In our modern world, where convenience often trumps health, there’s a growing movement towards reconnecting with the practices of our ancestors, not only what we put in our body, but also what we put on our body. 

The ancestral diet, rooted in traditional eating habits, emphasizes whole, natural foods that our forebears would have consumed. This approach to eating promises a host of health benefits and a deeper connection to our food sources. The lifestyle includes eliminating synthetic and toxic chemicals such as cleaning products and detergents or even the clothing we wear. 

I have written dozens of pieces on health and my journey, and it always comes down to adjusting parts of our lifestyle to be aligned with the ways of our ancestors. I just never have put it all in one place until now. Here’s a closer look at ancestral-style living and why it might be the key to optimal health.

Core Principles of the Ancestral Diet

The ancestral diet is built on the foundation of consuming foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. This means eliminating processed foods and focusing on organic, whole foods. Key components of this diet include:

Grass-Fed, Pasture-Raised Meats: Specifically, a focus on red meat from ruminant animals that are grass-fed and pasture-raised. These meats are richer in essential nutrients and healthy fats compared to conventionally raised livestock. I get a lot of my meat from Force of Nature – click here.

Raw Dairy: Milk, cheese, and other dairy products that are unpasteurized and free from additives. Raw dairy retains more beneficial enzymes and probiotics, supporting gut health and digestion. I also have resorted to making my own coffee 90% of the time at home, because the majority of mass produced coffee has crazy mycotoxins and other garbage in them. I use Fabula Coffee (discount here) espresso – I have tried so many and they are the best clean espresso. Even after reading the piece on raw dairy, if you’re not into it, then I recommend a low-temp pasteurized option such as Kalona Supernatural which you can find at Sprouts or view store locator on their site. Only non-dairy option I think is acceptable is organic coconut milk out of a can. 

Pasture raised eggs: Whole eggs, not just whites, of hens out in the pasture eating food free of GMO corn and soy. A whole egg is a complete food and is incredibly nutrient dense. 

Fruits and Raw Honey: Natural sources of sweetness and essential vitamins. Fruits provide a range of antioxidants, while raw honey offers antimicrobial properties and can support immune health.

Organic White Rice and Real Sourdough Bread: Including these staples provides necessary carbohydrates for energy. Organic white rice is easily digestible, and real sourdough bread, made through traditional fermentation, can be easier on the digestive system.

Certain Vegetables: While vegetables are included, they are consumed in moderation and always highly cooked. This approach reduces potential digestive issues due to the defense chemicals that modern day vegetables develop and increases nutrient bioavailability. There are certain fruits that people think are vegetables which include peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, cucumber, pumpkin and avocado. 

Organ Meats or Desiccated Organ Supplements: Beef organ meats, such as liver, heart, and kidneys, are nutrient-dense superfoods packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Liver, for example, is exceptionally rich in vitamin A, which supports vision, immune function, and skin health. These organ meats are also excellent sources of iron, zinc, and B vitamins, particularly B12, which is crucial for energy production and neurological function. Additionally, they provide high-quality protein and healthy fats, supporting overall bodily functions and muscle maintenance. Incorporating beef organ meats into your diet can enhance nutrient intake and promote optimal health. If you’re like me and can’t handle the texture of organ meats, I recommend taking them in desiccated form – I wrote all about that here and I recommend Ancestral Supplements – use code MEG10 for 10% off. 

Integrating a strategic supplement routine: in addition to desiccated organ supplements, i also integrate clinical collagen as a non-negotiable to my day-to-day. I wrote all about it here and you can get my friends and family discount link here. I also incorporate the modere trebiotic (friends and family discount link here), vitamin E from MitoLife (code MEG for 15% off), and MyoInositol from Wholesome Story linked here (or MEGCONNOLLY for 10% off). 

Need help? I wrote a grocery guide here for review that is a constant work in progress that I continually edit.

The Total Elimination of Seed Oils

And I mean TOTAL elimination. A significant aspect of the ancestral diet is the complete elimination of seed oils, such as canola, soybean, and sunflower oils. These oils, heavily processed and high in omega-6 fatty acids, can contribute to inflammation and various chronic diseases. By removing seed oils, the ancestral diet reduces the risk of inflammatory conditions and supports overall cellular health. I wrote everything you need to know about seed oils here – it is a must read and probably the piece I am most proud of and passionate about. 

Benefits of the Ancestral Diet

Adopting an ancestral diet can lead to numerous health benefits:

1. Improved Nutrient Intake: The focus on organic, whole foods ensures a higher intake of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting overall health and vitality.

2. Enhanced Digestive Health: Raw dairy and fermented foods like real sourdough bread contain probiotics and enzymes that aid digestion and improve gut health.

3. Reduced Inflammation: By eliminating seed oils and processed foods, the ancestral diet can help lower inflammation levels, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders.

4. Sustainable Energy Levels: Organic white rice and other whole-food carbohydrates provide steady, sustainable energy without the blood sugar spikes associated with processed foods.

5. Better Weight Management: The nutrient-dense, satiating foods of the ancestral diet can help regulate appetite and support healthy weight management.

6. Stronger Immune System: The inclusion of nutrient-rich foods like grass-fed meats, raw honey, and organic fruits and colostrum strengthens the immune system, helping the body fend off infections and illnesses.

The ancestral diet is more than just a way of eating—it’s a lifestyle that fosters a deeper connection to our food and our health. By embracing the practices of our ancestors, we can enjoy improved well-being, better digestion, and a reduced risk of chronic disease.

Variables to the diet

There are a lot of variables when discussing an ‘ancestral diet.’ Some people eat the way I mentioned here. Some eat paleo which includes all of the above plus nuts and seeds. Others consider themselves ‘carnivore’ on the carnivore diet, where they do not consume any fruit/veg/carbs whatsoever, only meat/eggs/organs with minimal raw dairy. 

Others consider themselves ‘animal-based‘ where they do not consume any fermented grains, rice or vegetables at all, but they consume grass fed meat, honey, fruit, raw dairy and organs. 

The most extreme is the ‘lion diet‘ coined by Mikhaila Peterson which is a total elimination diet where those who are on it only consumes red meat, real salt and water. This has helped her and many others improve severe autoimmune issues significantly. Many start on the lion diet as a total elimination diet to reintroduce foods to see what gives them a flare up to ensure optimal health with minimal to no symptoms.

However you choose to interpret it is entirely up to you, but they all fall under a similar umbrella and can all mutually agree that seed oils are poison and that 100% grass fed meat is superior. 

Lifestyle Shift: 

Ancestral living encompasses a holistic approach to health and well-being that extends beyond dietary choices, emphasizing natural and traditional practices that align with our evolutionary biology. One key aspect is aligning with the natural circadian rhythm, the internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles and other physiological processes. 

By synchronizing our daily activities with natural light patterns and integrating grounding, we can enhance our sleep quality and overall health. This means getting ample exposure to natural sunlight during the day, especially in the morning, and minimizing exposure to artificial blue light from screens in the evening, which can disrupt melatonin production and hinder restful sleep. A modern solution for this is a grounding mat (GWMEGCONNOLLY for discount), red light therapy, and blue blocker glasses. 

Red light therapy is another practice rooted in ancestral living, harnessing the power of natural light to promote healing and wellness. This therapy involves exposure to low-level red and near-infrared light, which penetrates the skin and stimulates cellular energy production. It has been shown to improve skin health, reduce inflammation, enhance muscle recovery, and even support mental clarity and mood. Incorporating red light therapy into your daily routine can mimic the benefits of natural sunlight, which our ancestors relied on for both physical and mental well-being. I wrote all about it here, and you can find my recommended RLT device here.

In addition to light exposure and sleep hygiene, ancestral living emphasizes the use of natural materials and products in our everyday lives. Opting for clothing made from natural fibers, such as cotton, wool, and linen, can reduce exposure to synthetic chemicals and promote better overall health. These materials are breathable, biodegradable, and often more sustainable compared to synthetic alternatives.

Moreover, using clean soaps and detergents made from natural ingredients helps minimize the introduction of harmful chemicals into our bodies and the environment. Traditional soaps, free from artificial fragrances and harsh detergents, can effectively cleanse while preserving the skin’s natural barrier. My favorite body soaps are linked here (code MEG10) and my favorite laundry detergent/homecare products are linked here (no code necessary, discount should apply at checkout – contact me if it doesn’t). 

Embracing these aspects of ancestral living fosters a deeper connection with nature and our biological heritage. By prioritizing natural light, aligning with our circadian rhythms, wearing natural fibers, and using clean products, we can create a lifestyle that supports holistic health and well-being. This approach not only honors our evolutionary roots but also promotes sustainability and a greater sense of harmony with the natural world.

Faith in a higher power 

Ancestral living often encompasses a deep-rooted faith in a higher power, reflecting the spiritual beliefs and practices of our forebears. This tendency to seek guidance, solace, and strength from God is intertwined with a holistic approach to life. The body we live in is a gift from God, to be treated with utmost respect.

This faith also fosters a sense of community, purpose, and interconnectedness with the world around us. Embracing this spiritual aspect of ancestral living can bring a profound sense of peace and resilience, enriching our modern lives with timeless wisdom and a deeper understanding of our place in the world.

This is more than a health trend

Embracing an ancestral-style lifestyle is more than a health trend; it’s a return to the practices that have sustained humanity for millennia. By integrating nutrient-dense foods, such as grass-fed meats and organ meats (or desiccated organ supplements), and prioritizing whole, organic, and minimally processed ingredients, we honor our biological heritage (the gift of the body that God gave us) and support optimal health. 

Coupled with lifestyle choices like aligning with natural light cycles, using red light therapy, adopting a healthy sleep schedule, and opting for natural fibers and clean products, we create a holistic approach that nurtures both body and mind. 

This journey back to our roots fosters a deeper connection with nature, promotes sustainability, and enhances our overall well-being. Let’s continue to honor the wisdom of our ancestors by living in harmony with the rhythms of life and the world around us, paving the way for a healthier and more balanced future.

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*Not medical advice