What Is a Primal Diet?

A Primal diet is not a typical “diet” based on strict rules for weight loss. Instead, it mirrors the dietary environment that humans have historically had access to, providing the body with essential nutrients while avoiding foods that can harm health. The Primal diet is based on the principle that humans should eat foods that they are designed to consume for optimal health.

Primal Diet: Ancestral Eating in the Modern World

Despite popular belief, the goal of the Primal diet isn’t to eat exactly like our ancestors did, as foods and diets have evolved over time. The idea is to draw lessons from history and use modern science to make educated choices about what to eat, when, why, and how much, while avoiding harmful foods.

The Primal Blueprint Diet Laws

The Primal Laws cover what to eat and what to avoid, with the focus on animal, insect, and plant-based foods. This approach provides the necessary nutrients for life while avoiding toxic foods.

Other considerations for Primal eating include macronutrient intake, focusing on protein, limiting carbohydrates, and embracing healthy fats, rather than focusing solely on calorie restriction.

When: Meal Timing, Fasting, and Seasonal Eating

Meal timing, fasting, and seasonal eating play a role in the Primal diet but are not as important as food choices. Intermittent fasting and seasonal eating can have benefits, but are best considered once the diet is well-established.

A Final Word About Food Quality

Although not explicitly covered by the Primal laws, food quality is an important consideration for Primal eating. Ideally, the diet would include high-quality, organic, and ethically sourced foods, but practicality is recognized in the real world.