Ancestral Diet
A large part of me diving so deeply into an Ancestral Diet was birthed through a few years of unwinding my own ancestral history and DNA. This process has been extremely empowering as I have slowly uncovered more and more information about my bloodline. Last year, I finally took a DNA test so that I could find clarity on the history of my bones and blood. My whole life my family had told us that we were "Italian and Irish"...but I knew there was more to the story.
As it turns out, my blood is a rich mixture of European heritage with roots in Italy, Ireland, England, France, Romania and Greece. I also found out that our family migrated to New Hampshire from Acadia, Canada - where we picked up indigenous Mi'Kmaq blood along the way through the Gallant family lineage. My maternal great-grandmother on my mother's paternal side, Margaret Gallant, was likely the family member carrying Native blood from Prince Edward Island, Canada. I also learned that none of my family was in the United States before 1800, and for the most part I am 3rd generation American. Which means that my physical body is not well-adapted to the diet of colonized North America!
I began the Ancestral Diet with the intention of curing myself from chronic health issues. I knew that the modern diet with excess sugar and grains was causing disruptions and inflammation throughout my system. So, after A LOT of research - and prodding from my partner - I decided to try something different. What I didn’t expect, is that my ancestors food preferences would come out so strongly as I progressed through this diet!
After a few weeks of eating very simple, ancestral foods, I began to feel this deep craving for fish. The feeling overwhelmed me to this point where I felt I may die if I don’t start eating large amounts of fish and shellfish! After some contemplation about why this craving was coming through so strongly, I realized that all of the land bodies in my bloodline are completely surrounded by water! So, I can safely assume that for thousands of years my ancestors have lived primarily off of seafoods in fishing cultures.
This was a powerful experience for me in how my relationship to my ancestry is allowing me to unlock keys that will lead to greater health and well-being.
Trust your intuition with food! Your ancestors are always speaking to you and through you. In deep gratitude to all of those who have walked this earth before me.