Primal Living Principles
What is primal living?
Primal, or ancestral, living is about returning to the basics, embracing the way our ancestors lived to support our modern health. It’s not about recreating the past entirely but rather using its principles to guide us toward optimal health.
At the core of primal living is the understanding that our bodies are designed to thrive on natural, whole foods and a balanced lifestyle. We’re meant to move, nourish ourselves well, manage stress and avoid unnecessary toxins. My coaching focuses on helping you make informed, practical choices that reflect these primal principles while also acknowledging the realities of modern life.
Balanced dietary approach
The foundation of my approach is diet. Following primal guidelines means focusing on foods that would have been available to our ancestors: whole, unprocessed, nutrient-dense foods. Within this broader philosophy, however, there are different approaches that many people follow:
Paleo: A well-known approach, the Paleo diet encourages eating foods that mimic what our pre-agricultural ancestors would have consumed: meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. This approach avoids processed foods, grains, legumes and dairy.
Carnivore/Animal-Based: This approach focuses on eating primarily animal products – meat, fish, and animal fats – with little to no plant-based foods. Some find it effective for health issues like inflammation, while others prefer its simplicity.
Keto: The ketogenic diet shares roots with primal living and often overlaps with the above two diets. By restricting carbohydrates and increasing healthy fats, keto encourages the body to use fat for fuel, aligning with the way our ancestors might have eaten during periods when carbs were scarce.
While I acknowledge and respect these factions (and more), my focus is on guiding you to find what works best for your body. No calorie or macronutrient counting – just a simple, natural way of eating that nourishes your body without the need for strict measurements.
Adopting a primal lifestyle
Primal living isn’t just about what you eat – it’s about how you live. Here’s how I integrate other key aspects into my coaching:
Exercise: Movement should be natural, functional and enjoyable. Whether it’s lifting weights at the gym, attending a CrossFit class, going for a walk, or conducting simple bodyweight exercises at home, the aim is to keep your body strong and capable.
Stress Management: In a modern world filled with stressors our ancestors never faced, it’s important to manage stress in ways that feel authentic. Whether it’s through mindfulness, time outdoors, or simply making time for yourself, together we’ll find strategies that work for you.
Avoiding Toxins: Our ancestors weren’t exposed to the same environmental toxins we face today, so reducing exposure where possible is crucial. This includes being mindful of household products, skincare/cosmetics and food packaging. I’ll guide you through simple, practical swaps that make a real difference.
Primal living in the modern world
While I can certainly help you to live like a caveman (if that’s what you really want), I also understand that in the 21st century, not every aspect of primal living will seamlessly integrate into your day-to-day life. We’ll work together to apply these principles in a way that enhances your health without leaving you feeling restricted or self-conscious.
We’ll focus on practical ways to bring primal living into your daily routine, balancing modern needs with primal choices. From selecting a suitable sunscreen to finding barefoot shoes that work with your outfit, we’ll tackle achievable strategies and acknowledge when modern compromises are needed.
Ready to start your journey?
If you’re interested in exploring how primal living can work for you, get in touch!
My coaching services are fully online, so we can work together no matter where you’re located. We’ll tailor these principles to fit your life, your goals, and your health.