A mother is feeding her children a daily diet of bacon, burgers, and butter, claiming it is essential to 'prepare for World War Three' and urging other parents to adopt the same approach. Courtney Luna, aged 41, spends approximately $400 (£300) per week on meat for her family of four, as part of a carnivore diet that excludes all plant-based foods.
From Weight Loss to War Preparedness
Courtney initially adopted the carnivore diet to lose weight, successfully shedding 55 pounds in less than a year. However, she has since shifted her focus to using the diet as a survival strategy. She argues that in a crisis where food supplies are limited, nutrient-dense animal products are crucial for maintaining strength and health.
"Meat, eggs, and animal fats are some of the most nutrient-dense foods available," Courtney explained. "In a situation where food is limited, you want the most nutrition per bite; not empty calories. Having a freezer stocked with cuts of beef and simple meals are key. It doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective."
A Typical Day on the Carnivore Diet
For Courtney and her family, daily meals consist of steak, eggs, burgers, and chicken wings. Snacks include pork rinds, salami, or cheese, though she avoids organ meats due to taste preferences. She emphasises that the diet can be affordable, costing around $5 per person per day with items like ground beef and eggs.
Courtney also recommends stocking up on shelf-stable items such as pemmican, meat sticks, jerky, and protein powders for emergencies. "You can also prepare meats and eggs to be canned and have your own pantry of meat-based items in case of loss of power," she added.
Extending the Diet to Lifestyle
The carnivore approach even influences her skincare routine, where she uses beef tallow as a moisturiser. In a recent shopping trip to Costco, she purchased salmon, rotisserie chicken, eggs, steaks, ground beef, and various cheeses, totalling $240 (£179), though she expressed dissatisfaction with chicken broth containing vegetables.
Public Reaction and Criticism
Online comments have been mixed, with some users expressing concern over the health implications. One person remarked, "The adults that didn’t grow out of their hating vegetables phase," while another added, "I know your heart is screaming. This can’t be good for your heart AT ALL." Others questioned the legitimacy of the approach, with one user stating, "I genuinely can’t tell if this is satire."
Critics also raised issues about the children's lack of vegetable consumption. Courtney defended her stance, saying, "In a situation where food is limited, the goal isn’t just to eat – it’s to stay strong. Prioritising animal-based nutrition is the difference between thriving and surviving."
Long-Term Health Claims
Courtney argues that the diet promotes stable energy, proper growth, and a healthier relationship with food for children. "We’ve been taught to fear red meat; but in a survival scenario, it’s the exact food you’d want most," she said. "Starting kids on a whole-food animal-based diet sets the foundation for stable energy, proper growth and a healthier relationship with food. You’re giving them real nutrition instead of ultra-processed habits they have to undo later."
Despite the controversy, Courtney maintains that her family spends less money overall by avoiding snacks and perishable items like salad greens that often go to waste.
