The evolutionary approach to weight-loss and good health

Studies show that individuals eating "ancestral diets" sustain excellent wellness and low body fat. Some of these healthy societies have a great carbohydrate consumption while others get the majority of their calories from fat. Typically, individuals living closer to equator have usually gotten more of their power from carbohydrate meals, while fat is the major source of calories 
closer to the poles.

The majority of research has shown that low-carbohydrate eating plans lead to increased weight-loss compared to low-fat eating  plans, but looking at the available literature suggests that diet might be the most important factor, not necessarily the macronutrient ratio.

No being overweight in "non-westernized" populations

Ancestral/paleolithic diet consist of meat, fish, fowl, eggs, vegetables, fruits and vegetables, mushrooms and other meals available before the agricultural revolution. Sugar, flours and unhealthy meals are missing, and the consumption of grains, legumes and dairy is limited. Differences in meals availability among communities are huge, but being overweight and illness are pretty much missing in all of the societies that have been studied.

Primitive cultures getting the majority of their calories from carbohydrate meals usually eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, nuts and root tubers and other vegetables. The Kitavan Islanders of Melanesia have access to an "abundance" of meals, with 60-70 percent of their power from carbohydrate meals. Saturated fat from coconut is also a big part of their eating plan. This macronutrient ratio strongly resembles that of a westernized eating plan, but being overweight and illness are missing in this and other cultures with the same lifestyle.

However, individuals in other regions have been known to thrive on a higher fat and/or great protein eating plan. Animal products are common meals staples in these communities, and the fattest part of the animal is always eaten.

Physical action, sun exposure and other environmental factors can further promote great wellness, but have been shown to only offer a degree of protection against being overweight and illness. Some non-westernized communities engage in a minimal amount of exercising and still sustain excellent wellness.

People living on our ancestors eating  plans quickly become obese and diseased when they begin to eat western meals, even if they sustain regular exercising and sun exposure.

Ancestral eating plans in the contemporary world

Studies on western individuals switching to a paleolithic eating plan show very promising results. When test subjects are allowed to eat as much as they want from either a Paleo eating plan or other "healthy" eating plan  like the Mediterranean eating plan, subjects on a Paleo eating plan experience significantly greater weight-loss and other wellness advantages. People eating a paleolithic/ancestral eating plan usually experience better satiety, and therefore their power consumption is unconsciously reduced.

Individual needs will be important in determining diet, and some individuals might benefit from an eating plan with increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, nuts and vegetables. Fatty and/or protein eating plans can be a better fit for others. In general, non-westernized eating plans are lower in carbohydrate meals than contemporary eating plans, and obese individuals will benefit from reducing carbohydrate meals when trying to improve insulin resistance, leptin resistance and shed bodyweight. Choosing organic and wild produce is the preferred option when possible.

Another characteristic about non-westernized communities is their contact with microorganisms from meals, water, hands, dirt etc. Incorporating this into the contemporary lifestyle is part of maintaining a healthy gut flora, proper bodyweight and a strong immune system.

In general, both research and observations suggest that reducing calories and promoting weight-loss is much easier when choosing the right types of meals in the eating plan. Inflammation, satiety, power homeostasis, hormone levels and gut flora are all affected by what types of meals we eat.


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