Eat Like The Animals: What Nature Teaches Us About the Science of Healthy Eating

Evolutionary ancestors possessed an intuitive ability to understand what foods their bodies needed and in what proportions, achieving nutritional balance. Most living organisms—from wild baboons to slime molds—instinctively balance their diets, but modern humans have lost this capacity. When and why this ability disappeared, and how it might be recovered, are the central questions explored in this book. David Raubenheimer and Stephen Simpson present findings from years of research in evolutionary biology and nutritional science. Their investigation spans multiple continents, including the foothills of Cape Town, the deserts of Arizona, and a research center in Sydney. Throughout their work, they test hypotheses using various animals including locusts, mice, and gorillas. The authors develop a unifying theory of nutrition with implications for metabolic diseases and obesity. They provide practical guidance on understanding the effects of fad diets, managing one's food environment, and recognizing that healthy eating and delicious food are compatible goals.