A Rationale for Seasonal Eating

We have co-evolved in the natural world eating with the cycles of nature for millennia. It is only in recent history, and in industrialized nations that we can have whatever kind of food we desire, regardless of the time of year. While we are fortunate to be the beneficiaries of this dietary cornucopia, it really may not be in our best interest to eat foods out of season.

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Geopolitical considerations notwithstanding, as biological entities we can thrive and be healthier if we follow the rhythms of nature. Traditional cultures eat local, whole food, preserved through fermentation and drying. Traditional cultures are also generally free of chronic disease.

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In the 1930s & 40s Dr. Francis Pottenger conducted a series of studies on the effects of nutrient deficient diets on cats. The chronic, degenerative diseases the cats developed grew worse with each generation. After returning to a natural diet, it took three generations to return to good health. Weeds would not even grow in the  enclosures except where the diets  were nutrient dense.

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At the same time, Dr. Weston Price went in search of factors that contribute to good dental health. He traveled the world and studied groups of people that ate traditional diets. He too found that traditional diets had far more vitamins than diets that contained processed food.

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Certainly the Standard American Diet (SAD) is the main culprit in the development of chronic disease in industrialized nations. Processed foods, sugar, and trans-fats aren't doing anyone any favors. However if we look at the variability a local, sustainable diet can offer it makes sense to at least try seasonal eating. Eating seasonally allows us to give our bodies the best, most fresh food for every time of the year. Seasonal eating provides balance to keep our bodies healthy. Eating food when it is in season is also good for the environment.