Among the most common New Year resolutions is the one of losing weight. Obesity and diabetes are becoming a national health concern, it is time to rethink our relationship with food. Native American a national health concern and we all know it. However, controlling one’s food intake and finding the time (or even the desire) to exercise regularly is never going to be easy. Miracle diets and food trends come and go and they all promise fantastic wellness results. The fact that they depart as fast as they arrive says a lot about how effective they are.

For those who are serious about doing something to improve their diet and their health in the New Year, there is one way of eating that has been proven over the centuries to be the basis of good health and positive energy. It is known for its great flavors. Indigenous cuisine could well be the future of food in America.

Native American Food

Although no formal historical data exists, we know from archeology and the accounts of the first Europeans to come to this land that the Natives were strong and healthy people. The food they ate was the basis of this well-being as is demonstrated in the food the Natives shared with the White settlers in Plymouth in 1621 and elsewhere in the Americas. 400 years later, that food still forms the foundation of traditional American cuisine (fast food is not a cuisine!).

The Benefits of Traditional Foods

• Indigenous dishes offer a wide range of flavor profiles and are rich in the herbs and spices that are native to America. These, along with the preparation methods, mean that indigenous dishes will be a welcome addition to any meal or menu.
• In a world where sustainability is growing in importance, Native American food cannot be ignored. Indigenous American food prioritizes sustainability, the use of local and seasonal ingredients and the use of wild-harvested fruits and vegetables. That is the definition of sustainability.
• The spread of Native American cuisine is contributing to the preservation of cultural and culinary heritage, ensuring that they are not lost to the pressures of globalization and time.

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Also Read: Native American Tribal Celebrations

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• Using local Native American ingredients will support local economies without placing any pressure on the infrastructure.
• Adding indigenous dishes to a menu means that a historical and cultural context can be given to the food which will always add to the interest it generates and its subsequent enjoyment.
• Trying indigenous dishes opens the door to all kinds of other culinary experiences. A wide gastronomic repertoire is always a huge advantage to a cook, a homemaker or the family that enjoys it.

There are many benefits to traditional Native American food. And there is much more to it than is generally known. Spend a little time searching for traditional Native American food and you will find a huge section of dishes that are not just healthy and sustainable, but which will also add another dimension to your family menu. Tribes like the Muwekma Ohlone in the SF Bay Area are working hard to not just create awareness about Native American food and its impact on tribal culture and traditions, but also to popularize traditional food to those who are not yet aware of the flavors and health benefits it offers. Stanford University is making great strides in this regard. Stanford’s relationship with native peoples is highlighted in its new website.

Read:

Native Roots: How the Indians Enriched America by Jack Weatherford (1992)

Indian Givers: How the Indians of the Americas Transformed the World by Jack Weatherford (1989)

Tending The Wild by Kat Andeerson (2005

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