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Paleo guide to Australia paleo network primal free pdf-min

All New Paleo Guide To Australia

Just a heads up that I've just updated the free Paleo Guide to Australia (and New Zealand) ebook. The current version now stands at 32 pages full of Paleo information – specific to where you are.

Following on from your suggestions, I've added more listings of Paleo suppliers in each state of Australia and New Zealand (farmers markets, grass-fed meat suppliers, fruit and vegetable suppliers, organic produce, fishmongers and fitness centres). I've also added a whole new section of Paleo Resources.

If you've already subscribed to my newsletter, just visit the same link to get your updated version. If you've not signed up yet, just subscribe using the link below to get your free copy!

I want to keep the Paleo Guide to Australia & New Zealand up to date with the best local Paleo places and stockists throughout Australia and New Zealand. If I've missed anywhere that you know about, please let me know and I'll make sure I add it to the next edition.

I'd also like to add in restaurants that do Paleo food – so let me know of any suggestions that you have in your local area.

Why Local Paleo Guides Matter

Having a Paleo resource tailored specifically to where you live makes it so much easier to stay on track. While generalised international advice is helpful, there's no substitute for having access to local suppliers, restaurants and resources that align with your lifestyle and values. In a country as geographically vast and diverse as Australia — and with New Zealand’s growing real food movement — regional knowledge is powerful.

What’s New in the Latest Update

This version of the guide features newly verified listings for each region, with particular attention given to small-scale producers and local artisans. These are often the most passionate about sustainability and food quality, and many offer delivery or farm gate pick-up options. You’ll now find updates like:

Seasonal farmers markets with Paleo-friendly stalls and pastured eggs
Butchers and meat boxes offering 100% grass-fed and finished beef and lamb
Wild-caught fish suppliers and coastal seafood markets
Certified organic fruit and veg suppliers and weekly co-ops
Gyms and CrossFit boxes that promote ancestral or functional fitness
Health-focused cafes offering bone broth, zucchini noodles and Paleo treats

State-by-State Snapshot

Each state and territory now has its own section with specific listings, links, and addresses where available. For example:

NSW: Includes listings for the Central Coast, Sydney’s inner west, and Byron Bay farmers markets
VIC: Focus on Melbourne’s best organic butchers and a growing Paleo scene in regional towns like Ballarat and Bendigo
QLD: Highlights from Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Far North Queensland with tropical fruit co-ops and grass-fed producers
SA: Newly added organic veg delivery services in Adelaide and regional meat boxes
WA: Perth’s Paleo café listings and fishmongers in Fremantle
TAS: Unique suppliers including Huon Valley pastured pork and local fermenters
ACT: Canberra-based meal prep and home delivery options
NT: Indigenous food growers and small market stalls gaining traction in Darwin

Expanding the New Zealand Section

The guide now includes a much more robust New Zealand section. From Auckland’s boutique wholefood stores to Christchurch’s growing real food movement, I’ve tracked down small farmers and ethical suppliers from both the North and South Islands. If you know a hidden gem or small-scale farm in your area, I’d love to hear about it.

Upcoming Features

I’m working on even more updates for the next version. Here’s what’s coming soon:

Dedicated section for Paleo-friendly restaurants, sorted by city and region
Printable local shopping checklists
Spotlights on standout farms and artisans
Bonus seasonal recipe cards using local produce

How You Can Contribute

If you’ve come across a fantastic supplier or restaurant that supports Paleo principles — even if they don’t advertise it that way — I’d love to include them. Many small producers rely on word of mouth, so your tip could make all the difference. Just send me the details via the contact form, including the name, location, website or socials, and a few words about what makes them great.

Get Your Free Copy

If you haven’t already, download the Paleo Guide to Australia and New Zealand here. It’s completely free and updated regularly based on community feedback and on-the-ground research. Subscribers will always get the most up-to-date edition as soon as it's released.

This guide isn’t just about Paleo. It’s about supporting local businesses, encouraging real food choices, and building a community of like-minded people who value health, sustainability, and quality. Let’s make the next version even better — together.

Weston A Price Foundation Conference New Zealand Australia Events Sally Fallon-min

Weston A Price v The Paleo Diet

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I went across to Auckland, New Zealand at the weekend to hear Sally Fallon-Morell, of the Weston A. Price Foundation, speak.

As with the Melbourne Sugar lectures, the audience was full of people new to the concept that the government approved low-fat diet is not the right approach. It is great to see so many people interested in making changes to their diet and I find it encouraging how many people were in attendance.

I meet up with Julianne Taylor at the talk – and I also meet and spoke Paleo with Rodney Hide. There’s nothing like being able to have real-life conversations on your favourite topic, is there? After the talk Rodney introduced me to Sally, which having had her book Nourishing Traditions for such a long time, was a real privilege.

Whilst there are some important differences between the Paleo style diet that I follow and the WAPF diet, I think it’s more useful to focus on the similarities, of which there are many. Whilst I believe a Paleo style diet is the optimal nutrition plan, if anyone were to convert from a SAD diet to a WAPF plan, I think they would see tremendous health benefits. If they then went one small step further to a Paleo or Primal diet, I think they’d see even more health benefits.

There are a number of principles that are the essence of the nutrition recommended by the WAPF.

FIRST PRINCIPLE: No refined or denatured foods

So much SAD food is refined or modified in some way; sugar, flour, industrial seed oils, HFCS and so many more. If people did just one thing differently, completely removing these products from their diet would surely be the most beneficial. On this point Paleo/ Primal and WAPF are in complete agreement.

SECOND PRINCIPLE: Every diet contained animal products

As with Paleo, the WAPF believe that a healthy diet needs to include animal products and an optimal diet can’t exclusively contain plant food. Organ meats were mentioned a lot in the talk as an important source of many nutrients.

THIRD PRINCIPLE: Nutrient Density

The primitive diets studies by Weston Price were far richer in nutrients than much of the food available today. Mineral content in soil is depleted so many produce just don’t have the same nutrient density. This is where selecting good quality food comes in. Organic, home grown and grass-fed all promote far better nutrient density than the same items produced from intensive farming. Again, this is completely in line with Paleo.

FOURTH PRINCIPLE: All cultures cooked some or most of their food; but always ate some of their animal foods raw.

Weston Price noted that whilst primitive cultures did cook animal products, they also all ate some raw. This came down to raw dairy, which, whilst I agree it is absolutely better than pasteurised dairy, I find a big grey area. The talk focused on comparing processed dairy to raw dairy – where clearly raw dairy is the winner. Excluding dairy wasn't discussed, which is the approach taken by a lot of the Paleo community, myself included. My areas of concern with dairy are around the insulin response and the growth hormone IGF-1, which weren't mentioned at all during the talk. I’d like to come to a more definitive view point on dairy, so had hoped to hear compelling reasons why dairy should be included. As it stands, until I find more conclusive evidence, I'm still of the view that dairy is best excluded.

FIFTH PRINCIPLE: High Levels of Enzymes and Beneficial Bacteria

This focuses on foods that provide enzymes to promote good digestion & metabolic health. Whilst raw dairy is noted as a good source, the super-foods here seems to be lacto-fermented foods such as Sauerkraut. The take-away point for me here is on fermented foods – something I need to make a conscious effort to include in my diet far more.

SIXTH PRINCIPLE: Seeds, grains, legumes & nuts are soaked, sprouted, fermented or naturally leavened

This principle starts off in line with Paleo, observing how components such as anti-nutrients, phytates and lectins in grains are not desirable. Where Paleo excludes grains and legumes altogether, WAPF promotes preparing these foods to minimize the damage. As with the dairy issue, I didn't hear any compelling reasons why it is better to have grains in this form, than not at all. This is the main point on which Paleo/ Primal varies to the WAPF – whilst I’m certain people transitioning from a SAD diet to a WAPF would see significant improvements by preparing grains and legumes – I think their health would be far more optimal foregoing the grains and legumes altogether.

SEVENTH PRINCIPLE: Total fat content of traditional diets varies from 30% to 80% of calories, but only about 4 of calories come from polyunsaturated fatty acids.

This is a key point on which Paleo and WAPF are in agreement. I would probably promote this as the key point, since it concerns the importance of saturated fat and the dangers of the industrial seed oils.

EIGHTH PRINCIPLE: Nearly Equal Amounts of Omega-6 and Omega-3 Fatty Acids

This is also essentially in line with Paleo, stressing the importance of maintaining a good Omega 6/ Omega 3 ratio. This comes down to making the right choices in choosing quality meat and avoiding seed oils.

NINTH PRINCIPLE: All diets contained some salt

I think this point is hard to accept for people transitioning from Conventional Wisdom, where we are told how dangerous salt it. Once the processed food is removed the natural levels of salt remaining are often very low, so supplementing with a good mineral salt is very beneficial.

TENTH PRINCIPLE: All traditional cultures made use of bones, usually as bone broth

Another point I need to work on, bone broths are such a great source of nutrients, easy and cheap to make and very satisfying.

ELEVENTH PRINCIPLE: Traditional cultures made provisions for future generations

This principle was very interesting and concerns issues such as optimal spacing of children, nutrition of pregnant and nursing women and teaching nutrition to the younger generations. This seems to be all too often ignored or not considered in modern society.

Paleo vs Weston A Price?

I learnt a lot from this talk and it was a great reminder that I need to make sure I make provisions to include more organ meat, fermented foods and bone broth in my diet. I plan to make sure I include these regularly.

Whilst I completely agree that prepared grains are far superior to their refined counterparts – and that raw dairy is far superior to pasteurised, I didn't hear anything to make me consider changing my anti-grains, legumes and dairy stance.

What do you think about the Weston A Price principles? Do you agree with their stance on dairy and grains?

Weston A Price Foundation Conference New Zealand Australia Events Sally Fallon auckland sydney-min

Weston A. Price NZ Tour: Speaker Line-Up & What’s New

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Have you booked your tickets to see Sally Fallon Morell and Geoffrey Morell yet? They’re touring New Zealand with the Weston A Price Foundation talking about “the Key to Vibrant Health” and tickets are on sale now.

Sally Fallon Morell, founding president of the WAPF is going to be talking about Dr Weston A Price, the health benefits of saturated animal fats, raw milk, the dangers of modern soy foods, the value of bone stock and lacto-fermented foods. Geoffrey Morell will be talking about “healing for the millions”.

There are lots of dates and venues to choose from:

25th March 2012, Invercargill
27th March 2012, Christchurch
29th March 2012, Wellington
1st April 2012, Auckland
2nd April 2012, Havelock North
3rd April 2012, Hastings
4th April 2012, Hamilton

I've booked my ticket for Auckland, see you there?

Who Was Weston A. Price – And Why Does He Matter?

Dr Weston A. Price was a pioneering dentist and researcher from the early 20th century who travelled the world studying the diets of traditional cultures. What he found was remarkable – people eating nutrient-dense, traditional diets had excellent teeth, strong bone structure, vibrant health, and far lower rates of chronic illness than those consuming a modern, industrialised diet. His work formed the foundation of what would later become the Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF), and remains deeply influential to this day, especially within the Paleo and ancestral health communities.

Price’s research was published in his groundbreaking book, Nutrition and Physical Degeneration, which remains a must-read for anyone interested in the deep connection between traditional foods and long-term health. The Weston A Price NZ Tour is not just a series of lectures—it’s a modern-day continuation of that mission: educating and inspiring people to reclaim their health through nutrient-dense, whole foods and traditional preparation methods.

Why the Weston A Price NZ Tour Is So Important

Events like the Weston A Price NZ Tour offer a rare opportunity to hear from experts who challenge the mainstream narrative on nutrition. While conventional dietary advice often focuses on low-fat, plant-based recommendations, WAPF offers a different message: that animal fats, properly prepared whole foods, and traditional diets are not only safe, but vital to vibrant health.

The tour delivers this message in a clear, science-backed, and engaging way – perfect for anyone interested in Paleo, Primal, ancestral eating, or simply taking a more natural approach to their wellbeing. And it’s not just about what’s on your plate – it’s also about how that food is sourced, cooked, and understood.

Meet the Speakers: Sally Fallon Morell and Geoffrey Morell

Sally Fallon Morell is the founding president of the Weston A. Price Foundation and author of the bestselling book Nourishing Traditions. She’s known for her passionate defence of saturated fats, bone broth, raw milk, and fermented foods – all of which were common elements in the diets studied by Dr Price. Sally is a compelling speaker, weaving together history, science, and humour in a way that leaves you both informed and inspired.

Geoffrey Morell, her husband, is a practitioner of a form of energy healing known as the Morell Technique. His talk, “Healing for the Millions,” focuses on natural health techniques that support the body’s innate ability to heal. His sessions often include live demonstrations and stories from his decades of experience helping people regain their health using traditional and intuitive methods.

Topics Covered on the Weston A Price NZ Tour

This isn’t your average nutrition lecture series. Expect to hear in-depth discussion and practical advice on topics like:

The dangers of soy – especially genetically modified, processed soy products that are often pushed as health foods
Why raw milk matters – and how it compares nutritionally to pasteurised, homogenised dairy products
Bone broth benefits – including immune support, joint health, gut healing, and more
Fermentation and gut health – the ancestral way to preserve food and support your microbiome
Animal fats and heart health – debunking the myth that saturated fats are bad for you
Traditional vs modern diets – what we’ve lost and how to reclaim it

It’s rare to find such a well-rounded discussion of these topics in one place, let alone with the opportunity to ask questions directly to two of the most prominent voices in ancestral nutrition.

Weston A Price in New Zealand: Local Momentum

New Zealand, with its rich agricultural heritage and strong community values, is the perfect place to explore traditional food wisdom. From pasture-raised lamb to fresh dairy and a deep connection with the land, Kiwis have access to some of the most nutrient-dense foods in the world. Yet, like everywhere else, industrialised food has crept in and displaced many traditional habits. That’s why the Weston A Price NZ Tour feels so timely – it’s a reminder of what’s possible when we reconnect with real food and ancestral ways of living.

These talks are more than just educational – they’re a rallying point for communities across New Zealand who want to eat well, feel good, and make informed choices about their health. Expect to meet farmers, foodies, parents, naturopaths, and curious newcomers. There’s something incredibly powerful about gathering together around a shared vision for a healthier future.

What to Expect at the Event

If you’ve never been to a WAPF talk before, here’s a sneak peek at what to expect:

Practical advice on how to eat and live in harmony with your biology
Q&A sessions that let you dive deeper into specific topics
Networking opportunities with like-minded people in your community
Books and resources available for purchase
Local food vendors and producers showcasing traditional foods

These are not dry academic lectures – they’re rich, engaging, and often life-changing. If you’ve been unsure about raw dairy, hesitant to start fermenting, or looking for a more nourishing approach to fats – this is the place to get clear, evidence-based answers.

Traditional Nutrition and the Paleo Connection

There’s a lot of overlap between Weston A Price principles and the Paleo diet. Both value nutrient density, avoidance of processed foods, and a return to traditional preparation techniques. Where Paleo tends to cut out all grains and dairy, WAPF supports properly prepared whole grains (soaked or fermented) and raw dairy – provided they’re high-quality and traditionally sourced.

If you’re Paleo but open to experimentation, or if you’ve found full-on Paleo too restrictive, the Weston A Price approach may offer a gentler path with equally robust health benefits. Many people find that incorporating WAPF principles into a Paleo lifestyle gives them the best of both worlds: clarity and simplicity around food choices, but with more flexibility and cultural richness.

Tips to Make the Most of the Weston A Price NZ Tour

Here are a few quick tips to get the most out of the tour:

Bring a notebook – you’ll want to remember specific tips, names of books, and references to follow up on later.
Arrive early – seating can be limited, and you’ll want a good view of the speakers and the stage.
Talk to people – strike up a conversation during breaks. You might meet a new friend, a local farmer, or someone who makes amazing kombucha.
Bring questions – the Q&A sessions are often the most informative part of the event.
Explore resources – there will likely be books, brochures, and maybe even locally made traditional foods available for sale.

Can’t Make It? Here’s How to Learn More

If you missed the Weston A Price NZ Tour, don’t worry – you can still explore these ideas in your own time. Here are some ways to dive deeper:

Read Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon Morell
Watch Sally’s presentations on YouTube – many of her keynotes are available online
Join your local WAPF chapter or online communities
Start making bone broth, fermenting vegetables, or sourcing raw dairy from a trusted farmer
Read Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Dr Weston A. Price – a classic that holds up today

Why This Tour Still Matters Today

It’s been over a decade since this particular Weston A Price NZ Tour happened, but the message is more relevant than ever. In a world increasingly dominated by ultra-processed foods, synthetic additives, and industrialised farming, people are hungry for truth, simplicity, and real nourishment.

Events like these help remind us that vibrant health doesn’t come from the latest supplement or fad diet – it comes from going back to basics: traditional foods, eaten in community, prepared with care. Whether you attended one of the original events or are just discovering this for the first time, the principles of the Weston A Price Foundation continue to offer powerful, timeless wisdom.

Were you at the Auckland talk too? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

The Paleo Guide to Australia

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When I first started with my Paleo lifestyle, I found so many fantastic books and blogs to steer me in the right direct.

My one frustration, was that a lot of the information seemed to be geared towards a US audience. So many Paleo-friendly shops (Wholefoods anyone?) and products are mentioned – but just aren't available in this part of the world. Seasonal fruit and vegetables are in season at completely different times – even the intensity of the sun is different here.

I've therefore been busy putting together a guide to being Paleo in Australia (with a section on New Zealand too, so as not to leave our Kiwi friends out!). This is the guide I wish I'd had when I started out!

In this free ebook you can find out where to buy all of the Paleo related food and products you'll need, what's in season when, listings by state and lots more about Paleo. The listings identify local farmers markets, organic fruit and vegetable schemes, meat suppliers, fishmongers, meetup groups, primal friendly fitness centres and much more – all across Australia and New Zealand.

I'm also going to be starting a monthly newsletter. This is where I can share Paleo related news and events that don't make it into the blog.

So, if you'd like a free copy of the book, please subscribe to my newsletter in the box below, to get your free download of “the Paleo Guide to Australia”!

This book will be regularly updated, so I'd love to hear of any local tips you think should be included in the next version!

Why a Localised Approach to Paleo Matters

One of the greatest challenges when adopting the Paleo lifestyle in Australia is working around resources that are primarily written with a Northern Hemisphere — and often American — audience in mind. While the foundational principles of Paleo remain universal, the application of those principles in real life can vary dramatically based on where you live. From food availability and seasonality to laws on raw milk and local farming practices, the Australian context brings its own unique considerations.

For example, you’re unlikely to find the same brands, health food store chains, or even products here that you’ll see recommended in US-based Paleo books and blogs. This can be disheartening when you’re first starting out and wondering where on earth to source things like grass-fed tallow, organ meats, or wild-caught seafood — let alone how to navigate labels or shop on a budget. That’s exactly why this localised guide is so helpful — it brings Paleo home, right here to Australia and New Zealand.

How Seasonal Eating Looks Different Down Under

Another key difference is the agricultural calendar. When you read that berries are a perfect summer food — but it’s July and freezing cold here — it can throw off your meal planning. Seasonal eating is a core part of Paleo, as it mimics ancestral diets and allows you to get produce at its peak nutritional value. But in Australia, our seasons are the opposite of the US and Europe, and they also vary from state to state.

This guide breaks down what's in season throughout the year, helping you align your eating with what's fresh, local, and often more affordable. Whether you're shopping at a weekend farmers market in Melbourne, a roadside honesty box on the Sunshine Coast, or a community co-op in regional WA, being in tune with the seasons makes Paleo easier, tastier, and more sustainable.

Supporting Local Farmers and Suppliers

Eating Paleo isn’t just about what you eat — it’s also about where your food comes from. Sourcing local, ethical produce not only supports your health but also strengthens local economies and farming practices. That’s why the guide includes extensive listings of farmers markets, organic producers, and direct-to-customer meat suppliers across every state and territory.

In many areas of Australia, there are incredible regenerative farmers offering pasture-raised eggs, grass-fed beef, and spray-free vegetables — but they’re not always easy to find. With this guide, you’ll have a shortcut to discover local suppliers who align with Paleo values, many of whom also offer delivery or pick-up points in urban areas.

Australia-Specific Nutritional Considerations

Even the sunlight here is different. In fact, many Australians are surprised to learn how easily you can become vitamin D deficient, even in such a sunny country. Depending on your skin tone, lifestyle, and location, you may need to supplement — especially during the winter months or if you work indoors. The guide provides a useful overview of sun exposure guidelines relevant to Australians, helping you navigate safe, effective sun habits without relying on Northern Hemisphere advice.

There’s also the issue of food labelling. In Australia, regulations on what counts as “natural” or “free-range” can vary, and some terminology isn’t tightly regulated. The guide covers what to look for on labels and how to interpret marketing claims, so you can make informed decisions when shopping for Paleo staples like oils, meat, dairy alternatives, and more.

Connecting with the Local Paleo Community

Paleo can feel isolating when you’re the only one at a BBQ avoiding bread rolls or the only person in your office bringing leftover lamb shanks and roasted pumpkin for lunch. But you’re not alone. Across Australia and New Zealand, there are growing numbers of people embracing ancestral health — and this guide points you towards ways to connect.

From Facebook groups and meet-up events to real food expos and primal-friendly gyms, the listings help you build your own support network. It’s amazing how motivating it is to meet like-minded people who share your approach to health, whether online or in person.

Regular Updates and Community Contributions

Because new suppliers and markets pop up all the time, this guide is designed to be a living resource. If you come across a fantastic local butcher, a new co-op, or a farmer offering organic produce at your local market, sharing that information helps keep the guide relevant and growing.

I’ll be updating the guide regularly and featuring user submissions in future versions — so don’t hesitate to get in touch with your favourite finds. Whether it’s a hidden gem in Tasmania or a new delivery service in regional Queensland, your tip could help someone else on their journey.

What You’ll Get in the Free Ebook

If you haven’t downloaded it yet, here’s a quick look at what you’ll find inside the free “Paleo Guide to Australia” ebook:

State-by-state listings of local markets, meat and seafood suppliers, and wholefood shops
Directories of Paleo and primal-friendly gyms, CrossFit boxes, and health practitioners
Information on seasonal produce across Australia and New Zealand
Tips for decoding Australian food labels and sourcing high-quality products
Resources on topics like raw milk availability, sustainable seafood, and ethical farming

And because it’s free, it’s the perfect resource to share with anyone you know who's just getting started or looking to deepen their local Paleo knowledge.

Subscribe and Get the Guide

If you haven’t already, just pop your email into the box above to subscribe to my newsletter and instantly receive your free download of the “Paleo Guide to Australia.” The newsletter will also keep you updated with new listings, seasonal eating reminders, product discoveries, event announcements, and everything you need to stay connected with the local Paleo movement.

Have something you’d like to see added to the next edition? I’d love to hear from you. Let’s build the ultimate Aussie resource for real food, real movement, and real connection — together.

Weston A. Price in New Zealand – Early Event Details

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Apparently Sally Fallon Morell and Geoffrey Morell will be coming to New Zealand next year on a speaking tour with the Weston A Price foundation (WAPF). Details are still to be announced and it will be between the 24th March and 6th April 2012.

The Weston A Price Foundation approach is not the same as Paleo. Dairy as well as grains are not discouraged. Grains are soaked or sprouted prior to eating to remove some (but not all) of the toxins. I'm certainly not interested in adding grains to my diet, but I am interested in learning more from the WAPF about things like fermented vegetables and organ meats, which I think could be a really beneficial addition to my diet.

I think a WAPF approach is a huge improvement on a typical Western Diet, and probably a good transition into Paleo. In fact, a lot of Paleo people I have met started off with a WAPF approach before they discovered Paleo.

It should be a very interesting event to attend – and nice to have something like this in our part of the world. I'll post the details when they are announced.

Shared Principles Between Paleo and WAPF

While Paleo and Weston A Price Foundation (WAPF) principles differ on some food groups, there are numerous overlapping values that make the two approaches more aligned than they may first appear. Both reject the highly processed Standard Western Diet and focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods as the foundation of good health. Whether you're strictly Paleo or experimenting with WAPF principles, there's much to gain from exploring the crossover areas.

Both frameworks emphasise traditional cooking methods, quality sourcing, and the avoidance of industrial seed oils, artificial additives, and refined sugars. In this sense, WAPF can serve as a helpful stepping stone for those easing into the stricter parameters of Paleo. It's also a rich resource for exploring techniques and ingredients that some Paleo eaters may overlook, such as fermented vegetables, bone broths, and the inclusion of organ meats as nutritional powerhouses.

The Role of Fermented Foods and Traditional Preparation

One of the most compelling aspects of the WAPF philosophy is its strong emphasis on traditional food preparation. Fermentation, soaking, sprouting and slow cooking aren’t just culinary traditions — they are methods used to improve nutrient bioavailability and digestibility. These practices can easily enhance a Paleo lifestyle, even if you choose to skip the grains and dairy.

Fermented vegetables like sauerkraut, kimchi and beet kvass are rich in probiotics and offer a natural way to support gut health. Adding these foods to your diet can promote better digestion, stronger immunity, and improved nutrient absorption — all key goals of a well-rounded ancestral eating plan.

Even if you don't consume grains or legumes, the WAPF emphasis on slow cooking and fermentation can be applied to root vegetables, fruits, and even meat. Liver pâté, fermented garlic, and traditional bone broth are all cornerstones of both approaches.

The Nutritional Case for Organ Meats

Organ meats are widely celebrated in WAPF teachings and are also embraced by many in the Paleo community. Liver, heart, kidney and even spleen are among the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, providing bioavailable vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, B12, iron, copper and zinc in far higher concentrations than muscle meat.

WAPF encourages a “nose-to-tail” philosophy that makes complete nutritional use of the whole animal. If you follow a Paleo diet but haven’t yet explored organ meats, this may be the nudge you need. Incorporating liver once or twice a week is one of the most powerful upgrades you can make to your current routine. If the taste puts you off, try mixing small amounts into minced meat or preparing it with herbs and spices to mellow the flavour.

Rethinking Dairy: Where WAPF and Paleo Differ

One of the key areas of divergence between WAPF and Paleo is their stance on dairy. While Paleo avoids dairy due to its potential to cause inflammation, gut irritation and insulin spikes in some individuals, WAPF strongly supports the consumption of raw, grass-fed dairy products. They believe traditional dairy, when unprocessed and sourced from healthy animals, can be a valuable source of fat-soluble vitamins and probiotics.

For Paleo followers who tolerate dairy well, there's a case for experimenting with raw milk kefir, fermented cheeses and cultured butter from grass-fed sources. However, this is highly individual and must be tested carefully. Many people find that while they thrive on a strict dairy-free Paleo approach, reintroducing cultured dairy in small amounts can work well — especially for those focused on gut health and nutrient density.

Balancing the Benefits: Adopting What Works for You

One of the strengths of exploring both Paleo and WAPF approaches is the ability to personalise your diet based on your individual health needs, goals and tolerances. If you’re already following Paleo and thriving, there's no need to change a thing. But if you feel you’re missing out on certain aspects of traditional eating — particularly in the areas of fermentation and offal — WAPF offers tools and recipes that can deepen and enrich your current practice.

The goal isn’t dogmatic purity. It’s about using ancestral wisdom to build a sustainable, nourishing way of eating that supports your long-term health and energy. Whether that means adding fermented carrots to your breakfast plate or trying bone marrow for the first time, these are small, deliberate choices that can have a big impact.

What to Expect from the WAPF Tour

Having Sally Fallon Morell and Geoffrey Morell visit this part of the world is a unique opportunity to learn directly from the leaders of the WAPF movement. Expect in-depth discussions on ancestral diets, healing protocols, and traditional food preparation. These events often include live demonstrations, Q&A sessions, and opportunities to network with like-minded individuals.

Even if you don't subscribe to all of the WAPF philosophy, attending the talk will almost certainly leave you inspired to try new things in your kitchen. You might walk away with ideas for fermenting your own vegetables, sourcing local raw dairy, or creating nutrient-dense meals using cuts of meat you’ve previously ignored.

Supporting Local and Regenerative Farming

Both WAPF and Paleo place high value on food sourcing. Eating grass-fed meat, organic produce, and pastured eggs supports not only your health but also local farmers and the broader ecosystem. One of the topics likely to be highlighted in the WAPF speaking tour is the connection between soil health, animal welfare and human wellbeing — something that resonates deeply with anyone invested in real food.

It’s worth taking the opportunity to explore vendors and suppliers present at the event. You may discover new sources for quality meats, bone broth, fermented products and other staples that align perfectly with your diet.

Stay Informed and Open-Minded

As new information emerges and your own health evolves, staying curious is key. Events like the upcoming WAPF tour are fantastic for expanding your perspective, testing new ideas, and refining your approach. Whether you leave more committed to strict Paleo or inspired to experiment with WAPF principles, the knowledge you gain will be valuable.

I'll be sure to post more details as they are confirmed. It’s encouraging to see international events like this reaching New Zealand and Australia — hopefully a sign that ancestral health is growing as a mainstream conversation in our region.

What do you think about a WAPF approach?

Is a fat tax coming to Australia New Zealand-min

Is a “Fat Tax” Coming to Australia and New Zealand?

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With Denmark having just been the first country to introduce a “Fat Tax”, the online community has been awash with criticism. Will governments in Australia and New Zealand impose similar legislation onto us in the future?

What’s happening in Denmark?

Denmark already had additional taxes on sugar, chocolate and soft drinks, but they have just introduced a tax on saturated fat. A tax of 16 kroner ($2.95 AUD/ $3.72 NZD) per kilo of saturated fat, where the product contains over 2.3% fat, will be passed onto the consumer. This would add about 50 cents AUD to the price of a pack of butter. So if my calculations are correct, that would add on about $2.50 AUD to the one litre tin of coconut oil I bought last week – but under 30 cents AUD to the same volume of cheap, nasty vegetable oil? The calculation sounds overly complex and it based on the fat used in creating a product, rather than the percentage fat in the final product. This sounds like a recipe for Frankenfoods, rather than whole, unprocessed foods…

The motives of Denmark, which are to increase the countries average life expectancy, may be honourable. However, their execution is based solely on the incorrect lipid hypothesis; despite it now becoming more widely accepted that saturated fat is not the cause of obesity and heart disease.

I also have serious concerns about a government deciding what we should or should not eat. Where people have access to health information and resources it should be their choice what they eat. This is even more imperative where the government in question is basing their health views on incorrect, outdated fads such as the lipid hypothesis. Such a fat tax penalises eating a healthy Paleo diet, despite this being, what I would consider, the healthiest diet going.

Would a “Fat Tax” target the right fats?

What about Australia?

With 60% of Australian adults and 40% of children being classed as obese, the “Obesity Policy Coalition” is lobbying for a “fat tax”, using the proceeds gained from “unhealthy” foods to subsidise “healthy” foods. I've found it very hard to get to the bottom of what this coalition considers “unhealthy” foods, but have written to them to ask them to clarify this (I'll keep you updated if I get a response). Looking on their site however, I fear they subscribe to the lipid hypothesis – which may mean they would endorse taxing on a similar basis to Denmark.

A proposal was bought to the Australian government in 2009 by the “National Preventative Health Taskforce” calling for a tax on “unhealthy foods” (again, I've not been able to see exactly what they define as “unhealthy” in this context). This was not responded to by the government. Indeed the federal health minister Nicola Roxon has recently said that the government are putting their efforts into tackling obesity using methods other than administration. Hopefully this means no “fat tax” in Australia in the near future.

And New Zealand?

The “Food Industry Group of New Zealand” last week spoke out on the new tax in Denmark, saying it is very unlikely to have any positive effects on obesity levels. They feel the tax will make food more expensive and could actually put health of children and elderly at risk. They will not be recommending a similar fat tax in New Zealand.

So it looks like in this part of the world, we’ll continue to be free to make our own food choices. I'm interested to see how the new tax is received in Denmark and how it changes the eating habits and health of the nation.

What do you think? Should government dictate what we eat, using taxes? Would a tax on all foods that aren't Paleo be justified?

Should Governments Tax What We Eat?

While the idea of a fat tax may come from a desire to improve public health, it raises serious concerns — especially for those of us following a whole food, Paleo lifestyle. When policies are based on outdated nutrition science, like the lipid hypothesis, there’s a real risk that foods rich in healthy fats (think butter, coconut oil, and grass-fed meat) could be unfairly penalised — while ultra-processed, low-fat, high-sugar alternatives are left untouched.

In Australia and New Zealand, the discussion around fat taxes continues to surface, particularly as obesity rates climb. But instead of blanket taxes, perhaps what we really need is better education, clearer food labelling, and support for accessing nutrient-dense, unprocessed foods — not punishment for making informed, ancestral-based choices.

What’s your take? Would a fat tax change the way you eat, or how you shop? Do you think governments should have a say in our food choices at all? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Rethinking Public Health: Education vs. Legislation

The debate over a so-called “fat tax” highlights a deeper issue: should governments attempt to legislate health outcomes through taxation, or should the focus instead be on education and empowerment? For many Australians following a Paleo or whole foods lifestyle, the concern isn’t just about higher prices — it’s about the unintended consequences of using outdated nutritional models to guide public policy.

For decades, dietary guidelines have been rooted in the belief that saturated fat is dangerous — despite growing evidence suggesting otherwise. If taxes are based on these old assumptions, nutrient-dense staples like coconut oil, pastured butter, and grass-fed meat could become more expensive, while highly processed “low-fat” alternatives — often loaded with sugar, seed oils, and preservatives — are overlooked.

It’s easy to understand the appeal of simple solutions like taxing so-called “bad” foods. With obesity and chronic illness rising, action feels urgent. But are these policies truly effective? Evidence from Denmark and similar trials suggests otherwise. Short-term behaviour change is rare, while long-term shifts in eating habits are better achieved through transparency, affordability of real food, and clear education on nutrition.

The Paleo Perspective: Real Food Isn’t the Enemy

For those of us who follow a Paleo diet, rich in high-quality animal fats, seafood, vegetables, and minimally processed ingredients, the prospect of being penalised for choosing traditional, whole foods is both frustrating and illogical. We don’t need more barriers to buying nourishing staples like pastured eggs, grass-fed beef, and wild-caught seafood — we need support.

Instead of taxing the average family’s grocery trolley, why not:

Remove GST from fresh produce, meat, and unprocessed pantry staples
Offer incentives for farmers and producers to grow real, organic food
Fund public awareness campaigns that clearly explain the damage caused by ultra-processed food and refined seed oils
Support school programs that teach basic cooking skills and nutritional literacy
Encourage local councils to back farmers markets and community gardens

Taxing Fat But Not Sugar? The Flawed Logic

Another major flaw in these proposed taxes is inconsistency. Why are some naturally occurring fats targeted, while refined carbohydrates and sugar-laden processed foods are not? It’s possible to buy fat-free, sugar-packed breakfast cereal and avoid a tax — while being penalised for choosing grass-fed butter. It just doesn’t make sense.

A truly health-focused policy should encourage people to eat foods with recognisable ingredients. That means whole vegetables, good fats, clean protein, and avoiding things that come in a packet with a long list of additives. Paleo eaters already do this — but they often pay more to do so.

Food Freedom vs. Food Fear

Food choices are deeply personal. Whether someone is eating Paleo, vegetarian, carnivore, or anything in between, decisions should be based on informed consent — not fear of government-imposed penalties. A fat tax doesn’t educate people about what to eat; it simply adds confusion and financial burden.

What we need is not more control over our shopping baskets — but more autonomy, backed by accurate science and better access to the right foods. The best public health outcomes don’t come from forcing change through taxation. They come from empowering individuals to understand their bodies, access clean food, and make consistent, confident decisions that align with their health goals.

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