100 Million Years of Food

Tracing Our Ancestral Roots Through Food and Movement

Imagine stepping back millions of years, into a verdant, humid forest where our early primate ancestors leapt from branch to branch, eagerly hunting for insects and fruits. These insects were not mere snacks but vital sources of high-quality protein and fat, fueling their survival. Today, we often recoil at the thought of eating bugs, yet our ancestors thrived on them, and the environmental benefits of such a diet are profound. Insects require far less water and land than cattle, and produce significantly fewer greenhouse gases, making them an extraordinary, sustainable food source.

Our ancestors were not just active eaters but active movers. Men covered around nine miles daily on foot, women about six, traversing landscapes in search of food, water, and shelter. This constant movement regulated key hormones like IGF-1, reducing risks of cancers and metabolic diseases. In stark contrast, the modern average American walks only about two and a half miles a day, spending much of the rest of the time sitting or watching television, activities linked to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Physical exercise alone, such as gym workouts, does not fully compensate for this sedentary lifestyle. Exercise can increase hunger and lower metabolism, offsetting calorie expenditure. It is the pattern of regular, moderate activity—walking, foraging, moving naturally throughout the day—that maintains health.

Eating insects today may seem adventurous or even taboo, but they offer a nutritional profile rich in essential amino acids, omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. In many cultures, insects remain a delicacy or staple, and their farming could be managed sustainably even in small-scale operations. This ancient practice aligns with modern ecological needs, offering a way to nourish growing populations without devastating the planet.

Yet, our cultural aversions and the industrial food system have largely erased this practice. Reconnecting with ancestral diets and movement patterns invites us to reconsider not just what we eat but how we live. Health is more than calories; it is a symphony of diet, activity, environment, and culture.

As we move forward, let us explore the paradoxes of fruits, their seductive sweetness, and hidden challenges, revealing another chapter in our evolutionary relationship with food.