"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food."

-Hippocrates

If you’re curious about traditional food skills like making sourdough, fermenting foods, or whipping up your own yogurt, you’re not just tapping into a cool hobby—you’re unlocking some serious health benefits.

These time-tested techniques passed down by our ancestors are more than just a throwback to your grandma’s kitchen; they’re a delicious way to boost your gut health, digestion, and overall well-being.

Let’s dive into why embracing traditional foods is one of the best things you can do for your body (and your soul).

1. The Power of Probiotics: Your Gut’s Best Friend

Let’s start with the champions of traditional foods: probiotics. (Cue the theme song from Rocky). These friendly bacteria are the superheroes of your digestive system. They help keep your gut in balance, support digestion, and even give your immune system a little pep talk to keep it ready for action. When you make your own kefir, yogurt, or fermented veggies, you’re essentially brewing your own batch of gut-healing goodness.

• Gut Health Support: Imagine your gut as a bustling city. Probiotics are the friendly inhabitants that keep the peace and make sure everything runs smoothly. Eating foods rich in probiotics—like homemade yogurt or sauerkraut—helps populate your gut with these beneficial bacteria, which can help with bloating, irregularity, and even some food sensitivities.

• Immune Boost: Did you know that a huge chunk of your immune system actually lives in your gut? Like around 80%! That means probiotics do more than just help you digest your breakfast; they help keep your body’s defenses strong. A daily dose of homemade kefir or kimchi can mean fewer sniffles and faster recovery when those seasonal bugs roll around.

2. Nutrient Boost from Soaking and Sprouting: Unleash the Superpower

Ever hear about soaking and sprouting grains and legumes? It might sound like something out of a homesteading guide, but it’s actually an ancient trick to get more nutrients out of your food. The process breaks down phytic acid, a compound that can make grains and beans harder to digest, so your body can soak up more of their goodness.

• Easier Digestion: Let’s face it—eating a heavy, unsoaked bowl of beans can sometimes feel like you’re auditioning for a bloat-filled movie scene. Soaking and sprouting grains and legumes help break down some of the tough-to-digest elements, making them way gentler on your stomach.

• Nutrient Unlock: Think of grains and legumes as little nutrient treasure chests. When you soak or sprout them, you’re essentially using a key to open them up and release vitamins and minerals like zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins. Your body will thank you for that extra boost, trust me.

3. Fermented Foods: The Secret to More Vitamins and Flavor

Fermented foods are the cool kids on the block—and for good reason. Whether you’re munching on some tangy kimchi or spooning probiotic-packed miso into your soup, fermentation not only preserves food but enhances it in a way that’s hard to replicate.

• Vitamins Galore: Fermented foods are like little nutrient factories. They produce higher levels of certain vitamins, especially B vitamins and K2, which are important for brain function and bone health. So when you’re enjoying that homemade miso soup, you’re also sipping on brain fuel!

• Digestive Aid: The natural acids and enzymes produced during fermentation help break down other foods in your digestive system. This means that your body can absorb the nutrients in your meals more efficiently, making every bite you take work harder for your health.

To hear it straight from an expert, watch the video below by Donna Schwenk of Cultured Food Life. She is a wealth of knowledge on fermented foods! Her monthly membership, Biotic Pro, is well worth the minimal monthly fee. She gives her member an ebook every month chock full of recipes using fermented foods, plus you have access to exclusive member classes. Oh, and you get a 10% discount on purchases from her store. Highly recommend!

4. Traditional Food Prep: A Wellness Routine for Your Body and Mind

Learning traditional food skills is about more than just the end product—it’s about reconnecting with your food and finding joy in the process. There’s a mindful quality to kneading dough, waiting for sourdough to rise, or watching yogurt thicken that’s missing in the rush of modern cooking.

• Mindful Eating: When you make your own yogurt or sourdough, it’s not just about the end product; it’s about the journey. It's the joy of knowing that you're feeding nutritious food to your family. You learn to slow down, be present, and appreciate the effort that goes into what you’re about to eat. This kind of mindful eating can actually help with portion control and satisfaction. Plus, it makes you savor every bite.

• Sustainable Choices: Making your own food from scratch often means using fewer processed ingredients and reducing packaging waste. You can choose local, seasonal produce and make food that’s kinder to the environment while being kind to your body.

5. Start Small: Easy Traditional Food Projects

If you’re wondering how to begin without feeling overwhelmed, I’ve got you covered! Start with something simple, like a basic yogurt or overnight oats. Once you’re comfortable, you can branch out to sourdough bread or even experiment with homemade kimchi. You’ll quickly find that these projects not only feed your body but also your creative spirit.

• Quick Wins: Start with a batch of yogurt using a basic yogurt maker. It’s simple, rewarding, and you’ll have fresh yogurt ready for breakfast or snacks in no time.

• Fermentation Station: Ready for the next step? Get a fermentation kit and try your hand at sauerkraut or kimchi. It’s easier than it looks, and the flavor punch will have you hooked!

Conclusion

Learning traditional food skills isn’t just about making your meals more delicious; it’s about feeding you and your family in the most nurturing, nutrient-packed way possible. You’ll be amazed at how your digestion, energy, and overall well-being improve when you incorporate these foods into your family's routine.

So why wait? Roll up your sleeves, and discover the joy of traditional cooking that nourishes from the inside out.