In recent years, there’s been a growing interest in going back to the basics of food, and for good reason. For generations, traditional diets sustained communities around the world with nutrient-dense, whole foods grown, gathered, and prepared in harmony with the environment. Today, with organic, zero-waste options available at Nomad Wholefoods, it’s easier than ever to enjoy these timeless foods in a modern way. Let’s take a quick look at how some of these ancestral diets can inspire us to eat better and more mindfully every day.
The Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet is world-renowned for its heart-healthy, flavorful ingredients. Staples like olive oil, nuts, legumes, and fresh herbs come together beautifully, focusing on whole foods that are simple yet packed with flavor.
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Ingredients: Organic chickpeas, olive oil, diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Simply toss the chickpeas, cucumbers, and tomatoes in a bowl. Dress with olive oil, a splash of lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Top with fresh parsley. This salad is so quick to make, refreshing, and loaded with plant-based protein and healthy fats—perfect as a light lunch or a side dish.
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Māori Kai
New Zealand’s traditional Māori diet draws from the land’s bounty, including root vegetables, raw honey, and native herbs. These ingredients, grown or harvested in sustainable ways, provide earthy flavors and a connection to the local environment.
Raw Honey-Glazed Kumara
Ingredients: Kumara (sweet potato), olive oil, honey, sea salt.
Slice the kumara into rounds, drizzle with olive oil and a touch of honey, and sprinkle with sea salt. Roast in the oven at 200°C until golden and caramelized. The raw honey adds a hint of sweetness that complements the earthy kumara, making it a warming side dish that’s both simple and delicious.
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Nordic Cuisine
Nordic cuisine celebrates the region’s hardy ingredients, like root vegetables and fermented foods. Fermentation, a traditional preservation technique, not only extends shelf life but also enhances nutrient absorption and digestive health, making it ideal for those wanting to add a little bit of probiotic goodness to their meals.
Nordic Fermented Veggie Salad
Ingredients: Cabbage, carrots, sea salt, dill (optional).
To make a simple fermented veggie salad, shred cabbage and carrots, toss in a bowl with a generous pinch of sea salt, then place them in a jar. Add dill for flavor, if desired. Pack the vegetables tightly in the jar and let them sit at room temperature for a few days, then refrigerate. Enjoy as a side to any dish or as a refreshing snack. Fermented foods like this add a zesty crunch and are great for gut health!
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Ancient Indian Ayurveda
Ayurveda, a holistic healing system from India, emphasizes balance through diet, using spices and whole foods to nourish the body. Ingredients like turmeric, ginger, and lentils are Ayurvedic staples, known for their anti-inflammatory properties and warming qualities.
Ayurvedic Lentil and Turmeric Dhal
Ingredients: Organic red lentils, turmeric, cumin seeds, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper.
In a pot, sauté cumin seeds, ginger, and garlic until aromatic. Add lentils, turmeric, and enough water to cover. Simmer until the lentils are soft, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. This hearty, warming dish is perfect for a cozy evening, offering comfort and balanced flavors that satisfy the body and mind.
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Rediscovering these traditional diets reminds us that eating well can be both simple and satisfying. At Nomad Wholefoods, I am proud to provide the organic ingredients needed to try these recipes and bring a bit of ancestral wisdom back into our everyday meals. So why not give one of these recipes a try, and take a delicious step back in time?
