Animal Products: Why They Remain Central to So Many Diets

 

“Animal products.” I could say that a thousand times just for effect. For all intents and purposes, animal products are foods or goods derived from animals—this includes meat, milk, eggs, and even honey. Vegans, by contrast, are those who choose to abstain from all animal products, often extending that commitment beyond diet to avoid materials like leather or wool.

 

In recent years, there’s been a surge in people claiming life-changing results from diets that are based heavily—or even exclusively—on animal products. Whether it’s the carnivore diet or low-carb, high-fat approaches like keto, the internet is filled with testimonials about improved energy, reduced inflammation, and weight loss.

 

One reason I think these diets resonate with so many is that they’re relatively easy to adopt socially. Animal products are already central to most people’s eating habits. Swapping out bread and pasta for steak and eggs can feel more manageable than giving up animal products altogether, as a vegan diet requires.

 

There’s also something deeper going on when it comes to how animal products feel. I’d argue that meat, dairy, and eggs affect our bodies—and minds—differently than plant-based foods. Even the most advanced plant-based substitutes don’t seem to replicate the same physical experience. Satiety, for example, is one of the most noticeable effects. Animal products often leave people feeling full and satisfied for longer periods, which ties into another key benefit: digestibility.

 

This slower digestion may actually be one of the reasons animal products have remained so prevalent in modern societies. A steady, prolonged release of energy throughout the day aligns well with the structure of our work routines and daily demands. In contrast, fast-digesting, high-carb meals can lead to energy spikes and crashes that are less compatible with a typical 9-to-5 schedule.

 

Of course, none of this is to say that plant-based diets—especially low-fat, high-carb ones—lack therapeutic potential. Many people have found success treating or managing chronic illnesses with whole-food, plant-centered approaches. The body is complex, and different strategies can work for different people.

 

But when we look at why animal products continue to hold such a strong place in our food culture, it’s clear that the way they make us feel—full, grounded, satisfied—is a major part of the story. Taste, calorie density, and tradition also play a role, but the physiological feedback we get from animal foods may be one of their most compelling attributes.