No, Your Ancestors Were Not Total Meat Eaters
You've heard the claim: Your ancestors were primarily meat eaters, and therefore you should be, too. This narrative has fueled many popular fitness fads—and diets, from Paleo to Joe Rogan’s carnivorous trend. But is it true? Not really.
In fact, evidence suggests early humans were opportunistic omnivores who thrived on flexibility rather than meat-only options. Dietary strength showed up as adaptability—which is something you might want to copy when it comes to your own nutrition plan.
More Than Meat: Primates to Paleolithic
When studying fossil records, teeth, gut structure, and comparative primate biology, scientists can find compelling evidence that our ancestors relied heavily on plant foods. For example:
The digestive system and teeth evolved for processing diverse plant materials and not just meat. Unlike obligate carnivores, humans have flat molars for grinding plant matter and a long intestinal tract to break down complex carbohydrates.
One recent study revealed that for hunter-gatherers in the Andes, plants comprised about 80% of their diet, with meat making up only a supplemental food source.
Analyses of ancient remains reveal that early humans consumed a variety of foods, and adapted to what was available in their local environment.
Building a Modern Healthy Diet
Understanding human evolution and learning from ancestral patterns can help you reach your fitness. Here are a few ways:
Prioritize diverse, whole, plant foods as the foundation of your diet.
Include some animal products if desired, but recognize they don't need to dominate your plate.
Consider that your individual needs may vary based on your genetics, activity level, and health status.
When it comes to creating gains, scrap the idea of a mythical ancestral diet. Instead, focus on building sustainable eating habits that support your health, performance, and longevity goals in today’s world. You’ve come a long way.
