Have you ever wondered how our ancestors ate and lived? What can we learn from their health habits and nutrition? We sat down with Steph Lowe, The Natural Nutritionist & Cell Squared’s nutrition expert, to share some insights from the ancestral eating movement, which advocates for the foods that humans evolved to eat.

Steph told us “The ancestral eating movement is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Rather, it is a framework that helps us understand how our genes interact with our environment, and how we can optimise our health by aligning our diet and lifestyle with our evolutionary heritage. Some of the principles of ancestral eating are:

– Eating whole, unprocessed foods that are nutrient-dense and anti-inflammatory

– Taking a ‘nose to tail’ approach when it comes to meat. One of nature’s most powerful superfoods is in fact liver, due to its high amounts of vitamin B12, vitamin A, iron, folate, and more. For those who are squeamish or often on the move, I like to keep a bottle of Cell Squared Organic Beef Liver capsules on hand. This gives me a daily dose of fresh, freeze-dried organ goodness, that I know I can trust.

– Avoiding foods that are highly refined, processed, or genetically modified

– Emphasising animal foods that are grass-fed, pasture-raised, wild-caught, or organic

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– Including a variety of plant foods that are seasonal, local, and organic

– Balancing macronutrients (protein, fat, and carbohydrates) according to individual needs and goals

– Incorporating a conservative approach to intermittent fasting to mimic the natural cycles of feast and famine

– Avoiding industrial seed oils such as canola, vegetable, sunflower and margarine

– Practicing mindful eating and enjoying food as a source of nourishment

By following these principles, we can reap the benefits of ancestral eating, such as:

– Improved digestion and gut health

– Enhanced immune system and reduced inflammation

– Increased energy and mental clarity

– Better blood sugar regulation and metabolic health

– Optimal body composition and weight management

– Prevention and reversal of chronic diseases

Ancestral eating is not only about food. It is also about adopting a holistic lifestyle that supports our well-being on all levels: physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual. Some of the ancestral health habits we should be re-visiting are:

– Getting enough sleep and following a natural circadian rhythm

– Moving our bodies in diverse and functional ways

– Spending time outdoors and getting adequate, yet safe sun exposure

– Breathing deeply and managing stress effectively

– Connecting with ourselves, others, and nature

– Having a sense of purpose and meaning in life

This way of life is not a fad or a trend. It is a way of living that honours our past, respects our present, and shapes our future, a way of reconnecting with our roots and reclaiming our health. What’s your favourite ancestral way of living?

By Steph Lowe

About Steph

Steph Lowe is a mother, Nutritionist, yogi and founder of The Natural Nutritionist, a hub for celebrating the importance of real food, who specialises in low iron, low thyroid, periods and perimenopause.

With a passion for spreading a positive message about real food and the incredible affect it has on health, fertility and longevity, Steph launched The Natural Nutritionist in 2011 and is on a mission to inspire others to make health a priority in their lives.

Along with running The Natural Nutritionist, Steph hosts the podcast, Health, Happiness & Human Kind, and is a passionate mentor to many newly graduated Nutritionists and Integrative Nutrition Health Coaches.