How to Eat Like Your Ancestors

Obesity has grown to become a major epidemic in the United States and it is increasing in other countries as well. The diet of our ancestors, as little as 100 years ago to more than 500 years ago, before the agricultural revolution began, was much more nutritious and satisfying than the processed foods of today. Following the diet of our ancestors means restricting our diet to fresh and wholesome foods that haven't been adulterated or processed through commercial means to increase shelf life.

Things You'll Need

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Meat
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Grains

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Instructions

• 1

  Go to the supermarket and purchase fresh foods such as vegetables, fruits, meats and nuts, cold-pressed oils, herbs and seasonings. Purchase whole grains and legumes like wheat, lentils and beans. Visit your local farmer's market to find fresh, local food or shop at a health food store that focuses on selling organic and natural foods. These stores have bulk items and will allow you to purchase unprocessed grains, nuts and herbs.

• 2

  Try to make raw foods 50 percent of your daily diet. Eat fruit for snacks and chop up vegetables to make salads. Carry nuts and seeds around with you throughout the day to snack on when you are hungry and don't have time to prepare a meal.

• 3

  Prepare vegetables by sauteing, baking, steaming or roasting them as your favorite recipes dictate. Add fat, such as olive oil and seasonings, to vegetables to make them more delectable. Cook meat to personal preference and consume with a plate of prepared vegetables.

• 4

  Soak whole grains and legumes for 24 hours to prepare for cooking. Cook grains according to recipes, usually two parts water to one part grains. For a raw alternative, consider letting wheat berries sprout for 24 hours after soaking and eat them as a snack.

• 5

  Try making bread by mixing sprouted wheat with flour, yeast and salt. For a more unprocessed variety, try making a kind called Essene bread. To make Essene bread, simply grind up wheat berries in a food processor, add nuts and dried fruit, and forming it into loaves. Bake at a low temperature.