Travelling around the world to places as far-flung as Vietnam, Kenya, India, and the US, Stephen Le introduces us to people who are growing, cooking, and eating food using both traditional and modern methods, striving for a sustainable, healthy diet. In clear, compelling arguments based on scientific research, Le contends that our ancestral diets provide the best first line of defense in protecting our health and providing a balanced diet. Fast-food diets, as well as strict regimens like paleo or vegan, in effect highjack our biology and ignore the complex nature of our bodies.

Introduction : what should we eat and how should we live? -- The irony of insects -- The games fruits play -- The temptation of meat -- The paradox of fish -- The empire of starches -- Elixirs -- A truce among thieves -- The calorie conundrum -- The future of food -- Rules to eat and live by.