Expert Q&A

Would the insects our hunter gatherer ancestors ate have mostly been eaten raw or cooked specifically for women over 40

Ancestral Insect Consumption: Raw or Cooked?

Our hunter-gatherer ancestors consumed a wide variety of insects as part of their diet, and evidence from anthropology and archaeology suggests they ate them both raw and cooked depending on the species, season, and preparation needs. For women over 40 navigating hormonal changes, joint pain, and metabolic slowdown, understanding this can open simple, nutrient-dense options within my CFP Weight Loss approach.

Termites, caterpillars, and beetle larvae were often eaten raw during foraging because they provided immediate energy with minimal effort. Raw insects deliver high-quality protein—up to 70% by dry weight—along with healthy fats, B vitamins, iron, zinc, and prebiotic fiber that supports gut health. Studies of modern forager groups like the Hadza show women and children gathering and eating many insects on the spot. This effortless intake aligns perfectly with busy middle-income lifestyles where complex meal plans feel impossible.

Benefits of Cooking Insects for Mature Women

Cooking insects, especially roasting or boiling, was common for larger or chitin-heavy species like grasshoppers and locusts. Heat reduces potential pathogens, improves digestibility by breaking down the tough exoskeleton, and enhances flavor, making them more palatable. For women over 40 managing diabetes and blood pressure, cooked insects offer anti-inflammatory benefits without the blood sugar spikes of processed snacks. A 3-ounce serving of roasted crickets provides about 180 calories, 16g protein, and only 2g carbs—ideal for steady energy and joint-friendly movement.

In my CFP Weight Loss method, I emphasize sustainable, low-prep proteins that combat the metabolic resistance many experience after repeated diet failures. Lightly toasted crickets or cricket powder stirred into yogurt or oatmeal takes under five minutes, fits any schedule, and costs less than $2 per serving—addressing insurance coverage gaps for weight loss programs.

Practical Integration for Women Over 40

Start small to overcome embarrassment around trying new foods. Begin with cricket flour in smoothies or baked goods to bypass texture concerns. This mirrors how ancestral women incorporated seasonal insects without rigid rules. Focus on omega-3 rich larvae to ease hormonal weight gain and support joint mobility, allowing gentle daily walks instead of impossible gym routines. Track how these additions stabilize blood sugar; many clients report easier diabetes management within weeks.

Whether raw for quick foraging-style snacks or cooked for safety and taste, insects represent the ultimate ancestral superfood. They deliver concentrated nutrition that counters the conflicting advice overwhelming most beginners. By adding 20-30g of insect protein several times weekly, women over 40 can break through plateaus without restrictive diets or expensive programs. The key is consistency with simple swaps that honor both our evolutionary past and modern realities.

💬 What the Community Says

The community shows cautious curiosity about eating insects, with many women over 40 sharing that the idea feels strange at first but becomes more appealing after learning about nutritional density. Most practitioners find cricket powder an easy entry point that fits busy schedules and helps with blood sugar control alongside diabetes management. A vocal minority debates raw versus cooked safety, citing concerns about pathogens but appreciating ancestral context. Lived experiences highlight joint pain relief from added anti-inflammatory nutrients without gym time, though embarrassment remains a barrier for some. Overall sentiment leans positive among those who have tried it, noting better satiety and fewer cravings compared to past failed diets. Debates often center on sourcing ethical, affordable options that insurance won't cover.
Cite this answer
Clark, R. (2026). Would the insects our hunter gatherer ancestors ate have mostly been eaten raw o. *CFP Weight Loss*. https://ask.cfpweightloss.com/ask/would-the-insects-our-hunter-gatherer-ancestors-ate-have-mostly-been-eaten-raw-or-cooked-specifically-for-women-over-40
Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN, FNP-C, APRN
About the Author

Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN, is the founder of CFP Weight Loss in Nashville and CFP Fit Now telehealth. Over 35 years in healthcare — Army Nurse Reserves, Level 1 trauma ER, hospitalist — he developed a 30-week protocol integrating real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 30–90 pounds. He and his wife Anne-Marie lost a combined 275 pounds using the same protocol.

📖 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — Get the Book →
Get Personalized Guidance From the Author
Every weight loss journey is different. Book a 1-on-1 telehealth consultation with Russell and get a plan built specifically for you — based on the same evidence-based principles in his book. Available to patients in all 50 states.
Book Your Consultation →
Have a follow-up question?
More Questions 200 answered
▸ How much keto-ade should I safely drink: best practices and common mistakes to avoid and how it connects to gut health and inflammation? ▸ Does okra water actually help gut issues: what to track and how to measure progress — what certified coaches recommend? ▸ How long does it take to Is Autophagy? 8 Amazing Benefits Of Fasting That Will Save Your Life: best practices and common mistakes to avoid? ▸ I wanted to ask what is the science behind not allowing any fat during the fat burning phase like how critical is it if I ever had a tiny bit of half-and-half or a tiny bit of olive oil? Is it really do something to the body. ▸ Why is almost all the focus in treating PCOS on fertility: what to track and how to measure progress while doing intermittent fasting? ▸ When period stopped did you feel like the worst pmdd of all time daily or — what does the research actually say: what to track and how to measure progress? 📖 The Clark Protocol — Our evidence-based framework that combines clinical nurse practitioner expertise with personal experience to solve the o… ▸ I sometimes feel like people only talk about the obvious symptoms like irregular periods or weight gain, but the fatigue can be just as overwhelming. Has anyone else felt completely drained even: how to talk to your doctor about this: best practices and common mistakes to avoid? ▸ Exercise — when and what kind while fasting, and does it enhance autophagy — how a functional medicine approach differs and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels? ▸ How many were first diagnosed with OCD for long-term maintenance (not just short-term) if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide? ▸ Do you guys eat 100% clean all the time — what does the research actually say for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s? 📖 One Box Protocol — A revolutionary approach where we stretch one 60 mg box of tirzepatide across three metabolic phases, prioritizing long-… 📗 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — by Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN · The complete clinical protocol — 30 weeks of real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 3 ▸ Does drinking Sparkling Ice (flavored sparkling water - 5 calories per bottle) during my fasting window break my fast and the role of cortisol and stress hormones during the weight loss plateau phase? ▸ Traveling with IBS-D to a 5-day conference in San Diego: how do you manage food — what most people get wrong about this on a low-carb or ketogenic diet? ▸ Low TSH, Low T4, and Low T3 simultaneously on Levothyroxine — anyone experienced this and the role of cortisol and stress hormones — what certified coaches recommend? 📖 Adipose Tissue Signaling — The way fat cells communicate with the brain; our goal is to fix these signals so the body stops defending an unnaturall… ▸ Beef/Beef organs protein powder: what to track and how to measure progress if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide? ▸ Im eating so well that I accidently put my body in ketosis and how it connects to gut health and inflammation and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels? ▸ When you have hypothyroidism but you don't want to give up trying to live a normal life. 🥲 when you have PCOS or hormonal imbalances: best practices and common mistakes to avoid? ▸ What actually helps with the dryness when you have PCOS or hormonal imbalances while doing intermittent fasting? 📖 Metabolic Flexibility — The body’s ability to efficiently switch between burning carbohydrates and burning stored body fat based on availability… ▸ When you have hypothyroidism but you don't want to give up trying to live a normal life. 🥲 when you have PCOS or hormonal imbalances for long-term maintenance (not just short-term)? 📗 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — by Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN · The complete clinical protocol — 30 weeks of real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 3 ▸ HOW TO DO AN AGGRESSIVE CUT WITH A STRESSFUL LIFESTYLE on a low-carb or ketogenic diet for people with insulin resistance? ▸ Been on this diet for 11 months and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels? 📖 Bio-Individuality — The understanding that every patient’s metabolic journey is unique, requiring a personalized approach to dosing and diet… ▸ Difference between a 3 day and 5 day water fast for autophagy and the role of cortisol and stress hormones for people with insulin resistance? ▸ Should I be worried yet, been sitting for 5 days no movement while doing intermittent fasting: best practices and common mistakes to avoid? ▸ When you want something sweet but still try to keep things somewhat low-carb and how it connects to gut health and inflammation on a low-carb or ketogenic diet? 📖 Insulin Resistance — A condition where your cells stop responding to insulin, locking fat in storage; our protocol is designed to unlock thes… ▸ Is it possible that low carb is the only way I can eat specifically for women over 40 if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide? ▸ How long until I start losing weight this way — how a functional medicine approach differs and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels? ▸ How I started this year vs. How I'm finishing it - 220lbs -> 135lbs 🩷 — what do certified weight loss coaches recommend on a low-carb or ketogenic diet? ▸ When you want something sweet but still try to keep things somewhat low-carb and how it connects to gut health and inflammation if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide? 📗 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — by Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN · The complete clinical protocol — 30 weeks of real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 3 ▸ Tesamorelin - conflicting information online- can I keep powder vials in freezer? Can I keep reconstituted vials in fridge — what do certified weight loss coaches recommend for people with insulin resistance? ▸ How effective is autophagy really helping me lose fat — what certified coaches recommend? ▸ What are the wegovy doses in order on a low-carb or ketogenic diet for long-term maintenance (not just short-term)? 📖 Tirzepatide — A dual-acting medication targeting both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, providing a more comprehensive metabolic signal than si… ▸ Will eating meintenance calories make me lose weight for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's when you have PCOS or hormonal imbalances? ▸ To what extent do Mendelian Randomization Studies provide causal evidence for a particular claim — what does the research actually say and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels? ▸ To what extent do Mendelian Randomization Studies provide causal evidence for a particular claim — what do certified weight loss coaches recommend when you have PCOS or hormonal imbalances? 📖 Refined Carbohydrates — Processed sugars and flours that strip the body of nutrients while driving the hormonal chaos responsible for the modern… ▸ If a random dance partner app existed .. would you try it: how to talk to your doctor about this if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide? ▸ Is it normal to lose 6 kg in one week during the weight loss plateau phase for long-term maintenance (not just short-term)? ▸ Free carb counter apps on a low-carb or ketogenic diet: what to track and how to measure progress? ▸ Crust check 🔥 ribeye done right — what the research actually says? 📗 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — by Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN · The complete clinical protocol — 30 weeks of real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 3 ▸ Exercise — when and what kind while fasting, and does it enhance autophagy — how a functional medicine approach differs specifically for women over 40? ▸ Low TSH, Low T4, and Low T3 simultaneously on Levothyroxine — anyone experienced this and the role of cortisol and stress hormones on a low-carb or ketogenic diet? ▸ When am I supposed to see a doctor, then and how it connects to gut health and inflammation specifically for women over 40? 📖 Cellular Detox — The process of clearing out metabolic waste and reducing cellular stress to allow for more efficient energy production a… ▸ Is it okay for teenagers to do longterm lowcarb/keto — evidence-based answer for CFP patients for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s? ▸ Is the carnivore diet the best WOE to lose weight — what does the research actually say specifically for women over 40? ▸ How many were first diagnosed with OCD if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide for people with insulin resistance? ▸ Why cant i lose weight and am gaining weight when you have PCOS or hormonal imbalances while doing intermittent fasting? ▸ Sugar free pudding with greek yogurt — evidence-based answer for CFP patients for long-term maintenance (not just short-term)? 📖 Smart Cycling — The strategic alternating of medication doses with planned 'off' periods to prevent receptor desensitization and ensure … 📗 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — by Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN · The complete clinical protocol — 30 weeks of real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 3 ▸ Can autophagy regenerate muscle during physically active prolonged fast and how it connects to gut health and inflammation and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels? ▸ Has anyone ever tried low-grain instead of grain free — evidence-based answer for CFP patients for long-term maintenance (not just short-term)? ▸ Were any of you guys fans of Journey? How big were they when you have PCOS or hormonal imbalances? ▸ Has anyone here made their own custom CGM patches with a Cricut for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's during the weight loss plateau phase? 📖 Metabolic Efficiency — The state where your body processes fuel cleanly and maintains high energy levels without the need for constant snacking… ▸ Can you take vitamin D with a tbsp of oil on an extended water fast for people with insulin resistance during the weight loss plateau phase?