5 Simple Ways to Bring Ancestral Living into Everyday Life
Modern life moves fast, but many of the rhythms our bodies thrive on are the same ones our ancestors followed for generations. Returning to those roots doesn’t require a complete lifestyle overhaul. Often, it’s the small, consistent shifts that make the biggest difference.
Here are five of our favourite (and simple) ways to weave ancestral practices into daily life.
1. Swap Seed Oils for Good Fats
No surprise here! The kitchen is a simple place to begin. Our ancestors cooked with stable, natural fats that nourished deeply and supported long-term health. Replacing vegetable or canola oil with tallow brings back nutrient-rich, heat-stable fat that’s full of vitamins A, D, E, and K. It adds depth of flavor to roasted vegetables, eggs, and even baked goods, while supporting skin and hormone health from within. Butter, ghee, coconut and olive oils are great options as well!
2. Prioritize Nutrient-Dense Foods
Traditional diets valued the whole animal, ensuring every meal was full of nourishment. Try adding nutrient-rich organ meats in the form of powder or capsules into daily meals or sip on bone broth throughout the week. These foods deliver highly bioavailable minerals, collagen, and amino acids that support energy, immunity, and skin integrity.
3. Reduce Processed Foods
Ancestral eating is about keeping food close to its natural form. Focus on whole, recognizable ingredients: local produce, grass-fed meats, fermented vegetables, and unrefined grains. Reducing refined sugars, seed oils, and additives helps balance energy, improve digestion, and bring awareness back to the simple act of nourishing yourself well. Instead of reaching for a junk-filled protein bar, grab a
4. Restorative Sleep
Before electricity, sleep followed the sun, and our bodies are still wired for that rhythm. Try aligning your sleep with natural light cycles by dimming lights after sunset, limiting blue light from screens, and getting sunlight exposure in the morning. Practice good sleep hygiene by keeping your room cool, dark, and free of artificial light. Aim for seven to nine hours of unbroken rest to support hormones, mood, and recovery. Good quality sleep is a cornerstone of vitality, not a luxury.
5. Choose Natural Materials Over Plastic
Our ancestors lived surrounded by materials that came from the earth—wool, wood, glass, and clay. Choosing natural fibres and materials whenever possible brings balance to your home, your body, and the planet. Swap plastic storage for glass or stainless steel, use wooden utensils, and choose linen or wool clothing that breathes and lasts. In the kitchen, opt for cast iron or enamelware instead of non-stick or Teflon cookware to avoid synthetic, toxic coatings. These quiet choices reduce our everyday exposure to synthetics and plastics.
A Modern Return to the Old Ways
Ancestral living is about remembering what has always worked. Each small change, from the fats we cook with to the way we rest, connects us to a slower, more intentional rhythm. One that feels deeply human and beautifully simple.
