Blog
Complete Beast | Whole Food Nose-to-Tail Organ Nutrition
Complete Beast This one has been a long time in the making, and honestly, I couldn’t be more excited to finally share it with you. Complete Beast is officially live and available to buy from today. Now… let’s talk about why we made it, and the science behind it, because this product isn't just another “wellness supplement.” This is real food, in its most complete form. How Complete Beast Was Born A few years ago, my son Rob (chef and all-round food genius) said something that completely stopped me in my tracks: “Mum… why don’t we just freeze-dry a whole beast and encapsulate it?” At first, I’ll admit it, I was doubtful. Because if you know anything about organ-based nutrition, you know this isn’t a simple process. The sourcing. The preparation. The freeze-drying. The blending. The ratios. The quality control. It’s a lot. But once I got past the complexity, I realised something: It was one of the best ideas I’d ever heard. Nose-to-Tail; The Way Humans Always Ate So, together with an athlete friend of mine, we started building what would become Complete Beast. Not just liver.Not just “organ meat.”Not just the trendy bits. But the whole animal, nose-to-tail, the way our ancestors consumed it. And yes… I mean all of it. Organs.Glands.Cartilage.Bone.Marrow.Even the eyes. Because every part of the animal holds a different nutritional purpose. Different minerals. Different peptides. Different fat-soluble vitamins. Different growth factors. The animal isn’t designed to be eaten in parts. It’s designed to be eaten as a whole. The Science Behind It Modern nutrition loves reductionism. We isolate nutrients.We extract compounds.We try to mimic food in a lab. But ancestral nutrition works differently. It’s built on synergy. When you consume the whole animal, especially the organs and connective tissues, you’re getting nutrients in the exact form nature intended: balanced, bioavailable, and complementary. This is where Weston A. Price’s philosophy comes in so beautifully: “Like supports like.” In other words: organs support organs glands support glands connective tissue supports connective tissue This is traditional nutrition, validated by modern science. Why This Matters More Than Ever My reasoning for making this product wasn’t just about nutrients. It was about honour. Because ancestral humans never wasted a beast. They didn’t throw away the organs.They didn’t discard the cartilage.They didn’t toss the bones into the landfill. They used it all, with care, respect, and deep understanding. And look at us now. The rubbish bins are creaking under the weight of our excess and extravagance.We waste more than we consume.And we’ve forgotten how to nourish ourselves properly. Complete Beast is our way of returning to something real. Something respectful.Something sustainable.Something deeply nourishing. Designed for Every Pantry Complete Beast was designed to be a staple, not something “special” you take for a month and forget about. This is pantry nutrition. So you can say, with confidence: “I’m getting the nutrition I need to stay healthy every day.” Even if you don’t love cooking liver.Even if you don’t have access to nose-to-tail foods.Even if you’re busy, travelling, training, or juggling a busy schedule. This is ancestral nutrition made simple for modern life. Complete Beast is Here I'm so proud of this product. Because it’s much more than a supplement. It’s a return to the way we were always meant to eat. Whole animal. Whole nourishment. No wastage. Complete Beast is live and ready for your pantry today.
Learn more
Why We Created Complete Beast | A New Standard In Daily Nutrition
Resetting the Standard for Everyday Nutrition Complete Beast is now available to pre-order, and will start shipping from our store on the 16th of February. That sounds incredible to say out loud. Not only because it’s a new product, but because of what Complete Beast represents. This is the point we’ve been working towards since Marty and I started Homegrown Primal all those years ago. Complete Beast is the nutritional foundation of the Homegrown Primal range. The everyday baseline. The product everything else builds from. And it didn’t happen by accident. A Path of Discovery From the beginning, our intention has been shaped by a single thought:to restore the ancestral nutrients modern diets leave out. That commitment led us deep into nose-to-tail nutrition, not as a trend, but as a way of understanding how the human body is actually meant to be nourished. Over time, we kept coming back to the same realisation: Even people who eat well often lack a true nutritional base. Modern solutions tend to fill that gap with synthetic multivitamins and isolated nutrients. But that model never sat right with us. So we didn’t rush to replace it.We took our time to understand what should exist instead. Why Synthetic Multivitamins Aren’t the Answer Most multivitamins are constructed from individual compounds, vitamins and minerals. They're separated from food and delivered in isolation. Human biology doesn’t work that way. Nutrients are meant to arrive together, supported by cofactors, enzymes, fats, and proteins that help the body recognise and use them effectively. That’s how food works. That’s how humans evolved to be nourished. Historically, organ foods played this role. They weren’t eaten to correct deficiencies.They were eaten regularly to prevent them. That understanding became the backbone of Complete Beast. Complete Beast: The Everyday Baseline Complete Beast is designed to be where your nutrition starts. After more than five years of formulation and refinement, it delivers a true nose-to-tail solution, bringing together 13 organs and glands, freeze-dried to preserve nature’s most bioavailable nutrients, in one simple daily product. It fits naturally alongside: An animal-based or carnivore way of eating A whole-food, ingredient-conscious diet A modern lifestyle where simplicity matters This isn’t a targeted supplement.It isn’t a stack.It isn’t about chasing outcomes. It’s the foundation. Where Does Complete Beast Fit? Complete Beast is designed to cover your daily nutritional base, the layer that supports the body as a whole. From there, the rest of the Homegrown Primal range exists to provide targeted support, depending on your needs, goals, or life stage. Some people choose to layer in additional organ support for areas like cognition, hormones, recovery, iron status, or connective tissue health. Others keep things simple and build from the foundation over time. Think of Complete Beast as the starting point.Everything else provides focused support built on top of that base. Why Organ-Based Nutrition Forms the Base First and foremost, Complete Beast is food. That means protein, real protein, supplying the amino acids required for: Tissue repair Enzyme production Hormone signalling Immune communication Metabolic health But protein is only part of the picture. Organ foods provide vitamins and minerals in the forms the body recognises, working together, not in isolation. Complete Beast naturally delivers: Bioavailable heme iron to support oxygen transport Vitamin B12 and the full B-complex for energy metabolism CoQ10 for cellular energy production Zinc and selenium to support immune resilience A broad spectrum of essential amino acids No fillers.No synthetics.Nothing added or taken away. Just 100% pure, grass-fed beef sourced from New Zealand farms. Supporting the Body as a Whole System The body doesn’t operate in compartments. Energy production influences immunity.Oxygen delivery supports endurance and cognition.Structural integrity underpins resilience. Nutrition should reflect that interconnected reality. Each organ included in Complete Beast contributes to the support of: Cardiovascular function Immune resilience Respiratory efficiency Nervous system health Skeletal integrity Overall vitality This is why Complete Beast isn’t designed to “target” a single system. It’s designed to support the whole system, consistently, every day. Strength in Simplicity We didn’t create Complete Beast to simplify everything. We created it to simplify your nutritional foundation. The base layer of nutrition shouldn’t require constant planning or decision-making. It should be steady, reliable, and easy to maintain, so that any additional support you choose to add is intentional, not reactive. Complete Beast removes friction at the foundation level: No guessing whether your base nutrition is covered No nutritional gaps hiding behind good intentions From there, targeted organ support can be layered in as needed, depending on your goals, your training, your life stage, or what your body is asking for. Complete Beast sets the standard for everyday foundational nutrition, while the rest of the Homegrown Primal range allows you to go deeper, with purpose. Who Complete Beast Is For Complete Beast is for anyone who has ever asked the questions: What organs do I need daily? What does my body need, every day, to be properly supported? Complete Beast is where your nutrition starts, your daily baseline. It’s designed to sit seamlessly alongside an animal-based diet or a whole-food diet, giving you confidence that your foundations are covered. It's not another pill with promises.Just pure nutrition that works. One Week Out. The Most Complete Base We’ve Ever Created With one week to go until we start shipping, this feels less like a release and more like a marker. Complete Beast represents the most complete base nutrient mix we’ve ever created, and the clearest expression of what Homegrown Primal stands for. This isn’t about novelty.It isn’t about hype. It’s about resetting the foundations for everyday nutrition, and returning to what has always worked. We're so grateful to finally be bringing this product to you, our incredible tribe. Complete Beast. Daily Nutrition. Designed by Nature.
Learn more
Organs: Nature's Original Superfood
Organs aren’t new. They’ve nourished humans for thousands of years, long before supplements, supermarkets, or nutrition labels existed. Yet today, they’ve been pushed aside, hidden behind the bright colours and fanfare of processed foods that are empty of real nutrition. Thankfully, there’s a shift happening. More people are returning to natural ways of eating, and organs are finding their way back onto the menu. And for good reason. Why Organ Meats Are So Nutrient Dense Organs are among the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. They contain vitamins and minerals in their most natural, bioavailable form, the way the body recognises and uses them best. Unlike isolated synthetic nutrients, organs provide nutrition in balance. Iron comes with its cofactors. B vitamins work together. Fat-soluble vitamins arrive packaged the way nature intended. This is why traditional cultures prized organs and often reserved them for those most in need of nutrition. Why Take Organ Supplements Instead of Eating Organs? We would prefer you to eat the organ, beef liver is delicious if cooked well. But for many people, organs are hard to source, or they are nervous about preparing and cooking them. There are also organs that rarely make it to the butcher or supermarket, like brain or testes, yet they offer very specific nutritional benefits. That’s why we developed our range of organ supplements. They are ethically sourced, freeze-dried, and encapsulated. This process preserves nutrients while making organs easy to include in everyday life. You get access to specialised organs and their unique nutrition, without needing to cook or source them yourself. Do I Need Organ Supplements If I Eat a Healthy Diet? Even with a good diet, many people still fall short on key nutrients like iron, B vitamins, zinc, and fat-soluble vitamins. Stress, training, pregnancy, illness and recovery all increase nutrient demand. Organ supplements can help support nutritional needs during these times, even when you’re eating well. Do Organ Supplements Taste or Smell Strong? No. Our organs are freeze-dried and encapsulated, so you don’t experience the flavour or smell often associated with organ meats, just the benefits. Can You Take Organ Supplements Every Day? Yes, when used as directed. These are whole foods, not synthetic isolates. If you’re new to organ supplements, starting slowly and listening to how your body responds is always a wise approach. Who Are Organ Supplements Good For? Organ supplements are popular with active people who want strong, foundational nutrition. They’re also commonly used by people who are: Low in energy Struggling with iron levels Supporting gut health Navigating hormonal changes Rebuilding immunity Recovering from stress or illness Rather than pushing the body, organ supplements work to support it. How Long Do Organ Supplements Take to Work? Some people notice changes within a week, while others may take a month or more. Organs work at a deep, cellular level. They’re not a quick fix, they’re about steady support and consistency over time. Are Organ Supplements Just a Trend? The interest in organ supplements may be trending, but the food itself is timeless. Organs were prized long before supplements existed. What we’re seeing now is a return to nutrient-dense, traditional foods in a modern, accessible form. Final Thoughts on Organ Supplements and Ancestral Nutrition Organ supplements are about coming back to foods our bodies are designed to thrive on. Whether you’re curious, rebuilding, or simply looking for deeper nourishment, organs offer one of the most grounding and supportive forms of nutrition available. Sometimes, the most powerful solution isn’t something new, it’s something we’ve known all along.
Learn more
Real Nutrition Isn't Built In A Lab
Choosing Natural Clarity Over Synthetic Confusion I love seeing people in the supermarket reading labels. If this is you, well done. It means you’re informed, curious, and taking responsibility for your health. Informed choices matter. In an ideal world, labels would be simple. Organic. No sugar added. Single-ingredient foods. That should be all we need. Instead, we’re faced with long ingredient lists filled with words like preservatives, fortified, canola oil, and vegetable oils; all signs that the food inside the packet has been altered, extended for shelf life, and stripped of its natural integrity. And this confusion doesn’t stop with food. It’s even louder in the supplement aisle. Long promises. Even longer labels. Synthetic ingredients designed to look like nutrition. Synthetic Supplements: Nutrition on Paper Synthetic supplements are built in labs, not in nature. They’re made from isolated vitamins and minerals, extracted, chemically altered, stabilised, and recombined. On paper, they look impressive. High doses. Long lists. Clinical language. But the human body doesn’t read labels. It responds to recognition. When nutrients arrive without their natural cofactors, the enzymes, fats, minerals and proteins they’re meant to travel with - absorption suffers. The body works harder to process them. Imbalances can form. And over time, people are left chasing higher doses for diminishing returns. More isn’t better when the body doesn’t recognise what it’s receiving. Whole Foods: Nutrition Your Body Understands Whole foods are essential for a long, healthy life. In nature, nutrients never arrive alone. Iron comes bound to proteins. Vitamin A is balanced by copper and zinc. B vitamins arrive as a complete team, not solo players. This is why whole foods like eggs, meat, organ meats, raw dairy, and seasonal fruit, eaten sparingly, deliver something synthetic products never can. They provide energy not just to get through the day, but to think clearly. To move well. To build resilience. To live as the strong, capable human you were born to be. Why Spoilage Is a Good Thing Here’s a simple rule: Avoid foods designed to last months on a shelf. Choose foods that spoil. Spoilage is nature’s timestamp. It tells you the food is alive, not manipulated, and real. When food needs plastic, preservatives, or fortification to survive, it’s already lost much of what made it nourishing in the first place. The same principle applies to supplements. Whole food supplements are simply real food, preserved carefully, not rebuilt synthetically. Freeze-dried organs retain their natural structure, nutrients, and bioavailability. Nutrition your body recognises immediately. No translation required. The Ancestral Reality For most of human history, there were no multivitamins. There was liver. Heart. Kidney. Bone marrow. Blood. These foods sustained strength, fertility, immunity, and longevity across generations. Modern diets removed them. Synthetic supplements tried to replace them. Whole food nutrition restores what was lost. Longevity Requires Intention Thankfully, education is more accessible than ever, and people are waking up. But there’s still noise. Social traditions. Celebrations. Convenience foods. Endless options. Staying committed isn’t always easy when cake and savoury platters are the norm. But longevity has never been accidental. It requires intention, and sometimes a strong will. The good news? It doesn’t require complexity. It Really Is This Simple Choose whole foods over processed. Choose nutrients over isolated chemistry. Because real nutrition doesn’t spike and crash. It builds. Quietly, consistently and naturally.
Learn more
The Power of Simplifying Your Diet
Why I Chose To Eat Animal-Based The reason I chose to live this way - eating pure, whole food - goes far beyond what’s on my plate. It defines how I live, how I care for my body, and how I think about health, longevity, and self-respect. This isn’t just about diet. It’s a conscious decision to step away from the noise and return to the things that actually sustain me. What Pure Food Really Means For me, pure food means real ingredients. We often say, “If it has more than three ingredients, it’s not real food.” And honestly, that feels spot on. Over decades, we’ve been seduced by the food industry into believing we can eat processed foods and still live long, healthy lives. Convenience replaced quality, and Marketing replaced the truth. Stepping outside that industry narrative and reclaiming purity as a non-negotiable has transformed my health. I’ve seen the same shift happen for many others on this path. My Family History Shaped My View Of Nutrition My mum was born in 1939. She lived through periods of scarcity, then abundance, much of it the wrong kind. She witnessed extreme dieting trends and the vilification of animal foods in the 1980s. She followed the advice she was given, trusted the so-called experts, and did what she thought was right. She’s now in her mid-80s and living with dementia, something I can’t help but link to decades of poor nutritional guidance. My grandmother, on the other hand, learned about food from her farming parents. Her nutrition was simple, grounded, and traditional. She lived well into her 90s and kept all her marbles right to the very end. That contrast isn’t lost on me. The Link Between Pure Nutrition And Longevity. I truly believe that pure nutrition lays the foundation for superior health and longevity. What we’ve lost over decades of industrialisation, government food guidelines, and Big Food corporations dictating what we should eat, is real nourishment. The result? Declining health across the population. Rising neurological issues in midlife. Accelerated physical decline in our seniors. This didn’t happen by accident. How Returning To Whole Foods Changed My Health Since returning to pure food, I feel the best I have in years. I’m lean. I’m fit. I’m pain-free. I’m mentally sharp. My cognition is clear. My energy is steady. I don’t feel any sense of decline in performance. I feel strong and resilient. This is what happens when you fuel your body with food it actually recognises. What Eating Pure Looks Like In Real Life Eating pure for me means choosing foods with one ingredient. Foods that aren’t engineered in factories; boxed, branded, or wrapped in plastic. There are no protein bars or cereal boxes in my cupboards. My food lives raw in the fridge or freezer. I eat minimally processed animal foods: meat, organs, dairy, eggs, with fermented foods occasionally. I listen to my body. When I’m hungry, I choose high-protein, nutrient-dense food that actually satisfies me. Pure Food As An Act Of Self-Respect Pure food is an act of self-respect. It’s listening to your body instead of overriding it. It’s choosing quality over convenience. It’s choosing nourishment over noise. Why I’ll Never Go Back I’ll never go back to eating badly. I’m here for good, fuelled by pure, highly nutritious food that keeps me alive, awake, and vibrant. Because pure nutrition lasts.
Learn more
Why Regenerative Farming in New Zealand Matters
I was on Instagram this morning, and it made me genuinely happy to see that the regenerative farming message is slowly making its way into the mainstream. In New Zealand, we’ve been talking about organics for years. Over time, we’ve commodified it, standardised it, and built certification systems around it. It’s now widely accepted, and it’s been roughly 80 years since the organic movement began here in Aotearoa. But regenerative farming is different. It’s not a brand. And it’s not just a certification. What is regenerative farming? Regenerative farming is a set of principles and practices that aim to improve the land over time, not just “do less harm.” It focuses on outcomes like: Healthier, living soils. Stronger pasture diversity. Better water cycles and biodiversity. Animals raised in a way that supports the land rather than depleting it. There isn’t currently a reliable national certification that captures “regenerative farming” in the same way certified organics does. That’s partly because regenerative farming isn’t about ticking boxes, it’s about outcomes. Healthier soil. Healthier animals. Healthier ecosystems over time. It’s farming that builds. Farming that restores. How organics began, and why it still matters. Organics happened because the farming industry needed to support yields without relying on imported fertiliser that became scarce in the 1940s. It was a response to soil decline and a growing concern about the long-term effects of synthetic agricultural chemicals. Today, organics is still a preferred choice for many, especially plant-based consumers and those wanting reassurance about how their food is produced. Why the conversation is shifting for meat in New Zealand When it comes to meat, the conversation is evolving. Many cattle farmers in New Zealand are now adopting regenerative practices because of their commitment to healthy soil and healthy animals. While organic meat can be hard to find, regenerative farms are increasingly becoming the front and centre of meat production in this country. On regenerative farms, cattle are raised on diverse pastures grown in living soil systems, systems designed to support both the animal and the land. Regenerative vs Organic Here’s the truth: grass-fed cattle raised on regenerative farms are often superior to organic cattle, simply because they’re eating what they’re designed to eat. Organic standards can still allow grain feeding in some systems. And when cattle eat grain, it can shift their fat profile away from what we see in fully pasture-raised animals. Regenerative cattle, on the other hand, are typically raised on pastures built for them. Pastures designed to nourish animals, restore the soil, and work with nature rather than against it. This focus on pasture-first systems is one of the key reasons regenerative farming matters so much when it comes to meat quality and whole-food nutrition. Why Homegrown Primal sources from regenerative farms At Homegrown Primal, we believe sourcing our products from regenerative farms enables us to provide the best whole-food nutrition, without the sprays and chemicals that have traditionally been used on farms to accelerate production. We believe pure sourcing is critical to producing a premium product. Because the quality of the soil, the quality of the pasture, and the integrity of the farming system directly shape the quality of the food. Pure sourcing isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s everything. FAQs: Regenerative Farming & Organic Meat Is regenerative farming the same as organic? Not exactly. Organic farming is usually defined by restricted inputs and certification standards. Regenerative farming focuses more on outcomes, improving soil health, biodiversity, water systems, and land resilience over time. Is organic meat always grass-fed? Not always. Organic standards can still allow supplementary feeds in some systems. Regenerative systems are often more focused on pasture-based feeding and land health, but practices can vary from farm to farm. Why does soil health matter so much? Healthy soil supports healthier pasture, which supports healthier animals. That flow-on effect directly impacts the quality of the food we eat, especially whole-food and animal-based nutrition. Why does Homegrown Primal care so much about sourcing? Because sourcing shapes everything. From nutrient density to integrity. We want our products to be as pure and enriching as possible and that purity starts on the farm.
Learn more
Why Eating Pure Matters
“There’s no point in paying for ‘health products’ if you’re constantly spiking your insulin.” Candi Fraser, The Primal Bod I love Candi because she calls it like it is. She’s radical, yes, but she’s also honest. And she knows her stuff. She’s helped me better understand insulin, balance, and why you can’t out-supplement poor foundations. Like me, she talks about eating pure, not as a trend, but as a way to support the body properly and create real internal balance. What Eating Pure Means At Homegrown Primal, purity is one of our core beliefs. Eating pure means choosing foods that support the body instead of stressing it. Foods that don’t constantly spike insulin, disrupt hormones, or inflame the system. Pure food is as close to nature as possible: No sprays on pastures or gardens No unnecessary processing No additives or lab-made synthetic ingredients It’s food our bodies recognise. We’re animals. And like every species, we thrive when we eat in a species-appropriate way; natural, whole, and unadulterated. The Body Responds to Real Food The longer I’ve eaten this way, the clearer the results have become. I rarely get sick. My energy is stable. I perform better in the gym and in life. My focus is sharp, my mind clear, my body resilient. That hasn’t come from hacks or trends. It’s come from removing interference and fuelling my body with animal-based, pure foods it knows how to use. Why We Say “Pure”, Not “Clean” We use pure instead of clean intentionally. Pure food supports balance across the entire system; hormones, metabolism, nervous system, immunity. When you eat this way consistently, the body spends less time correcting damage and more time doing what it was designed to do. You also gain something powerful: understanding. You learn how to nourish yourself now, and long into old age. Simple Food. Strong Results. One of the biggest benefits of eating pure is how simple it is. I enjoy eating meats and seafoods, eggs and dairy, and the occasional piece of organic fruit. There’s freedom in removing the noise and returning to basics. I also enjoy the challenge of cooking new things. If you’re not sure where to start, keep it simple: Eggs to start the day (I have mine at 11, post-fast) Meat for lunch Fish for dinner Give it two weeks and you’ll feel the difference. Steadier energy. Better focus. A body working with you, not against you. Pure Nutrition Lasts Eating pure isn’t a phase or a quick fix. It’s a long-term commitment to nourishment that lasts, and it’s the foundation of everything we believe at Homegrown Primal. Pure food. Real balance. Optimal health.
Learn more
Why I always pause at this time of year
The questions I ask before planning anything new This time of year has always been important to me. Not because of resolutions or reinvention, but because it offers a natural pause. A chance to slow down, look back, and take stock before deciding what comes next. Before I plan anything new, I always reflect on the year that’s just passed. What worked. What didn’t. What shaped me more than I expected. This habit (pausing before planning) has become something I rely on, both personally and in business. It brings clarity. And clarity makes everything simpler. A year that shaped us The past year has been a significant one for me, and for Homegrown Primal. A few years ago, Marty and I moved to Auckland to support our ageing parents. During that time, we leaned deeply into family life, strengthening friendships, spending more time grandparenting, and learning about grief, both our own and others’. It wasn’t always easy. But it was meaningful. And it shaped how we think about the future. This past year also brought growth and change. We moved towns, created a new head office, and welcomed a new team member into Homegrown Primal. Big steps, taken thoughtfully. What I’ve learned is this: without taking time to pause, it’s easy to drift. When you slow down and reflect honestly on where you are, you’re far more likely to move forward with purpose. Why planning starts with looking back I don’t believe planning should start with goals. It should start with understanding. Understanding what the year actually asked of you. What it revealed about your limits. What it showed you about what matters, and what doesn’t. Reflection helps cut through noise. It brings you back to what’s real. Before I plan the year ahead, I ask myself a few simple questions. They’re not complicated, but they’re grounding, and they’ve shaped how I approach life and business year after year. The questions I ask before planning the year ahead: Where am I right now? Not where I hoped I’d be, where I actually am. The wins, the challenges, the reality of the past year. What did this year teach me? About my boundaries, my relationships, and how I move through the world. What am I proud of? The things I did that truly mattered, even if they weren’t visible or celebrated. What am I ready to let go of? Habits, beliefs, or ways of operating that no longer serve me. Who am I becoming? What qualities do I want to nurture more deliberately? What am I grateful for? Often the clearest signal of what’s worth protecting as you move forward. These questions don’t give you a rigid plan. They give you clarity, and clarity makes planning simpler and more intentional. How I apply this approach to business I approach business planning the same way. Before we plan anything at Homegrown Primal, we take time to look at: Where we are right now. What we’ve built. What we’ve learned. How we can grow without losing what matters. There’s always space for brainstorming next steps, and for learning. Each year, I choose something new to study. Not to rush ahead, but to deepen my understanding of the world around me. What I’ve noticed over time is this: when I grow with clarity and enjoyment, the business tends to grow that way too. Reflection is better when it’s shared This exercise is one I love doing with a partner or a friend. Talking things through, hearing another perspective, and slowing down together often brings insights you wouldn’t reach on your own. It doesn’t need to be complicated.It just needs honesty and time. As we move into the year ahead, my encouragement is simple: Pause first.Look back before you move forward. Thank you for being part of the Homegrown Primal tribe. We’re grateful you’re here, walking this path with us.
Learn more
Food is the bridge to connection at Christmas
Christmas for me has always been about connection. And food has always been the bridge. I love this time of year, all the chatter about who’s bringing what on Christmas Day, the shared planning, the anticipation. Food naturally pulls us together. Being animal-based gives us a chance to bring something meaningful to the table, and to make it a little festive too. This year, Marty and I are both heading to a family lunch. We’re bringing a roast leg of lamb, slow-cooked with garlic and rosemary. It’s one of my favourite meats, because it really is the gift that keeps on giving - hot on the day, then cold the next. We’ve grown used to eating cold meat, without bread, just adding some pickle or some kraut. Delicious. Shared meat has always brought humans together. Our family knows how we choose to eat, and it’s always a conversation starter. We both look and feel healthy, and that opens the door to good discussions; sometimes curious ones. Sometimes lively ones - especially when there are vegetarians around. And that’s okay. Our food becomes a conversation starter, a subject for debate, a path towards connection. Sharing food from the same platter is what humans do. For most of our history, celebration and feasting went hand in hand.When there was something worth marking - a successful hunt, a season of abundance, a gathering of family - people didn’t pick at plates or try to balance things out. They ate well. Together. Meat was central, not because of trends or rules, but because it was the most valuable, nourishing food available. It took effort to source and prepare, and that effort made it meaningful. Feasting wasn’t reckless; it was intentional. Christmas carries that same energy. It’s a pause in the year. A moment to gather, to rest, to reconnect. And historically, moments like that were always marked with abundance, not restraint. Somewhere along the way, especially in our summer Christmas culture, we swapped feasting for keeping things light. Plates full of salads, breads, and sweet treats that look festive, but often leave us unsatisfied. Grazing all day, crashing later - still searching for something. An ancestral banquet is different. It’s generous cuts of meat.Food that anchors you.A table that invites people to sit, slow down, and actually eat, not just snack between conversations. This doesn’t mean heavy or complicated. It means intentional. Choosing foods that truly nourish the body, so you can enjoy the day without crashes, cravings, or that familiar Boxing Day regret. Our bodies still recognise what a feast is. And Christmas is one of the few moments left in the year when we have the time to eat together, linger at the table, and leave feeling satisfied, both physically and emotionally. So, if your Christmas table looks a little more meat-heavy this year, you’re not doing something extreme. You’re doing something very old. Very human. A celebration deserves real food.A gathering deserves abundance.And Christmas deserves to feel as good as it looks. Christmas Eating FAQs Do I have to be strict on Christmas Day? No, and that’s not the goal. Animal-based eating isn’t about white-knuckling your way through Christmas. It’s about staying anchored in foods that nourish you most of the time, even on special days. Start with meat. Eat until you’re satisfied. From there, you get to choose — without guilt or urgency. One day doesn’t undo anything, and Christmas isn’t a test of discipline. It’s a celebration. Isn’t animal-based eating too heavy for a summer Christmas? Heavy isn’t about meat; it’s about unstable blood sugar. Protein and fat are actually what keep energy steady in the heat. Most people feel worse after a “light” Christmas of salads, bread, and sugar because they’re constantly grazing and crashing. A meat-centred plate keeps you satisfied, clear-headed, and able to enjoy the day, without needing to eat every hour. What if my family doesn’t eat this way? That’s okay, they don’t need to. You don’t have to convince, explain to, or convert anyone at the Christmas table. Often, the simplest approach is to quietly fill your plate with the foods that work for you. If you’re hosting or bringing a dish, make it generous and delicious. Let the food speak for itself. Connection matters more than agreement. What about Christmas desserts? This is where intention beats rules. If you’re well-fed on meat and fat, dessert becomes a choice, not a compulsion. Some people skip it entirely and feel great. Others enjoy a small amount and move on. There’s no prize for deprivation and no benefit to guilt. Eat in a way that lets you enjoy the day and how you feel afterwards. What if I “fall off” over the holidays? You haven’t failed, you’re human. One meal, one day, or even one week doesn’t erase anything. The most animal-based thing you can do is return to nourishment without drama. No punishment. No restriction. Just real food, again. The body responds very quickly when you give it what it needs. A Final Christmas Reminder Animal-based eating at Christmas isn’t about perfection.It’s about presence, nourishment, and staying connected to yourself and the people around you. Eat the meat. Enjoy the day. Let Christmas be Christmas.
Learn more