Traditional Foods Diet

The Traditional Foods Diet is a nutritional approach that emphasizes eating whole, unprocessed foods prepared using time-honored methods that have sustained human populations for thousands of years. Based largely on the research of Dr. Weston A. Price and popularized by the Weston A. Price Foundation, this diet focuses on nutrient-dense foods that our ancestors ate before the industrialization of the food system. Core principles include consuming properly prepared whole grains (soaked, sprouted, or fermented), grass-fed and pasture-raised animal products, raw or cultured dairy from healthy animals, traditional fats like butter and lard, bone broths, fermented vegetables, and organ meats. The diet emphasizes food quality and preparation methods that maximize nutrient bioavailability and digestibility. Foods included in the Traditional Foods Diet are organic vegetables and fruits, grass-fed meats and organ meats, wild-caught fish and seafood, pasture-raised eggs, full-fat raw or cultured dairy products, properly prepared legumes and grains (soaked or fermented), traditional fats (butter, ghee, lard, tallow, coconut oil), bone broths, lacto-fermented foods (sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, kombucha), nuts and seeds (preferably soaked or sprouted), and natural sweeteners in moderation (raw honey, maple syrup). Foods strictly excluded include refined sugars and flour, industrial seed oils (canola, soybean, corn oil), processed foods with additives and preservatives, conventionally raised meats and dairy, pasteurized and homogenized low-fat dairy, soy products (except traditionally fermented), and any food containing artificial ingredients or trans fats. The Traditional Foods Diet addresses numerous health conditions including digestive disorders (IBS, leaky gut, dysbiosis), autoimmune conditions, chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalances, fertility issues, dental health problems, metabolic syndrome, and nutrient deficiencies. The emphasis on fermented foods supports gut health and may benefit those with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and other inflammatory bowel conditions. The high nutrient density and absence of processed foods can help manage diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. The diet's focus on fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) from animal sources supports bone health, immune function, and hormone production. Scientific support comes from anthropological research, studies on the gut microbiome showing benefits of fermented foods, research on the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids from grass-fed animals, and evidence that traditional preparation methods reduce anti-nutrients in grains and legumes. This diet is particularly beneficial for individuals with digestive issues, those recovering from chronic illness, pregnant and nursing women seeking optimal nutrition, children in their developmental years, people with autoimmune conditions, those with dental problems or cavity-prone teeth, individuals seeking to improve fertility, and anyone wanting to return to a more ancestral way of eating. It's also ideal for people who value food quality and are willing to invest time in food preparation, sourcing high-quality ingredients, and learning traditional cooking methods. Those with access to farmers' markets, local farms, and quality food sources will find this diet most practical and affordable to maintain.