Solutions to Some of the Challenges We May Face When Implementing & Maintaining an Ancestral Diet in Our Modern Society

Challenge One - Confusion – What is actually BEST for me?

There are so many different diet / styles / nutritional beliefs and theories.

Solution 1

A)    Keep it simple.

B)    Eat a variety of whole foods, in their closest state to nature, in a rainbow of colours.

C)    Listen to your body – It has its’ own ‘innate intelligence’.  Your body will present signs and symptoms if you consume something that is not beneficial to it at that time.

D)    Keep a food diary to assist in managing and tracking any food intolerances, sensitivities or allergies.

E)    Try an elimination diet to help identify which foods may be causing inflammation and issues.

F)    Track your energy, mood, sleep and bowel habits as an indication of positive change to your bodies response to eating an ancestral diet as compared to other diets (fads, trends) trialled.

G)    If relevant, track your body measurements and weight (even a photo diary) to see and improvements.

H)    Educate yourself about the ancestral diet… the why, when, where, how, who. 

I)      Understand the high nutrient density of ancestral eating.

J)     Gain a knowledge about the minimal presence of toxins and anti-nutrients in ‘paleo’ foods.

Challenge 2 - Preconditioned beliefs

• Red meat causes heart disease
• Low fat, High carbohydrate (Grains - Food Pyramid)
• Media
• School student education

Solution 2

Red Meat

• Eat liberally
• Eat fresh and avoid processed.
• Where possible purchase organic, pasture-raised or grass fed and finished meat.  Get to know your butcher and their suppliers.
• Eat red meat in conjunction with a ‘paleolithic’ style lifestyle. (As listed above plus, integration of physical activity throughout the day, sleeping for at least 7 – 8 hours, spend time outdoors in sunshine, fresh air and nature, find time for pleasure, play and social connection.)

Low fat, Higher Carbohydrate

• Education (Don’t rely on mainstream media – educate yourself on pro’s and con’s to be able to make an informed decision about your nutrition and health.
• No or limited evidence of this style of eating ancestrally.
• Some health problems associated may include: Diabetes & insulin dependence, thyroid issues, inability to lose weight, decreased energy, gastrointestinal disorders, mental fogginess, dysbiosis (The bacteria work by feeding off the foods we eat and their excretions are the very nutrients we survive on – increase in starches and sugars (found in carbohydrates) lead to cravings for more of the same, increase in acid within the body which leads to physiological and psychological health issues).

Mainstream media

• Listen to podcasts, E-books, alternative news. 

School Student Education

• Create school gardens and kitchens
• Fun & nutritious cooking classes
• Taste tester days
• Tuckshop overhauls
• The Australian Curriculum –

“Yr 5 & 6 Content Descriptors

Investigate the role of preventative health in promoting and maintaining health, safety and wellbeing for individuals and their communities."   “Consider: Nutrition, Physical Activity and creating connections with others to enhance social health.”

(The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority [ACARA] (2017), ACPPS058)

• Students could complete comparative studies on their own, or their families, health and wellbeing.   They could report on their current model of nutrition and lifestyle and the physical, emotional & mental effects on themselves and their family and then make the change to ancestral nutrition and lifestyle.  Compare and contrast.
• The key is actually ‘making the changes’ yourself to feel the differences rather than just talking about it.

 
Challenge 3 - How or where do I find quality and fresh food sources?

Solution 3

• Local Farmers markets (Food is usually recently / freshly picked and has not travelled long distances or been \ stored).
• Choice of organic, spray free or standard produce (Refer to the ‘Dirty Dozen and Clean 15’ list to be aware of the fruit and vegetables listed as highly sprayed with pesticides and those with minimal exposure).
• Purchase, where possible; organic, pasture-raised or grass fed and finished meat. Get to know your butcher and their suppliers.
• Where possible, buy nuts in their shells to reduce rancidity.
• Buy whole foods, as close to the way nature intended, as possible.
• Grow your own backyard vegetable garden and fruit trees.

Challenge 4 - How do I deal with cravings and addictions?

Solution 4

• Help your body to re-set by completing a detoxification.
• Start eating REAL FOOD, in its’ natural state and your taste buds will begin to change and adapt.  As your body becomes more nourished it craves less.
• Work on improving your gut health: (bone broths, gelatin, warm, nourishing, slow cooked foods, a good probiotic, good fats etc.)
• Explore at your mindset – E.g. When you are craving something, STOP, breathe and consider WHY you are craving this item.  Identify a feeling/emotion and sit with it. Is boredom a problem?
• Replace the craving with an action -  E.g. Do something else for 30 minutes and then see how you are feeling.
• Eat a diet rich in healthy fats.  Fats are satiating.
• Avoid packaged and processed foods - Hidden salts and sugars combined with unhealthy fats and high carbohydrates are a trigger for the brains reward centre, therefore increasing cravings.

Challenge 5 - Fresh food is expensive!

Solution 5

• Health prevention is better and less expensive than cure.
• Buy beasts in bulk and freeze – Eating nose to tail is not only nutritious, also saves money in the long run.
• Buy bulk and share with family, friends and neighbours.
• Purchase fresh produce through a co-op.  E.g. Organic Food Share (Gold Coast)
• Plan your meals and shopping list in advance, therefore less wastage.

Changing your dietary approach to a more ancestral or paleolithic style of eating and living does not have to be a complicated process… in fact it is quite simple because the foods you are choosing to purchase and put onto your plate, most of the time, will be real, whole foods… no food labels to decipher, no nasty additives, minimal packaging, just fresher, more nutritious eating.

If you would like individualised guidance on the best food choices for your body, your health and your wellness goals book an Initial Wellness Consultation with Kerrin.

References:

1.     Chris Kresser (2013).  Your Personal Paleo Diet.  Feel and look great by eating foods that are ideal for your body.  Piatkus, Great Britian. ISBN: 978-0-349-40202-4. https://chriskresser.com/discover-your-own-ideal-diet-with-the-personal-paleo-code/

2.     The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority [ACARA] (2017), ACPPS058

3.     Deborah Murtagh.  The Ketogenic Switch.  The only diet you’ll ever need.