First and foremost, our foods and dietary intake should supply the nutrition we require. This is fact based and was true about 100 years ago when farming was organic and the plants were not modified genetically. There is good evidence that primitive peoples who consumed local indigenous foods generally enjoyed good health and physical development.
In the 1930’s, Dr. Weston A Price, a mid-Western dentist, undertook to study the dietary habits of indigenous populations throughout the world. His study, although largely ignored, provided conclusive evidence of the advantages of whole food indigenous diets and the challenges of introducing the processed foods of the Western diet. In the course of his work, he created some dietary and lifestyle guidelines that are even more relevant today.
Here are the 20 principles that can improve your health:
1. Eat whole, natural foods.
2. Eat only foods that will spoil; eat them before they do.
3. Eat naturally-raised meat including fish, seafood, poultry, beef, lamb, game, organ meats and eggs.
4. Eat whole, naturally-produced milk products from pasture-fed cows, preferably raw and fermented, such as yogurt, cultured butter, whole cheeses and fresh and sour cream.
5. Use only traditional fats and oils including butter and other animal fats, extra virgin olive oil, expeller pressed sesame and flax oil and the tropical oils – coconut and palm.
6. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, preferably organic, in salads and soups or lightly steamed.
7. Use whole grains and nuts that have been prepared by soaking, sprouting, or sour leavening to neutralize phytic acid and other anti-nutrients.
8. Include enzyme-enhanced lacto-fermented vegetables, fruits, beverages and condiments in your diet on a regular basis.
9. Prepare homemade meat stocks from the bones of chicken, beef, lamb or fish and use liberally in soups and sauces.
10. Use herb teas and coffee substitutes in moderation.
11. Use filtered water for cooking and drinking.
12. Use unrefined Celtic sea salt and a variety of herbs and spices for food interest and appetite stimulation.
13. Make your own salad dressing using raw vinegar, extra virgin olive oil and expeller pressed flax oil.
14. Use natural sweeteners in moderation, such as raw honey, maple syrup, dehydrated cane sugar juice and stevia powder.
15. Use only unpasteurized wine or beer in strict moderation with meals.
16. Cook only in stainless steel, cast iron, glass or good quality enamel.
17. Use only natural supplements.
18. Get plenty of sleep, exercise and minimize stress.
19. Think positive thoughts and minimize stress.
20. Practice forgiveness.
This is good wisdom for current times. The more these guidelines are practiced, the faster our bodies can heal, regain full strength and enjoy a long life of “Vibrant Health”. The way to shift one’s lifestyle to embrace all of these guidelines is to start with a few at a time. Our typical fashion is to try to do everything at once. This is a set-up for failure and disappointment for many. I recommend setting a priority to fully integrate four to five of these points for 21 days, then, choose four to five more and so on. Practice each one until it becomes a “way of life” before integrating more. Success happens over time in every endeavor. Stay the course and create a life of “Amazing Success”.
For more information on Weston Price, go to www.WestonAPrice.org