Why would a dentist from Cleveland, Ohio care much about nutrition? Dr. Weston A Price, back in the 1930's and 40's, was one of a number of dentists of his era who observed an increase in tooth decay and changes in facial structure that they thought might be related to changes in their patients' diets.
More and more processed foods were becoming available in the marketplace, and people were beginning to choose them. Dr. Price and some of his contemporaries theorized that this might be part of the reason for the changes they saw.
To research his theory, Dr. Price traveled to a number of remote areas of the world. At that time, the people in these remote regions were still eating the traditional foods of their ancestors. He had a unique window of opportunity to document his findings, in words and with photographs.
Dr. Price went to many different regions, where the foods consumed were quite diverse. For example, he traveled to Switzerland, to Africa, and to Alaska. The native foods available in these regions were obviously quite different. Yet his observations were consistent. People eating their traditional diets were healthy and vibrant, full-faced, and presented little tooth decay, despite not having access to modern-day dental care.
When he went down the road to observe people of the same genetic lineage eating a more "modern" diet of processed foods, his findings were consistent as well. Within the course of a single generation, health and vitality had decreased, facial structure had changed, and there was a marked increase in tooth decay.
What could explain these findings?
Well, that was the question Dr. Price asked.
And what he uncovered was a set of principles for healthy eating that is being promoted today by a foundation bearing his name, the Weston A. Price Foundation.
Some of the key points of Dr. Price's healthy traditional diet include these:
- Nutrient density. Get the most nutrition possible from the foods you eat.
- Whole foods. Eat mostly foods that are minimally processed.
- Locally sourced. Choose mostly foods produced in your region.
- Healthy fats. Choose mostly traditional fats; they provide essential fat-soluable vitamins.
- Food production. Investigate how your food was grown or produced and favor natural practices whenever possible.
- Food preparation. Prepare foods in a way that promotes maximum digestability and availability of nutrients.
The current expert authority on Dr. Price's work ... as well as its practical application in your kitchen ... is a the foundation's Executive Director, Sally Fallon. Ms. Fallon is the author of the Nourishing Traditions Cookbook
Two important things to keep in mind as you read:
- This viewpoint is controversial. Ms. Fallon does not agree with some of the nutritional advice you'll find around the marketplace these days. This alone is a reason for me to pick up the book and read, because I like to hear different views and make choices for myself. Not everyone feels that way of course, so keep that in mind.
- This healthy traditional diet is inclusionary, not exclusionary. You won't be given a long list of foods to "never" eat. Instead, you'll learn about some simple foods you can begin to include in your diet, gradually if you prefer, to increase your health and vitality. It's not an all or nothing proposition by any means. "Learn a little, try a little" is my own philosophy, and it works here.
Now here's the really fun thing! Do you live anywhere near North Dakota? If so, you have a unique opportunity to hear Sally Fallon speak live and in person! The full seminar runs Friday evening through Sunday noon and includes two meals. Here are the details:
What: Seminar on Healthy Traditional Diets
When: March 28, 29, 30, 2008
Where: Minot City Auditorium
Free preview: The Friday evening portion (registration begins at 6 pm, lecture from 7-9 pm) is free and open to the public on a space-available basis. The evening's topic is "The Oiling of America," exploring myths about good fats / bad fats, cholesterol, and heart disease. You are invited!
Registration information: Anyone interested in learning more about registering for the full seminar, just email me: info@wordcures.com and I'll send you the phone number to call.
Elizabeth Eckert can help you explore how simple everyday choices create health — or undermine even the best of intentions. With a background that ranges from energy medicine to structural bodywork to developmental psychology, this "Stick-To-It Coach" has the experience to support you in creating the healthiest possible expression of — you!
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Comments (4)
Let's not forget about stabilized rice bran as a deserving mention on the nutrient-dense food list. Well worth reviewing.
Posted by Michael Belini | March 20, 2008 1:00 PM
Posted on March 20, 2008 13:00
Michael, thanks for commenting here. Though I can't say for sure the Weston A Price Foundation's position on stabilized rice bran, I can say with confidence that they favor whole foods. Readers should remember that bran products, while they may indeed contain useful nutrients, cannot be considered whole foods. Thanks for contributing!
Posted by Elizabeth | March 21, 2008 8:30 AM
Posted on March 21, 2008 08:30
I would tend to agree with Ms. Fallon and Dr. Price’s healthy traditional diet. It’s just that in the midst of a busy schedule I find it hard to include time for a good cooked wholesome meal. It is sad that we’ve lost the good old days with the good old ways. But I don’t want to miss out on the good old nutrients it offers! So I often find myself looking out for nutritional supplements to complement my poor diet. [snip...] I just about manage to squeeze in some regular exercise. [snip...]
Posted by Joseph Buknor | April 25, 2008 4:11 AM
Posted on April 25, 2008 04:11
Joseph, thanks so much for your comments. You have raised a very important issue that many other people share. I say this because I've heard the same thing in a number of places, just this week! Watch for a special post in the next day or two, just about taking time for health promoting practices. [In addition to the article I recently posted on "Beat Time Stress."]
Posted by Elizabeth Eckert | April 28, 2008 8:50 AM
Posted on April 28, 2008 08:50