Page 68 - Spring2010

Growing Wise Kids

MODERNIZING yOUR DIET WITH TRADITIONAL FOODS
A New Twist on Our Ideas About Health, Food and Nutrition
By Jen Allbritton, CN

Note to Wise Traditions readers: The intention that provide the cells of our bodies with the
of this article is to provide a resource for those necessary fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and
who are more experienced with traditional foods phytonutrients needed for vibrant health. This
By to share with friends, colleagues and family state of well-being is characterized by a quiet and
taking the members who may be dabbling with thoughts of strong digestive system, superior brain function,

right steps, a traditional foods lifestyle but have trouble see- blissful sleep, sturdy bones, calm mind and an
ing the big picture and a practical starting point. immune function that prevents infection.
the process of Yet, even the idea of making these traditional
transitioning When you think of traditional foods, what foods a reality day in and day out in your family

yourself and pictures come to mind? Little children running life can seem overwhelming, especially to those
around a homestead pulling eggs from under dependent on the ease of processed foods or
your family to chickens as in Little House on the Prairie? limited by tight schedules.
a more Grandma skillfully rolling out pie crusts made But by taking the right steps, the process
nourishing with lard? Or perhaps the booths at the local of transitioning yourself and your family to a
farmers’ market bursting with the colors of the more nourishing way of life can be easier than
way of life spring harvest? you imagine. This piece is a starting point—a

can be Simply put, traditional foods are those priority list, if you will—of actions that will ease
easier than in their most natural state, unadulterated and your family into nutritional shape, at your own
unrefined. It is these real, whole, nourishing individual pace.
you imagine. foods enjoyed for generation upon generation

TEN DIETARy RULES

Here are ten dietary habits practiced among healthy non-industrialized peoples. The cultures consumed different
specific foods, but the patterns among these different peoples were easy to identify.
All traditional cultures . . .

1. Consume some sort of animal protein, including organ meats and fat, every day.
2. Consume foods that contain very high levels of minerals and fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin K
2
found in seafood, organ meats and animal fats).
3. Consume some foods with a high enzyme and probiotic content.
4. Consume seeds, grains, and nuts that are soaked, sprouted, fermented, or naturally leavened in order to neutralize a
portion of the naturally occurring anti-nutrients in these foods.
5. Consume plenty of natural fats but no industrial liquid or hardened (partially hydrogenated) oils.
7. Consume natural, unrefined salt.
8. Consume animal bones, usually in the form of gelatin-rich bone broths.
9. Provide extra nutrition for parents-to-be, pregnant women, breastfeeding women and growing children, to ensure the
health of the next generation.
10. Do not consume refined or processed foods, including white flour, refined sweeteners, pasteurized and lowfat milk
products, protein powders, industrial fats and oils and chemical additives.

68 Wise Traditions SPRING 2010