-focused dietary approaches.
Physical Health Improvements
Weight and Body Measurement Changes
After six weeks of following Dr. Salisbury's meat and hot water diet, John Fletcher Little experienced significant bodily transformations. He lost one stone (14 pounds) in weight during this period. His waistline decreased considerably, with a reduction of six inches in girth. These changes were so dramatic that his tailor reportedly expressed "despair" at how rapidly his body shape was altering. The physical burden he felt before starting the diet was substantial - he had described the sensation as similar to wearing a coat with "two stone of shots stowed away in the pockets."
Enhanced Physiological Function
Mr. Little reported numerous improvements in his internal bodily functions after adopting the carnivore-style regimen. His "flatulent indigestion" completely disappeared, suggesting improved digestive health. He also noted that his kidneys were functioning optimally, which he described in colorful terms as "doing their duty nobly." Another notable improvement was his enhanced sleep quality - he began sleeping soundly for seven consecutive hours without disturbance. His immune system apparently strengthened as well, as he mentioned losing his "tendency to catch cold."
Muscular Development and Physical Appearance
The six-week meat diet produced noticeable aesthetic and functional changes to Mr. Little's physique. He observed his muscles "hardening daily," indicating increased muscle tone and definition. What he called his "gouty heirlooms" or "hereditary deposits" - presumably referring to fatty deposits or swelling - disappeared entirely. His overall physical capacity increased substantially, with Mr. Little claiming his bodily activity had "doubled." These changes extended to his extremities as well, allowing him to wear smaller-sized gloves and shoes than before. His friends' previous comments about his "undermanic appearance," which had once been "as gall and wormwood" to his soul, were replaced by his own sense of triumph over his physical transformation.
John's Results and Future Dietary Plans
After six weeks on Dr. Salisbury's meat and hot water regimen, John Fletcher Little reported remarkable changes in his physical condition. He lost one stone in weight and reduced his girth by six inches. These physical transformations were so significant that his tailor reportedly struggled to keep up with his changing measurements.
John experienced several unexpected health benefits beyond simple weight loss. The "hereditary deposits" he had previously suffered from disappeared completely. His digestive issues, particularly flatulence and indigestion, vanished entirely. He noted that his muscles were becoming firmer daily.
His overall vitality improved dramatically as well. John claimed his mental and physical energy had doubled, allowing him to speak for a full hour with less effort than a 10-minute talk had required before the diet. His sleep improved to seven uninterrupted hours nightly, and he found himself less susceptible to catching colds.
John's daily routine on the diet was highly structured:
7:00 AM: One pint of hot water
8:30 AM: One pound of beef
11:30 AM: Tea with lemon
1:30 PM: One and a quarter pounds of beef
3:30 PM: Another tea
Evening meal: One pound of chicken or rabbit (his one dietary variation)
10:00 PM: Final pint of hot water
Following these impressive results, John intended to continue Dr. Salisbury's meat-based regimen beyond the initial six-week period. He planned to document his ongoing progress and share additional findings about the diet's long-term effects.
