Many people are interested in eating a paleo diet . Eating the way our wild ancestors ate.
What does this actually look like in reality?
Hunter-gatherer societies have been around for tens of thousands of years, and during that time, humans evolved to be well-adapted to their environment. This included developing various physical and mental characteristics that allowed them to thrive in their natural habitats. Today, many people are interested in learning about hunter-gatherer health and how it can be applied to modern life. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the key aspects of hunter-gatherer health and how you can incorporate them into your own life.
- Diet
One of the most important aspects of hunter-gatherer health is diet. Hunter-gatherers ate a wide variety of foods, including meat, fish, nuts, berries, fruits, and vegetables. They did not eat processed or refined foods and did not consume large amounts of sugar or grains. Instead, they relied on whole, nutrient-dense foods that were available in their environment.
To incorporate this into your own diet, focus on eating a variety of whole foods that are minimally processed. This could include grass-fed meat, wild-caught fish, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid processed foods, refined sugars, and grains as much as possible.
- Movement
Hunter-gatherers were highly active, as they spent their days hunting, gathering, and moving around their environment. They did not have sedentary jobs or spend hours sitting in front of screens. Instead, they walked, ran, climbed, and engaged in other forms of physical activity on a daily basis.
To incorporate this into your own life, focus on moving more throughout the day. This could include going for walks, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or engaging in a regular exercise routine that includes both cardiovascular and strength-training activities.
- Sleep
Hunter-gatherers typically had regular sleep patterns, as they were attuned to the natural cycles of light and dark. They did not have artificial lighting or electronics that disrupted their sleep patterns. Instead, they went to bed when it got dark and woke up when it got light.
To incorporate this into your own life, focus on creating a sleep-friendly environment that is free from electronic distractions. Aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep per night and establish a regular sleep routine that allows your body to adjust to natural sleep cycles.
- Stress Reduction
Hunter-gatherers did not experience the chronic stress that many modern humans face on a daily basis. They were not constantly connected to technology or bombarded with information and stimuli. Instead, they lived in small, tight-knit communities and had a strong connection to nature.
To incorporate this into your own life, focus on reducing sources of stress and finding ways to connect with nature. This could include spending time outside, engaging in mindfulness or meditation practices, or cultivating strong social connections with friends and family.
- Connection
Hunter-gatherers lived in tight-knit communities and had strong social connections with others. They relied on each other for survival and support, which created a sense of belonging and purpose.
To incorporate this into your own life, focus on building and maintaining strong social connections with others. This could include joining a community group, volunteering, or engaging in activities that allow you to connect with others who share your interests.
By incorporating these key aspects of hunter-gatherer health into your own life, you can improve your overall health and well-being. In terms of a hunter gatherer diet, focus on eating whole, nutrient-dense foods. Aim to be moving more throughout the day, getting enough sleep, reducing sources of stress, and building strong social connections with others too. By doing so, you’ll be able to live a healthier, more fulfilling life that is aligned with our evolutionary past.
Here at Fauna our aim is help bring ancient foods to modern people with our Thrive Meat Boxes. In the UK, this means making the most of our abundant wild venison – a nutrient dense source of protein.
