Joe Rogan is known for setting a great example of staying healthy and fit, even at the age of 56. The former martial artist and current UFC color commentator boasts an impressive physique and good health. While some stars like Nate Diaz choose a vegan diet, Rogan has embraced the carnivore diet, which is popular in the bodybuilding community but not as common in the MMA world.
Rogan’s dietary choice caught the attention of PhD exercise scientist Dr. Mike Israetel, who is known for his bold takes on exercise and lifestyle. Israetel shared his opinion on the podcaster’s carnivore diet, highlighting both the advantages and drawbacks.
Israetel acknowledged that the carnivore diet can help maintain stable energy levels. However, he also stated that “carbohydrates are the undisputed forever king of performance and nutrition.” The exercise scientist, who is also a bodybuilder, claimed that in a sport like MMA, which demands high-intensity effort and focus, carbohydrates are crucial and cannot be replaced by the carnivore diet.
“Doing whatever it is you do that takes a lot of high-intensity effort and focus and a huge physical demand, there is no replacing carbs,” Israetel said in his video. He further explained that the carnivore diet may hold back an individual’s full potential for energy, as carbohydrates are the “king of nutrients” for optimal performance.
While Rogan has been a long-time advocate of the carnivore diet, he has also admitted to his love for processed food, including his favorite, pasta. The podcaster acknowledged that the carnivore diet has made it harder for him to resist these temptations, as he sometimes finds himself indulging in pasta after feeling full from a steak.
Despite his impressive physique, Rogan’s choice of diet has raised concerns from the exercise scientist, who suggests that the podcaster should consider incorporating more carbohydrates into his regimen to maximize his performance and energy levels.
