Today on the blog, I wanted to talk to you guys about some recent changes we have been making in our diet. I am going to be diving in (with resources, of course) and discussing why we are now eating a traditional, nose-to-tail food diet.
What does it mean to eat traditional, whole foods?
In today’s society, “health” has become a buzzword. Yet, it seems like no one knows what it means to actually be healthy. I mean, I see so. many. fitness influencers selling their “healthy” diets and supplements, yet turn around and share about their bloating, missed periods, and constipation..which tells me that something isn’t adding up..
Insert: Ali Miller, Becca Bristow, and Lily Nichols.
Three ladies whose websites, podcasts, and youtube channels I happened to stumble upon a few years ago. They are Registered Dietitians* who advocate for real, whole food diets.
*I am very picky with who I trust when it comes to information on the internet. I felt that I was able to trust these women because they are Registered Dietitians- meaning they hold a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and have the proper credentials to give out information.
Traditional, Whole Food Diet
A traditional, whole food diet is composed of:
- nutrient-dense, unprocessed foods
- organic or homegrown veggies, fruits, etc.
- raw and/or whole dairy
- pasture-raised meats & eggs (nose-to-tail, see below)
- wild caught fish
- animal fats
- traditional oils & sweeteners
- organic whole grains
- filtered water
Why eat a traditional diet?
There have been many studies showing that people who eat a traditional, whole food diet are overall healthier than those who eat standard American diets. Weston A. Price was a dentist in the 1930s who went to various parts of the globe to study the health of populations regarding good dental health. He found “that beautiful straight teeth, freedom from decay, good physiques, resistance to disease and fine characters were typical of native groups on their traditional diets, rich in essential nutrients” (Weston A. Price Foundation, 2023).
We follow most of his dietary principles and guidelines found here.
What does Nose-to-Tail mean?
Nose-to-Tail simply means eating all the parts of the animal such as the kidneys, liver, heart, fat, and also using the bones to make bone broth. Animal organs are some of the most nutrient dense cuts, especially liver. It contains all the B vitamins as well as vitamins A, D, E, and K, and minerals such as iron, phosphorus, chromium, zinc, copper, and magnesium. Western diets typically don’t include the off-cuts and organ meats that traditional, ancestral diets do.
Recommended Resources
Podcasts:
Youtube Channels:
Instagram Accounts/Blogs:
Books:
- Real Food for Pregnancy by Lily Nichols RDN– good advice even if you are not pregnant!
