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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.

WAPF-Paleo-Weston A Price Sally Fallon-min

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.

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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?
Weston A. Price Foundation Conference in New Zealand and Australia featuring Sally Fallon, Auckland and Sydney

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!