What is Ancestral Eating? 

We know how overwhelming diet culture is. Eat this, don’t eat that- blah, blah, blah. Well, when it comes to “dieting” it’s time to get back to the basics, baby. (And no, we don’t mean a calorie restrictive South Beach diet). We’re talkin ancestral eating. This way of eating isn’t just about what’s on your plate—it’s a holistic approach to wellness. What is an ancestral diet, exactly? I’m so glad you asked. 

Ancestral eating is a nutritional philosophy that draws from the diets of traditional cultures, long before processed and industrialized foods became the norm. This approach to food focuses on consuming whole, nutrient-dense ingredients that are as close to their natural state as possible. Think grass-fed meats, wild-caught fish, organic vegetables, fermented foods, and healthy fats like butter and tallow.

Ancestral diets vary depending on region and culture, but they all prioritize natural foods over the highly processed products that are taking over our modern grocery aisles. The idea is simple: Eat as our ancestors did—without preservatives, additives, or artificial sugars—and your body will respond with better digestion, increased energy, and improved overall health.

How To: Ancestral Diet

Whole, Unprocessed Foods: Prioritize foods that are minimally processed, free of chemicals, and in their most natural state.

Grass-Fed, Pasture-Raised Animal Products:  Choose meats, dairy, and fats from animals raised on their natural diets, contributing to higher nutritional value.

Seasonal Eating: Eat according to the seasons, as our ancestors did, to ensure you're consuming the freshest and most nutrient-dense foods.

Fermented Foods: Include naturally fermented foods like sauerkraut and kefir, which support gut health and digestion.

Nose-to-Tail Eating: Use the entire animal, which aligns with both sustainability and nutrition by making the most of organ meats and fats like tallow.

The Benefits of Ancestral Eating

Here are the key benefits of an ancestral diet:

Improved Digestion and Gut Health

One of the most important aspects of ancestral eating is its focus on fermented foods, which are rich in probiotics. These beneficial bacteria help to populate the gut, improving digestion and enhancing nutrient absorption. By avoiding processed foods, which can disrupt gut flora and cause inflammation, ancestral eating supports a healthy microbiome and smooth digestion.

Reduced Inflammation

Inflammation is at the root of many chronic illnesses, from heart disease to arthritis. Ancestral diets, rich in omega-3 fatty acids from grass-fed meats and wild-caught fish, naturally reduce inflammation in the body. By eliminating processed vegetable oils and sugars, you can also significantly lower the inflammatory load.

Sustained Energy and Mental Clarity

Unlike the energy rollercoaster that comes with a diet full of refined carbs and sugar, ancestral eating provides slow-burning, sustained energy throughout the day. Nutrient-dense proteins and healthy fats keep you full for longer and provide the steady energy your brain needs to stay sharp and focused.

Weight Management

Because ancestral nutrition focuses on whole foods, it naturally reduces your intake of empty calories. Eating satiating proteins and fats, along with fiber-rich vegetables, helps maintain balanced blood sugar levels, reducing cravings and supporting healthy weight management.

Hormonal Balance

Healthy fats are essential for hormone production, and ancestral eating emphasizes their role in maintaining hormonal balance. Animal fats like tallow, butter, and lard are rich in cholesterol, which is a crucial building block for sex hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

How Ancestral Eating Supports Skin Health

Your skin reflects the health of your body, and ancestral eating provides the building blocks your skin needs to stay hydrated, smooth, and radiant. Nutrients like collagen, omega-3 fatty acids, and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), all found in animal-based foods, contribute to healthy, glowing skin.

Omega Fatty Acids for Hydration

Grass-fed meats and wild-caught fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help to maintain your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping it hydrated and resilient. This reduces dryness and irritation, leaving your skin looking soft and supple.

Collagen for Elasticity

Ancestral diets that include bone broths and organ meats provide a natural source of collagen, a protein that promotes skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins for Skin Repair

Animal fats, such as those found in tallow, are rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K. These vitamins support skin cell regeneration, repair damage, and maintain a youthful glow. Tallow-based skincare, in particular, harnesses these benefits to soothe and nourish the skin externally.

The Connection Between Ancestral Eating and Tallow-Based Skincare

You might be wondering- what does a small tallow skincare business in Ontario know about ancestral eating? Well, tallow has been a staple in traditional diets and wellness routines for centuries. In the same way that ancestral eating nourishes your body, tallow-based skincare provides your skin with the natural fats and vitamins it craves. Our ancestors used tallow in cooking, soaps, candles, beauty products, and even personal lubricants. 

Tallow is packed with the same fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) that are vital for skin health. When applied topically, these vitamins can help reduce inflammation, boost collagen production, and speed up skin healing. It’s like feeding your skin the same nutrients you’d nourish your body with through ancestral eating. Just as ancestral diets focus on supporting the body’s natural functions, tallow-based skincare supports the skin’s barrier function. Tallow’s fatty acids, including stearic acid and palmitic acid, help to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, keeping moisture in and environmental irritants out.

Why Choose Tallow for Your Ancestral Wellness Routine?

In a world of overly complicated skincare routines with endless chemical ingredients, tallow-based products offer a return to simplicity. Tallow is deeply moisturizing, nutrient-rich, and free from harmful additives, making it a natural choice for those looking to align their beauty routine with the principles of ancestral living.

By nourishing your skin with tallow, you’re supporting its natural ability to repair and rejuvenate. And when combined with the benefits of an ancestral diet, which fuels your body from the inside out, you create a holistic wellness routine that honors the wisdom of the past while supporting modern health and beauty.

Embrace Ancestral Wellness Inside and Out

Incorporating ancestral eating and tallow-based skincare into your life is more than just a trend—it’s a lifestyle rooted in sustainability, nourishment, and self-care. By feeding your body nutrient-dense, whole foods and treating your skin to natural, effective ingredients like tallow, you’re embracing the best of what nature has to offer.

Reconnecting with the practices of our ancestors can bring balance and vitality to your life, allowing you to thrive both inside and out. Whether you’re looking to boost your energy, improve your skin, or simply live in harmony with nature, ancestral eating and tallow-based skincare offer a path to radiant health and beauty.