Starting the carnivore diet can be empowering, energising, and healing—but what about the real world? What happens when you're invited to a birthday dinner, heading away for a long weekend, or trying to feed a family with mixed dietary needs?
The truth is, staying carnivore isn’t just possible in social settings and travel—it can be simple and satisfying when you plan ahead and stay grounded in your goals.
Here’s how New Zealanders are staying on track without sacrificing their lifestyle, relationships, or love of good food.
Social Situations: Dining Out and Events
Restaurants, cafes, and BBQs can be carnivore-friendly—if you know what to ask for.
Tips for Eating Out:
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Go for grilled meat options—choose steak, lamb chops, burgers (minus the bun), or grilled chicken.
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Ask for no sauces or marinades—these often contain sugar, soy, or seed oils.
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Double up on meat—skip the sides and ask for an extra protein portion.
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BYO condiments or fat—carry a small jar of butter to add to lean meats & Gevity Bone Broth Sauce to add flavour.
Many New Zealand restaurants are already familiar with “low-carb” or “keto” requests, so saying “just meat, no sides” is usually well received.
Hosting & Family Meals
Whether it’s a Sunday roast or shared lunch at the marae, it’s possible to honour your goals while participating fully in shared meals.
What Works:
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Offer to bring the protein: a platter of slow-cooked brisket or crispy pork belly is always welcome.
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Focus on inclusion, not explanation. You don’t need to justify your food choices—just eat what serves you.
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Keep your own sides: pack carnivore-friendly Pork & Brisket Bacon, beef patties, or boiled eggs as part of your plate.
For Family Life:
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Make the main protein the star. Add non-carnivore sides for others if needed, but keep your plate focused on meat and fat.
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If your kids are eating differently, keep high-quality snacks around like Bite Meat Biltong or Chief Nutrition Beef Bars to keep your meals stress-free.
Travel: Staying Carnivore on the Road
Road trips, domestic flights, or overnight stays don’t need to throw you off.
NZ Travel Essentials:
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Chief Nutrition Beef Bars – lightweight, filling, and shelf-stable.
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Bootleg Jerky or Bite Meat Biltong – savoury snacks to tide you over between meals.
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Sodii Everyday Hydration Salts – perfect for staying balanced during long travel days.
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Gevity Bone Broth – just add hot water at your hotel or thermos stop.
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Pack your own tallow or lard in a reusable container for self-catering or Airbnb stays.
Handling Questions (Without the Pressure)
You're likely to get asked, "Why just meat?" or “Aren’t you missing out?”
Here are some simple, calm responses:
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“I feel better this way.”
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“I’m trialling a way of eating that works for my digestion and energy.”
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“I eat what makes me feel my best—and this is it right now.”
You’re not there to debate nutrition—you’re there to enjoy company, stay well, and lead by quiet example.
Crate Picks That Make Life Easier
Here are our favourite products from The Carnivore Crate for on-the-go carnivores:
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Ultimate Snack Crate – jerky, biltong, crackling, and bars for life on the move.
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Chicken & Pork Cracking - perfect for crunch on the go.
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Chief Beef Bars – meaty and filling.
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Sodii Hydration Salt Sachets – easy to toss in your bag for weekend trips or long drives.
The Bottom Line
The carnivore lifestyle isn’t restrictive—it’s liberating. With a little preparation and confidence, you can stick to your goals without missing out on shared meals, road trips, or celebrations.
Choose nourishment that supports your energy, clarity, and strength—and carry it with you, wherever life takes you.
Ready to Stay Carnivore, Wherever You Go?
Browse our collection of on-the-go snacks, cooking essentials, and NZ-raised meat boxes at:
