What is Ancestral Health?
It’s a way of eating and exercising based on the wisdom of our ancestors, biological evolution, and gene optimization.
The Ceiba Root Wellness philosophy is influenced by ancestral health, intermittent fasting, and mindfulness.
Ancestral Health positively influences how your genes express themselves to build the best version of you! “Ancestral” in this case refers to what is known about evolutionary biology, and utilizing that information to our advantage. Our paleolithic ancestors did not eat processed food!
So, what do we eat?
This food pyramid graphic, from Mark Sisson’s book, The Primal Blueprint, provides a great visual representation of what we eat. It is very different from the Standard American Diet, in which grains form the base of the pyramid.
Colorful, locally-grown or organic vegetables form the base of the food pyramid. This means our plates are full of vegetables! We eat a variety of vegetables for their anti-oxidant and nutrient qualities.
High-quality proteins are the next level up on the pyramid. This means we eat a low-to-moderate amount of protein each day. We eat pasture-raised or organic meat, fish, foul and eggs.
Healthy fats are next up on the pyramid. Coconut oil, ghee, butter, avocado oil, olive oil, nuts and seeds and their butters.
Organic or locally sourced berries, sweet potatoes, quinoa, and wild rice can be eaten in moderation, along with full fat dairy: yogurt, aged cheese, cream (if lactose tolerant). These are towards the top of the pyramid and are to be eaten in moderation.
And finally, at the tip of the pyramid, organic Dark Chocolate and spices!
How do we move?
We incorporate several key functional fitness-focused essential movements in our fitness workouts. Those movements are variations of Squats, Planks, Push Ups, and Pull Ups. Wherever you are on your fitness spectrum, these movements can be adjusted to meet you where you are. No need to be intimidated if you’re not familiar with these movements, the point is to build your strength and balance at your own pace. No gym or equipment needed. We can always add variations and make adjustments!
While a principal element of Yoga is the physical posture (Asana), we don’t consider Yoga merely a form of fitness. We practice gentle Hatha and Vinyasa yoga as a meditative practice. In Yoga we turn the focus within, and move with awareness and intention. We honor the Indian roots of yoga, and its 8-limbed philosophy. Not familiar with yoga? No worries, there is a Beginner’s Series, Community Classes and plenty of opportunity to learn with Ceiba Root Wellness Community Yoga!
“We can’t expect the world to give us what we can’t give ourselves.”
— Mark Sisson