Nourishing Your Body & Your Baby: The Power of Ancestral Nutrition
When you’re growing a tiny human, every bite you take matters more than ever. Not just because you’re providing the building blocks for your baby’s development, but because your body is working overtime—creating life is no small task!
Pregnancy is the perfect time to reconnect with a way of eating that’s simple, nutrient-dense, and deeply aligned with how our ancestors nourished themselves: whole foods, organic produce, and pasture-raised meats that honour both our bodies and the earth.
Let’s dive into how an ancestral-based approach to nutrition can fuel your pregnancy, give you more energy, and set the foundation for a strong, healthy baby.
Why Ancestral Nutrition?
Our ancestors didn’t count calories or obsess over macronutrient ratios. Instead, they focused on food that was natural, nutrient-dense, and unprocessed. They ate what was in season, what was local, and what was raised or grown with care.
An ancestral-based diet for pregnancy prioritises:
Organic, seasonal vegetables and fruits bursting with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Pasture-raised, grass-fed meats and eggs, rich in high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients like iron and choline.
Bone broth and organ meats, nutrient powerhouses packed with collagen, glycine, and vitamins that support your growing baby.
Healthy fats, like ghee, grass-fed butter, avocado, and olive oil, to keep you satiated and support hormonal balance.
By eating in this way, you’re not just filling up your plate—you’re filling up your body with the nutrients it needs to thrive during pregnancy.
Key Nutrients to Focus On
Pregnancy is demanding, and your body’s nutrient needs skyrocket during this time. Here’s a look at the most critical nutrients and how ancestral eating naturally meets these needs:
1. Protein
Protein is essential for your baby’s growth and the development of their muscles, tissues, and brain. It also helps you maintain steady energy levels and supports the health of your uterus and placenta.
Sources: Pasture-raised chicken, grass-fed beef, wild-caught fish, and organic eggs. Aim for about 100g of protein per day.
2. Healthy Fats
Fats are crucial for your baby’s brain and nervous system development, as well as your hormonal health and energy levels.
Sources: Grass-fed butter, ghee, avocados, and cold-pressed olive oil.
3. Iron
Iron supports the increased blood volume your body needs during pregnancy and helps prevent anaemia.
Sources: Grass-fed red meat, liver, and leafy greens cooked in a bit of fat for better absorption. Pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C sources (like citrus or bell peppers) to enhance absorption.
4. Choline
Choline is vital for your baby’s brain development and can help prevent neural tube defects.
Sources: Pasture-raised eggs (with the yolks!), liver, and wild-caught fish.
5. Folate
Folate (not synthetic folic acid) is essential for cell division and the development of your baby’s brain and spinal cord.
Sources: Dark leafy greens, asparagus, liver, and avocados.
6. Collagen and Glycine
Collagen supports the elasticity of your skin, tissues, and joints (hello, growing bump!), while glycine is crucial for fetal growth and placental function.
Sources: Bone broth, gelatin, and slow-cooked meats.
Why Quality Matters
Choosing organic produce and pasture-raised meats isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Conventional farming methods often leave food laden with pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics, which can disrupt your body’s natural rhythms and impact your baby’s development. Always buy the best quality meat you can afford and opt to buy from your local farmers market or butchers rather than chain supermarkets.
Pasture-raised meats, for example, are higher in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants than their conventionally raised counterparts. Plus, they’re more sustainable and ethical, making them a win for both your body and the planet.
Tips for Making Ancestral Nutrition Work for You
Batch cook: Prepare meals like bone broth, soups, and roasted veggies in bulk so you always have nourishing options on hand.
Simplify your plate: You don’t need elaborate recipes. A good-quality protein, a healthy fat, and a serving of vegetables are all you need.
Listen to your body: Pregnancy cravings often reveal what your body needs—like salt for minerals or protein for energy. Tune in and honour those signals.
The Bigger Picture
Mama, nourishing yourself is one of the greatest gifts you can give your baby. By embracing an ancestral approach to eating, you’re honoring the wisdom of generations before us—fueling your body with the nutrients it needs to create life and setting your baby up for the healthiest start possible.
Remember, food isn’t just fuel—it’s a way to connect with your body, your baby, and the incredible transformation you’re experiencing. So, go ahead. Savour that grass-fed burger. Sip on that golden bone broth. You’re doing something amazing, and you deserve to feel as strong and radiant as you truly are.
With love and nourishment,
Sophie
Founder, TENTH MOON