Fat and Human Migration

By Heather Hamilton, PhD., LMHC, NCC, DCC | ©2022BreakThrough!

Humans Were Built for Migration, Not Hibernation

To better understand why we as humans, have the tendency to choose foods high in fat, sugar, and carbohydrates, it’s helpful to understand why these fatty foods are so attractive to us in the first place.

As you will learn in Chapter 2, it’s not all about texture and taste

As far as we know, humans were hunters before they became gatherers. Most animals follow migratory patterns so it’s likely that early humans migrated with the herds (plenty of exercises there). The survival of our species was dependent on having enough energy to chase down dinner. Where did this energy come from? It came from fat. Fat is the highest density substance the human body can use for energy.

After a while though, nesting instincts emerged and women (likely tired of walking across continents) insisted on creating camps and cave communities. Nesting created the need for a new physical adaptation: the ability to be able to endure seasonal periods of famine. In response to seasonal food cycles, the human body developed the capability to store fat efficiently and endure periods of scarcity.

Why Is This Still a Problem Today?

The answer is pretty simple when we think about recent history. Until the end of WW II fat and sugar were relatively scarce and expensive commodities. Since then, fat, sugar, carbohydrates, and unpronounceable refined food additives, have become available in unprecedented and affordable quantities and forms. As a species, however, we have not evolved fast enough to survive relatively recent changes in our diet. Humorously the FAT AGE is upon us. We are unwittingly being crushed, destroyed, and prematurely buried by our food supply. The only way we will reverse the FAT AGE is by changing how and what we eat.

Food choices aren’t something we really think about until we want to lose weight. But it comes down to basic science. If we deplete certain reserves in the brain or body, we’re unconsciously driven to replenish those reserves. Until we understand why we crave or reach for certain foods to restore functioning; we’re pretty much along for the ride. Session 2 of this course humorously teaches you what’s going on in your brain, why diets can be so challenging, and what you can do to make positive changes.