The Carnivore Queen’s Guide to Why Salmon is Perfect for Keto and Carnivore Diets
When you’re following a restrictive diet like keto or carnivore, finding satisfying foods while supporting your health goals can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. You want nutrient-dense options that won’t derail your progress, but you also crave variety and flavor. Many people following these diets struggle with cholesterol concerns, limited protein sources, and the constant question: “Can I really eat this?”
Enter salmon. It’s a nutritional powerhouse that checks every box for low-carb, high-fat lifestyles. Rich in healthy fats, packed with protein, and surprisingly versatile, salmon has become the go-to choice for many health-conscious dieters. But don’t just take our word for it.
Meet Gigi Eats, known to her nearly 390,000 Instagram followers as “The Salmon Queen.” After facing early and severe health issues, Gigi recently shared on the MOWI podcast how she discovered the carnivore diet and hasn’t looked back.
Her secret weapon? An impressive 14 pounds of salmon every single week. Through her journey, she’s become an expert at selecting quality fish, creating delicious recipes, and proving that salmon isn’t just compatible with restrictive diets, it’s the perfect centerpiece.
Can I Have Salmon on a Carnivore Diet? The Science Says Yes
If you’re wondering, “Can I have salmon on a carnivore diet?” the answer is a resounding yes. The carnivore diet focuses exclusively on animal products, cutting out all fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. This means your plate consists entirely of limited amounts of meat, fish, and other animal-derived foods like eggs and dairy.
Salmon fits into this framework as a pure animal protein source. Unlike many restrictive diets that leave you feeling deprived, the carnivore approach with salmon can leave you feeling satisfied and energized. The diet works by forcing your body to burn fat for energy instead of carbohydrates, and salmon’s high fat content supports this eating plan.
In Gigi’s case, severe health issues led her to experiment with the carnivore lifestyle, and salmon became her foundation food. “I thrive on it,” she explains, crediting her salmon-heavy diet with dramatic health improvements. When someone successfully maintains this eating pattern while consuming 14 pounds of salmon weekly, it’s clear that not only is salmon allowed, it’s ideal.
The carnivore diet can help with weight management and blood sugar control, and may reduce inflammation, though it’s pretty restrictive and doesn’t align with standard dietary guidelines. For those who find success with this approach, salmon provides essential nutrients that might be harder to obtain from other animal proteins alone.
Salmon as a Low-Cholesterol Fish
One of the biggest concerns people have when increasing their fish intake is cholesterol levels. Fortunately, salmon is considered a low-cholesterol fish that can support heart health rather than harm it. While salmon does contain some cholesterol, it’s relatively low compared to other animal proteins, and the benefits far outweigh any concerns.
Essential, Healthy Fatty Acids
The real star of salmon’s nutritional profile is its omega-3 fatty acid content. These essential fats, particularly EPA and DHA, can help lower “bad” cholesterol levels while supporting cardiovascular health. Research shows that regular fish consumption, especially fatty fish like salmon, is linked to reduced risk of heart disease and stroke.
Don’t Throw Out the Salmon Belly
Salmon belly, which Gigi particularly loves for its rich fat content, contains concentrated amounts of these beneficial omega-3s. These fats promote satiety, which can help with weight management, a key factor in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. The fat content in salmon belly helps you feel full longer, potentially reducing overall calorie intake throughout the day.
The Advantages of Farm-Raised Salmon
This is where Gigi’s preference for farm-raised salmon becomes particularly interesting. The controlled feeding environment of modern farm-raised salmon means you can research exactly what the fish consume. “I always look up the company that raised my salmon,” Gigi explains, emphasizing the importance of knowing your source. This transparency allows you to make informed decisions about the quality and safety of your protein source.
The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon also support brain health and may help reduce inflammation. These anti-inflammatory properties can be especially valuable for people following restrictive diets in supporting overall wellness.
Selecting Quality Salmon: Gigi’s Expert Tips
After eating 14 pounds of salmon weekly, Gigi has developed an expert eye for quality. Her selection process goes beyond just grabbing any package from the seafood counter. “I often ask the fishmonger at the market to bring out the box,” she shares, demonstrating her commitment to understanding exactly what she’s purchasing.
When selecting salmon, look for fillets with a bright color. This indicates freshness and proper handling. Gigi particularly seeks out “fillets with belly on it,” referring to the thinnest part of the fillet that contains the most delicious fat. This fatty portion isn’t just about taste; it’s nutritionally dense and perfect for keto and carnivore dieters who need healthy fats.
Timing is crucial when buying salmon. Purchase your fish well in advance of the sell-by date to ensure maximum freshness. Avoid any packaging that appears watery or has bubbles, as this can indicate temperature fluctuations or poor handling. Perhaps most importantly, trust your nose and avoid any packaging with a fishy smell, which suggests the salmon is past its prime.
Gigi’s meal prep strategy involves buying fresh salmon and freezing it immediately, allowing her to enjoy high-quality fish throughout the month. This approach ensures she always has salmon available and can buy in bulk when she finds excellent quality fish.
Keto Recipes with Salmon: From Air-Fried to Buffalo Style
For those following carnivore or ketogenic diets, salmon is versatile. The keto diet emphasizes high-fat, low-carb foods, and salmon delivers exactly that profile. With zero carbohydrates and abundant healthy fats, salmon helps maintain ketosis while providing complete protein and essential nutrients.
Explore Cooking Methods
Gigi’s cooking methods focus on preserving and celebrating salmon’s natural fat content. She avoids grilling because she “wants to eat all the fat” and prefers methods that keep those beneficial oils in the pan. Her go-to techniques include air-frying (even from frozen) and pan-frying, which create delicious results without sacrificing nutritional value.
Experiment With Flavors
One of her most surprising recommendations? Cinnamon or pumpkin spice on salmon. “It’s mind-blowing,” she claims, encouraging her followers to experiment beyond traditional seasonings. This creativity keeps meals interesting and prevents the diet boredom that derails many people.
Gigi’s Favorites
For a simple keto-friendly preparation, try Gigi’s buffalo salmon approach. Pan-sear your salmon fillet skin-side down to achieve that crispy texture she loves, then brush with sugar-free buffalo sauce. The combination of spicy flavors with rich salmon fat creates a satisfying meal that fits perfectly into ketogenic macros.
Her air-frying technique works exceptionally well for meal prep. Cook salmon fillets straight from frozen, seasoned simply with salt and your favorite herbs. The high-fat content of salmon prevents it from drying out, even when cooked from frozen, making it incredibly convenient for busy schedules.
MOWI’s Commitment to Quality
Gigi’s emphasis on researching salmon sources aligns perfectly with MOWI’s transparent approach to salmon farming. With operations across seven distinct origins and a commitment to sustainable practices, MOWI provides the traceability and quality assurance that informed consumers like Gigi demand.
When you’re building your health around a limited number of food sources, knowing exactly where it comes from is essential.
References
https://decodingseafoodbymowi.us/podcast-episode/reigning-with-the-salmon-queen-genevieve-ashworth
https://my.klarity.health/benefits-of-including-salmon-belly-for-weight-management/
https://medlineplus.gov/howtolowercholesterolwithdiet.html
https://www.webmd.com/diet/carnivore-diet
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ketogenic-diet-foods
