What does Great-Grandmother have to say about a nutritious diet?
What one eats, may be the single most influential component of health. Many chronic diseases result from the Standard American Diet (SAD) we eat every day. How is that possible? Each cell in our body is made from the food we eat. It’s that old saying, “You are what you eat.” Knowing this, we need to eat a diversity of real, whole foods to ensure we get all the nutrients we need to keep our health running smoothly.
What are the consequences of a poor diet? So many things. Starting with small issues like bloating, rashes and lethargy to big systematic problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and increased risk of cancer. Our bodies are meant to be in a state of homeostasis, and when we aren’t getting the proper amount and diversity of nutrients, our bodies let us know.
So how do we go about implementing a nutrient-dense diet? Look for foods that are as close as possible to how they appear in nature. Or, eat like your Great-Grandmother. Choose foods that our ancestors had access to, and eschew foods that are a modern invention. For example, our ancestors relied on animal protein, fruits and vegetables in season, and traditional fats. They did not eat foods with refined sugar, industrially made oils, factory manufactured foods, artificial colors and flavors and additives and preservatives.
What did Great-Grandmother eat? Organs, ruminant meat such as beef, bison, lamb and venison, poultry and fish which are some of the most nutrient-dense foods you can eat. Why is animal protein so important? Our bodies rely on the amino acids in animal protein to build bone, muscles, cartilage skin and blood, make hormones and enzymes, and is critical for optimal health. On top of that, these animal products have the most bio-available nutrients. Why is that important? The nutrients in these foods are easier for our bodies to breakdown and absorb. B12, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Retinol (form of Vitamin A) Zinc, Potassium, Phosphorus, Iron, and fatty acids EPA and DHA are all available from ruminant animals and their organs. When we don’t eat enough protein, we lack energy, feel un-satiated after meals, have brain fog, and have difficulty maintaining muscle mass.
Great-Grandmother also ate produce in season, getting a variety of nutrients throughout the year. Besides being kinder to the environment, fresh-picked, local produce contains more nutrients than fruits and vegetables that have traveled from far and wide and they taste better. The nutrient density of produce begins to decline the instant they are harvested. Produce from the grocery store may spend as many as five days traveling to you! All that traveling means the fruit was not picked at it’s ripest and may not be as tasty as it could be. Eating seasonally opens one upon to a wide variety of nutrients and flavors that we may not be getting otherwise.
What else can we learn from our Great-Grandmother? Which fats our body really wants and needs. Fats are a primary energy source for out bodies. They help maintain healthy skin and hair, regulate body temperature, support immune function and aid in the absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K. And they make everything taste so good! Where did G.G. get it right? Well, she sure didn’t use man-made fats and oils like canola or margarine. Butter, lard and ruminant tallow were her main fats. Full-fat dairy, duck fat, chicken schmaltz, eggs, and nuts and seeds in season were also on the menu. Despite what you have heard, there are risks to not enough healthy fats and too many industrial, toxic fats. Poor brain function, compromised heart health, hormone imbalances, weight gain and overeating, higher risk of insulin resistance and diabetes, higher risk for depression and anxiety, and gut-related problems.
A nutrient-dense, whole food diet is a one of the most important ways to work on your health. Every cell, every organ, and every organ system in the body rely on the nutrients in our food. To support the body, it is important to consume adequate protein and fat as well as a variety of plants to get the various nutrients that keep us healthy and keep away ill health. If you are interested in learning more about a whole food way of eating, please reach out to Well+Together for more information.
