Introduction
Many people have been misled about what constitutes a proper human diet, leading to frustration and feelings of helplessness. There is conflicting information and individual variability when it comes to diet, but doing research and understanding the basic principles of a proper human diet can help.
Honoring these principles can lead to improvements in a variety of health markers and help individuals achieve their weight loss goals.
Key Principles of a Proper Human Diet
Ancestrally Appropriate Foods
A proper human diet is based on paleoanthropological data and should consist of foods that our ancestors consumed.
For 99.99% of our time on this planet, humans never ate sugar, grains, or vegetable seed oils, so a proper human diet should prioritize nutrient-dense, ancestrally appropriate, and noninflammatory food.
Nutrient Density
A proper human diet should focus on essential nutrients like amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Optimal health requires eating nutrient-dense, ancestrally appropriate, and noninflammatory food that has all the necessary vitamins and minerals.
Carbohydrate Intake
A proper human diet is generally lower in carbohydrates and may need to be adjusted based on individual physiology.
Gradual transition to low carb and focusing on whole, real food is important for sustainable weight loss and improving health.
Noninflammatory Foods
A proper human diet should be noninflammatory and may require avoiding certain foods based on individual tolerances.
The standard American diet is unhealthy and inflammatory due to its high carbohydrate, sugar, grain, and vegetable seed oil content.
Transitioning to a Proper Human Diet
A gradual transition to a proper human diet is recommended to avoid carbohydrate withdrawal symptoms and ensure success.
The first step to adopting a proper human diet is getting rid of all sugar, all grains, and all vegetable seed oils.
If you’re ready to embark on your journey to optimal health through a proper human diet and are looking for delicious, nutrient-dense meal ideas, we’ve got you covered. Visit our Proper Human Diet Recipes: A 7-Day Meal Plan article for a week’s worth of tasty, easy-to-prepare meals that will support your transition to a healthier lifestyle.
Animal Fat
Animal fat is the preferred source of fat for a proper human diet, as it mimics the fat intake of our ancestors for the last 3.5 million years.
Grass-fed Beef
Grass-fed beef is healthier than conventionally raised beef because it contains fewer toxins and is more nutrient-dense.
However, even cheaper processed meats can be a better choice than highly processed carbohydrate-rich foods.
Dairy
Milk is considered a carnivore, but it is suggested to avoid it as it can cause inflammation and weight gain, especially in adults.
Eggs and Liver
Including egg yolks in the diet can provide plenty of folate and choline. A proper human diet includes lots of fatty meat, some liver, and eggs, with a short list of inexpensive supplements.
Benefits of a Proper Human Diet
A proper human diet can help with metabolic, physical, and mental health.
Eating nutrient-dense, ancestrally appropriate food that is noninflammatory can be pleasurable and satisfying to the body.
As you transition to a low-carb, primal, paleo, or keto diet, you may initially miss certain foods, but eventually, your body will come to prefer and crave real food over inflammatory junk.
Fasting and Hormones
Eating once or twice a day and fasting for the rest of the time can mimic how our ancestors ate. Lowering carbohydrate intake can help reduce hyperinsulinemia and promote fat burning.
Fasting can be easier when a diet is full of enough fat and protein to calm hunger hormones. The focus should be on changing hormones, not just calorie intake, for weight loss.
Incorporating the principles of a proper human diet can be further enhanced by combining it with other effective dietary strategies, such as intermittent fasting. Learn more about how to unlock the full potential of these powerful approaches by exploring our article on Intermittent Fasting & Low-Carb Diets: The Dynamic Health Duo.
Individual Variability
Experimentation with one’s diet can help individuals find what works best for them, as there is no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition.
Eating until comfortably stuffed with the right food can lead to sustained weight loss and freedom from dieting.
Budget-Friendly Nutrition
Simplifying your diet and focusing on whole foods can lead to saving money on supplements and processed foods.
Foods like beef, butter, bacon, and eggs are a great and affordable place to start for those interested in trying a carnivore diet.
A carnivore diet allows one to eat until comfortably full, without the need for portion control or calorie restriction, as long as they stick to species-specific foods.
Satiety hormones are affected by adequate protein and fat intake, making it hard to overeat meat, fat, and protein.
Conclusion
A proper human diet, based on ancestrally appropriate and nutrient-dense foods, can lead to significant improvements in overall health and help individuals achieve their weight loss goals.
By focusing on whole foods and gradually transitioning to a low-carb diet, individuals can optimize their nutrition and enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition, and it is crucial to experiment and find what works best for you in order to achieve optimal health.
To understand the principles and benefits of a proper human diet, be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to the Proper Human Diet. This resource will provide you with in-depth information and tips to help you make informed decisions about your nutrition and overall health.
