Weston A. Price in New Zealand – Early Event Details

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?