Ah, cereal – the quick, no-fuss breakfast champion of the modern household. But did you know that the humble box of Kellogg’s in your pantry has a backstory as crunchy as its contents? Let’s pour a bowl of Kellogg’s history and a splash of the present to see how our eating habits have evolved and why a nod to our ancestors’ diet might just be what we need today.

Picture this: it’s the late 19th century, and Dr. John Harvey Kellogg is on a mission. Not just any mission, but one to curb what he saw as unhealthy sexual urges through diet. Yes, you read that right. Kellogg, a renowned physician and health activist, believed that bland foods could dampen libido. This unusual belief led to the creation of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, initially designed as a plain, anti-masturbatory breakfast. Who would’ve thought your morning cereal started as part of such an eccentric health crusade?

From Nature’s Basket to Factory Conveyor Belts

Fast forward a bit, and we see how our diets have transformed drastically. The industrial revolution brought us the convenience of processed foods, changing not just what we eat but also how we eat. Gone were the days of whole, unprocessed meals; in came the era of quick, easy, and, unfortunately, not-so-healthy eating habits. This shift has been a double-edged sword, leading to increased health issues like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

Back to the Roots: The Ancestral Diet

Here’s where it gets interesting. As we become more aware of these health challenges, there’s a growing interest in ancestral or Paleo diets. This means eating like our great-great-great-grandparents did – think meats, fish, veggies, fruits, nuts, and seeds. It’s about embracing foods in their most natural state, rich in nutrients and free from modern processing.

Why Ancestral Eating Could Be a Game Changer

There’s something to be said about the simplicity and wholesomeness of ancestral eating. It’s not just a fad but a way to reconnect with a diet that’s high in quality fats and proteins – a stark contrast to today’s carb-heavy, processed food-laden diets. This shift could bring numerous benefits, like hormonal balance, improved libido, and better overall health. Plus, who wouldn’t want to feel full and energized without the constant need to snack?

Making It Work: Ancestral Eating in the 21st Century

Embracing an ancestral diet in today’s fast-paced world might seem like a tall order, but it’s doable with a few tweaks. Start by choosing whole, unprocessed foods. Plan your meals, cook more at home, and be mindful of what goes into your shopping cart. Remember, it’s about making gradual changes that your body can adapt to.

Wrapping It Up with a Sprinkle of Wisdom

So, there we have it – a journey from the peculiar beginnings of Kellogg’s cereal to the potential of ancestral diets. It’s fascinating to think how our eating habits have evolved and what we can learn from the past. While we may not return to the days of gathering and hunting, incorporating principles of ancestral eating might just be the secret ingredient to a healthier, happier life.

As we finish our chat today, consider this: maybe it’s time to give a nod to the past and sprinkle a bit of ancestral wisdom onto our plates. Who knows, it might just be the recipe for better health and well-being!

References:

1.  “The Strange Story behind Your Breakfast Cereal.” JSTOR, daily.jstor.org/the-strange-backstory-behind-your-breakfast-cereal/. Accessed 27 Dec. 2023.
2. Juul, Filippa et al. “Ultra-processed Foods and Cardiovascular Diseases: Potential Mechanisms of Action.” Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) vol. 12,5 (2021): 1673-1680. doi:10.1093/advances/nmab049
3. Poti, Jennifer M et al. “Ultra-processed Food Intake and Obesity: What Really Matters for Health-Processing or Nutrient Content?.” Current obesity reports vol. 6,4 (2017): 420-431. doi:10.1007/s13679-017-0285-4
4. Chen, Zhangling et al. “Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Three Large Prospective U.S. Cohort Studies.” Diabetes care vol. 46,7 (2023): 1335-1344. doi:10.2337/dc22-1993
5. Kresser, Chris. What Is an Ancestral Diet and How Does It Help You?, 13 Dec. 2022, chriskresser.com/what-is-an-ancestral-diet-and-how-does-it-help-you/. Accessed 26 Dec. 2023.
6. Grotto, David, and Elisa Zied. “The Standard American Diet and its relationship to the health status of Americans.” Nutrition in clinical practice : official publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition vol. 25,6 (2010): 603-12. doi:10.1177/0884533610386234
7. “Ways to Support Female’s Hormones through Nutrition.” Recreational Services, 28 Sept. 2023, recreation.gsu.edu/2023/09/28/ways-to-support-females-hormones-through-nutrition/.
8. Mumford, Sunni L et al. “Dietary fat intake and reproductive hormone concentrations and ovulation in regularly menstruating women.” The American journal of clinical nutrition vol. 103,3 (2016): 868-77. doi:10.3945/ajcn.115.119321
9. Leidy, Heather J. “Increased dietary protein as a dietary strategy to prevent and/or treat obesity.” Missouri medicine vol. 111,1 (2014): 54-8.
10. Firth, Joseph et al. “Food and mood: how do diet and nutrition affect mental wellbeing?.” BMJ (Clinical research ed.) vol. 369 m2382. 29 Jun. 2020, doi:10.1136/bmj.m2382