What Made These People So Healthy?

written by

Corbin Steiner

posted on

August 17, 2024

Good morning! 

Do you feel confused, frustrated, or not sure who to believe with all the "healthy" diets that are circulating?

Should I avoid animal foods or eat primarily meat? How about raw vs cooking? Or not eating dairy or grains because they are allergenic? Should I spend hundreds of dollars on the latest vitamins & supplements? Maybe I should eat a high protein diet that includes "healthy" protein powders??? The list could go on and on... Each one has its own "science" to back it up –  so where do we get our bearings?⬆️↖️⬇️⬅️↙️↗️➡️↘️

Hey, I have an idea! Let's find out what foods actually kept populations of people alive and thriving for thousands of years! 

Meet Dr. Weston A. Price! He lived in the 1920's which was an ideal time for this kind of research because the world was opening up to be able to travel to isolated groups of people that had not yet been affected by modern foods!

Dr. Price traveled all over the world and studied the traditional diets that made these isolated groups superbly healthy, happy, and resistant to disease — unlike the other parts of these populations whose health had significantly degraded in ONE GENERATION from eating modernized foods!

What is interesting is that he found GREAT VARIETY in the traditional diets...

- Some had no plant foods; some had few animal foods
- Some high carb, some low carb
- Some had mostly cooked foods; some had large amounts of raw foods
- Some had milk products; some did not
- Some had grains; some did not
- Some had fruits; some did not

So what were the underlying characteristics of these healthy diets???

My wife and I just re-watched a super interesting video where Sally Fallon (president of the Weston A. Price Foundation) presents on Dr. Price's research. She shows pictures that he took of the dramatic health difference between the people on traditional and modern diets and she also goes into how science supports 11 fundamental principles that ALL of these indigenous people groups practiced! 

I would highly recommend watching this video to really understand the reasons behind these principles! The beautiful thing is that these principles aren't complicated, distasteful, or limiting at all! You can actually enjoy all sorts of delicious foods that satiate your body without feeling ANY GUILT! And since you are giving your body the nutrients that it needs, you can get out of the "purge & splurge" cycle that is so common with restrictive diets that never really satisfy your needs!

I just love how much everything makes sense when you take a step back and look at what has nourished humans for thousands of years!

**I do want to note that I don't agree with 100% of this video from a biblical perspective, but the majority of the information is very good! Always defer to the Word of God if there is disagreement! God created us and He knows best!

11 Characteristics of Traditional Diets


To wrap this email up I wanted to mention that I fully believe that going on restrictive diets (like the GAPS diet) for a period of time can help overcome certain diseases and conditions! However if possible, I think you should try and get back to a more inclusive diet that is based on the principles that have kept generations of people thriving for thousands of years! 

I also want to point out that we do live in a world that has the mark of sin on it and with that there will always be some amount of disease and degeneration — no matter how healthy you eat and live!

In light of the fact of sin and the resulting physical death and separation from God that it brings, of FAR GREATER IMPORTANCE than how healthy we eat is the "health" of our soul and the resulting life or death that we will experience now and for eternity! Jesus brings life, hope, joy, and fulfillment in a broken world!

I'm so thankful for His ability to take us from broken selfish humans and transform us into people that can truly love at a depth of self-lessness that is only possible through the power of His Spirit! 

God's blessings your day!
 ~ Corbin
 
 Prairie Creek Pastures

Corbin-Head-shot-150px.jpg

More from the blog

The Ultimate Grassfed Steak Buying Guide

There’s nothing quite like a great steak cooked over a hot grill or cast-iron skillet. But with so many cuts to choose from, it can be hard to know which steak is right for your family, cooking style, or budget. Here at Prairie Creek Pastures, our cattle are 100% grass-fed and grass-finished and raised on regenerative pastures without hormones, antibiotics, or vaccines. That means every cut delivers clean flavor, nutrient-dense nutrition, and the kind of quality you can feel good about feeding your family. This guide walks through the steaks we offer and helps you understand what makes each one unique — from rich, buttery ribeyes to lean and flavorful sirloins. Quick Tip: Grassfed beef cooks faster than conventional beef. For the best results, cook most steaks to medium-rare or medium (internal temp 130-135°) and allow to rest at least 5 minutes before slicing. (see notes at bottom) Choosing the Right Steak When picking a steak, most people care about four things: Flavor Tenderness Marbling Value Some cuts excel in one area, while others strike a balance across all four. Filet Mignon The Most Tender Cut Filet mignon is known for one thing above all else: tenderness. Cut from the tenderloin, this steak has very little connective tissue, giving it an exceptionally soft texture. What to Expect Extremely tender Lean and delicate Mild beef flavor Smaller portion size Best Cooking Method Cook carefully over high heat and avoid overcooking. Because filet is lean, medium-rare is ideal. Cost: $$$ Great For Date nights Elegant dinners Anyone prioritizing tenderness Ribeye Steak The Classic Steakhouse Favorite The ribeye is prized for its rich marbling and bold flavor. Cut from the rib section, this steak delivers the most traditional steakhouse experience and is often the first choice for serious steak lovers. What to Expect  Rich, juicy flavor Excellent marbling Tender texture Best for grilling or cast iron searing Best Cooking Method Sear over high heat and finish at a more moderate temp. A simple seasoning of salt and pepper is often all you need. Cost: $$ Great For Special occasions Reverse searing Grill enthusiasts NY Strip Steak Best All-Around Steak  The New York Strip is a favorite for people who want a steak that balances tenderness with a firmer, beefier bite. It is a dependable steak that is easy to cook and hard to mess up. Compared to a ribeye, the strip steak is slightly leaner but still offers excellent flavor and a satisfying texture. What to Expect Bold beef flavor Moderate marbling Tender with a slight chew Consistent cooking results Best Cooking Method Excellent on the grill or pan-seared with butter and herbs. Cost: $$ Great For Weeknight steaks Steak sandwiches First-time grass-fed buyers Top Sirloin Steak Lean, Affordable, and Versatile Top sirloin is one of the best everyday steaks because it delivers great flavor at a more affordable price point. It’s leaner than ribeye or ny strip steak but still tender when cooked correctly. What to Expect Lean and hearty Great beef flavor Excellent value Easy to cook Best Cooking Method Grill or pan-sear to medium-rare and slice against the grain. Cost: $ Great For Family dinners Meal prep Steak salads and bowls Flat Iron Steak One of the Best Values in Beef Flat iron steak combines tenderness, marbling, and affordability in one underrated cut. It’s cut from the shoulder and offers excellent flavor without the premium price tag of ribeye or filet. What to Expect Tender textureGreat marblingRich flavorExcellent value Best Cooking Method Perfect for cast iron or grilling. Cost: $ Great For Budget-friendly steak nightsSandwichesSlicing over salads Hanger Steak The Butcher’s Favorite Hanger steak is one of the most flavorful cuts on the animal and remains a hidden gem for many home cooks. It has deep beef flavor and a loose grain that absorbs marinades beautifully. What to Expect Intense beef flavor Tender when sliced correctly Loose texture Excellent for marinades Best Cooking Method Cook quickly over high heat and always slice against the grain. These can be difficult to cook evenly because it tapers from thick to thin, but utilizing cool/hot parts of the grill can solve that. Cost: $ Great For Steak tacos Fajitas Chimichurri-style preparations Flank Steak Lean and Full of Flavor Flank steak is a long, lean cut with incredible flavor. While it’s not as naturally tender as ribeye or filet, proper slicing makes all the difference. What to Expect Lean texture Strong beef flavor Best when marinated Great for slicing thin Best Cooking Method Marinate first, grill hot and fast, then slice thinly against the grain. Cost: $ Great For Fajitas Stir fry Steak salads Skirt Steak Big Flavor for High-Heat Cooking Skirt steak is famous for its rich flavor and fast cooking time. It’s thin, intensely beefy, and one of the best cuts for quick meals. What to Expect Deep beef flavor Thin texture Quick cooking Excellent marinade absorption Best Cooking Method Cook hot and very fast. Watch these carefully as skirts are thin and can overcook quickly. Cost: $ Great For Tacos Fajitas Quick grilling Final Thoughts The “best” steak ultimately depends on what you enjoy most. Love rich marbling? Go with the ribeye.Dependable all-around steak? New york strip. Want the most tender experience? Choose filet mignon. Looking for everyday value? Top sirloin and flat iron are hard to beat. Prefer bold beef flavor? Try hanger, flank, or skirt steak. No matter which cut you choose, you can trust that every steak from Prairie Creek Pastures comes from cattle raised the way nature intended — on pasture, with clean nutrition and careful stewardship from start to finish.  Simple Steps for Grilling Amazing Grassfed Steak 1.Salt & Pepper 1hr Before Rub a generous amount of salt and pepper on all sides of the previously thawed steak and let set for around a hour. (you can still get pretty good results if you don't have time to let it set) 2. Use High Heat - Don’t Overcook It! Most steaks benefit from a hot grill or cast-iron skillet to create a quick sear and then move to a slightly cooler spot on the grill to finish. Use a meat thermometer to gauge exactly when it's done. Rare 120°| medium 135°| medium-well 145°. Don't "ruin" your steaks by overcooking! Well-done tends to give you a dry texture and reduce the flavor.  3. Let It Rest Lightly cover and rest steaks for 5–10 minutes before slicing to give the fibers time to cool slightly and reabsorb the juices.  4. Slice Against the Grain Especially important for flank, skirt, and hanger steaks. It's really pretty simple and gives good results every time! For a more detailed explanation of these steps check out more info from our farmer friends, the Shanks. h1 { font-size: 2.8rem; margin-bottom: 15px; text-align: center; } h2 { margin-top: 60px; font-size: 2rem; } h3 { margin-top: 30px; font-size: 1.75rem; } h4 { margin-top: 30px; font-size: 1.1rem; font-weight: bold; } p { margin-bottom: 20px; font-size: 1.05rem; } ul { margin-bottom: 25px; padding-left: 25px; } li { margin-bottom: 8px; } img { width: 70%; border-radius: 8px; }