Frequently Asked Questions
What is Human by Design?
Human by Design is based on the perspective that our existence is an expression of the seamless interaction between human genome and the surrounding environment. This genetic design was the outcome of a unique existence within the ancestral African savanna environment over one million years ago.
Human by Design itself is a reality-based system that approximates ancestral environmental conditions associated with our genetic design. Systematic implementation of these approximations will result in the appropriate expression of this design. The outcome is optimal health and wellbeing.
What is optimal health and wellbeing?
Health and wellbeing are concepts, which means that they are ultimately subjective. Health is more objective than wellbeing. It is the capacity of a living organism for complete and appropriate physiological functioning without disease. Wellbeing is inclusive of physical health but also integrates multiple aspects of individual existence. It is associated with factors such as quality of relationships, positive emotions, resilience and realization of potential. With that being said, Human by Design defines optimal health and wellbeing as an existence characterized by appropriate biological functioning and biopsychosocial contentment. We all have the potential to experience optimal health and wellbeing.
Do I have to become a monk, join a gym or hire a nutritionist to achieve optimal health and wellbeing?
No, these activities are not necessary for achieving optimal health and wellbeing. Human by Design was specifically constructed to be simple, efficient and effective. It requires minimum investments of money, space and time. As a result, there are no excuses for achieving optimal health and wellbeing.
What kind of results can I expect from the Human by Design System?
Results are ultimately determined by individual genetics, circumstances and effort. However, you can expect a variety of positive changes associated with body composition, physical performance and health and wellbeing. This includes: becoming leaner, becoming more energetic and athletic, improvements in general markers of health, as well as experiencing productive changes in perception and attitude.
How long will it take to restore optimal health and wellbeing?
Optimal health and wellbeing is subjective and fluid. However, positive changes can be experienced within weeks of implementing the system. You can experience this yourself with Being Human - An Introduction to the Human by Design System.
Unfortunately modern environmental conditions have been shaping us since the day we were born, so it will take a significant investment in time to fully restore the appropriate expression of our design. Also, each of us are at different stages in our lives and possess different capabilities. These factors have a significant effect on the rate of progression. With that being said, implementation of the full Human by Design system requires six months. This is the minimum time frame needed for everything to come together. The simple reality is this - it can take some time and effort to restore optimal health and wellbeing.
What are the Elements of Existence?
Human by Design revolves around three elements of human existence, which are global expressions of the innumerable interactions between genome and the surrounding environment. They are: Awareness, Movement and Ingestion. Awareness is the actual experience of existence. It is consciousness or being. Movement is the physical activity associated with existence. It is how we interact with the environment. Ingestion is the physical intake of substances to support existence. It is how we sustain being. Ultimately, our existence is the seamless interaction between all three elements. This is reality. Human by Design uses these elements to understand and present the principles, practices and methods associated with the restoration of optimal health and wellbeing.
What are the principles, practices and methods that are associated with the Human by Design System?
Based on an understanding of our design, ancestral environmental conditions and the interaction between the two, Human by Design has determined a particular collection of principles, practices and methods that are appropriate for approximating ancestral environmental conditions in the modern environment. They include:
What is Zazen?
Zazen is the practice of seated meditation associated with Zen Buddhism. It is complete engagement in the moment and the actual experience of existence. This practice is used to restore awareness as designed.
What is Zen Buddhism?
Zen Buddhism is the teachings and methods associated with the cessation of dukkha (suffering) and realization of Dharma (awareness) via the practice of zazen. This perspective provides the framework for zazen practice.
What is supposed to happen during a zazen session?
In the beginning zazen practice involves maintaining a balanced posture, following the breath and trying to not to move or quit. With continual practice the intention is to be completely engaged in the practice itself. This involves paying attention to whatever is going on in the moment (the state of your posture, changing thoughts, mental images and emotions, etc.). We simply observe all of this come and go. This is actual experience. With that being said, nothing in particular happens during a zazen session.
What is a Functional Movement Practice?
A Functional Movement Practice emphasizes the development of fundamental movement patterns and qualities that are associated with our species. These movement patterns include walking, running, jumping, climbing, throwing, pushing and pulling. Movement qualities include balance, agility, strength, endurance, power and flexibility. A functional Movement Practice is used to develop, restore and maintain these evolved movement capabilities.
What kinds of activities are associated with a Functional Movement Practice?
Practice sessions are designed to approximate the process that ancestral humans went through to develop their movement capabilities. Therefore, they are composed of movement patterns and qualities that were a function of ancestral existence. The closer a movement pattern or quality is to its expression in the ancestral environment, the more “functional” it is. Practice sessions include functional activities that are appropriate for the development and restoration of our evolved movement capabilities.
I am not in very good physical condition. Can I still participate in a Functional Movement Practice?
Yes you can. In fact, this is a built-in component of a Functional Movement Practice. If you have a lot of weight to lose, if you are older or if you possess low-level movement capabilities you will begin with a conservative, remedial practice. These practice sessions emphasize slow, controlled movement. Once you are able to execute remedial practice sessions with technical proficiency and quality, you will be able to proceed with a full Functional Movement Practice.
What is Paleolithic nutrition?
Paleolithic nutrition is the discipline associated with understanding our species particular dietary strategy in order to establish principles of human nutrition. It is based on the theory that each organism is designed for a particular dietary strategy, which is dictated by their genome. Paleolithic nutrition is used to restore ingestion as designed.
From the perspective of Paleolithic nutrition, what is typically ingested over the course of the day?
A variety of plant and animal food sources that are analogous to those that were available in the ancestral environment are ingested throughout the day. This also includes some food sources that were available in limited quantities and others that were not available, but possess properties that are similar to those that were available in the ancestral environment. More importantly, food sources such as grains, certain tubers like the potato, legumes and milk and dairy in all of their forms are not ingested. These food sources are not appropriate for our design.
How much carbohydrate, protein and fat should I ingest?
Macronutrient proportions have varied throughout our species evolutionary history. This has mostly been a function of the particular population of humans and their habitat. However, Human by Design recommends the following general macronutrient guidelines based on our genetic design. Carbohydrate from plant matter should compose around 60-65% of the diet. Protein from animal matter should compose around 25-30% of the diet. The rest of the diet should be composed of fats from appropriate plant and animal sources.
How do I contact you with questions and suggestions?
If you have general questions or comments about anything we have published or have any ideas about how we can make our services better, please don't hesitate to contact us. Contact us by submitting the form on the Contact page. We generally reply in the order received within 72 hours, depending on the complexity and workload.
If I am not satisfied with your product how do I return it for a refund?
Due to the nature of our products (non-tangible digital goods), it is not possible to return them. Therefore, we do not offer refunds after a purchase is made. If you have any questions about our products or if you have suggestions or ideas about how we can improve them, please don’t hesitate to contact us through the Contact page.
I am having problems with my product. Can you help me?
After we have successfully received your payment your product will be sent to the email address you provided. This may take up to 24 hours but usually happens within minutes. Don't forget to check your spam/junk folder. If you do not receive an email within this time frame, please contact us. If you are having problems accessing the product please contact us through the Contact page as well.
What do I do if I am experiencing difficulties with the website?
We only provide support regarding issues arising with downloads of products and general questions associated with the products and website. We are not able to provide internet or website support or payment method support. Please contact your ISP provider, Weebly, PayPal or Square where appropriate.
Human by Design is based on the perspective that our existence is an expression of the seamless interaction between human genome and the surrounding environment. This genetic design was the outcome of a unique existence within the ancestral African savanna environment over one million years ago.
Human by Design itself is a reality-based system that approximates ancestral environmental conditions associated with our genetic design. Systematic implementation of these approximations will result in the appropriate expression of this design. The outcome is optimal health and wellbeing.
What is optimal health and wellbeing?
Health and wellbeing are concepts, which means that they are ultimately subjective. Health is more objective than wellbeing. It is the capacity of a living organism for complete and appropriate physiological functioning without disease. Wellbeing is inclusive of physical health but also integrates multiple aspects of individual existence. It is associated with factors such as quality of relationships, positive emotions, resilience and realization of potential. With that being said, Human by Design defines optimal health and wellbeing as an existence characterized by appropriate biological functioning and biopsychosocial contentment. We all have the potential to experience optimal health and wellbeing.
Do I have to become a monk, join a gym or hire a nutritionist to achieve optimal health and wellbeing?
No, these activities are not necessary for achieving optimal health and wellbeing. Human by Design was specifically constructed to be simple, efficient and effective. It requires minimum investments of money, space and time. As a result, there are no excuses for achieving optimal health and wellbeing.
What kind of results can I expect from the Human by Design System?
Results are ultimately determined by individual genetics, circumstances and effort. However, you can expect a variety of positive changes associated with body composition, physical performance and health and wellbeing. This includes: becoming leaner, becoming more energetic and athletic, improvements in general markers of health, as well as experiencing productive changes in perception and attitude.
How long will it take to restore optimal health and wellbeing?
Optimal health and wellbeing is subjective and fluid. However, positive changes can be experienced within weeks of implementing the system. You can experience this yourself with Being Human - An Introduction to the Human by Design System.
Unfortunately modern environmental conditions have been shaping us since the day we were born, so it will take a significant investment in time to fully restore the appropriate expression of our design. Also, each of us are at different stages in our lives and possess different capabilities. These factors have a significant effect on the rate of progression. With that being said, implementation of the full Human by Design system requires six months. This is the minimum time frame needed for everything to come together. The simple reality is this - it can take some time and effort to restore optimal health and wellbeing.
What are the Elements of Existence?
Human by Design revolves around three elements of human existence, which are global expressions of the innumerable interactions between genome and the surrounding environment. They are: Awareness, Movement and Ingestion. Awareness is the actual experience of existence. It is consciousness or being. Movement is the physical activity associated with existence. It is how we interact with the environment. Ingestion is the physical intake of substances to support existence. It is how we sustain being. Ultimately, our existence is the seamless interaction between all three elements. This is reality. Human by Design uses these elements to understand and present the principles, practices and methods associated with the restoration of optimal health and wellbeing.
What are the principles, practices and methods that are associated with the Human by Design System?
Based on an understanding of our design, ancestral environmental conditions and the interaction between the two, Human by Design has determined a particular collection of principles, practices and methods that are appropriate for approximating ancestral environmental conditions in the modern environment. They include:
- Zazen practice, which approximates ancestral awareness
- A functional movement practice, which approximates ancestral movement
- Paleolithic nutrition, which approximates ancestral ingestion
What is Zazen?
Zazen is the practice of seated meditation associated with Zen Buddhism. It is complete engagement in the moment and the actual experience of existence. This practice is used to restore awareness as designed.
What is Zen Buddhism?
Zen Buddhism is the teachings and methods associated with the cessation of dukkha (suffering) and realization of Dharma (awareness) via the practice of zazen. This perspective provides the framework for zazen practice.
What is supposed to happen during a zazen session?
In the beginning zazen practice involves maintaining a balanced posture, following the breath and trying to not to move or quit. With continual practice the intention is to be completely engaged in the practice itself. This involves paying attention to whatever is going on in the moment (the state of your posture, changing thoughts, mental images and emotions, etc.). We simply observe all of this come and go. This is actual experience. With that being said, nothing in particular happens during a zazen session.
What is a Functional Movement Practice?
A Functional Movement Practice emphasizes the development of fundamental movement patterns and qualities that are associated with our species. These movement patterns include walking, running, jumping, climbing, throwing, pushing and pulling. Movement qualities include balance, agility, strength, endurance, power and flexibility. A functional Movement Practice is used to develop, restore and maintain these evolved movement capabilities.
What kinds of activities are associated with a Functional Movement Practice?
Practice sessions are designed to approximate the process that ancestral humans went through to develop their movement capabilities. Therefore, they are composed of movement patterns and qualities that were a function of ancestral existence. The closer a movement pattern or quality is to its expression in the ancestral environment, the more “functional” it is. Practice sessions include functional activities that are appropriate for the development and restoration of our evolved movement capabilities.
I am not in very good physical condition. Can I still participate in a Functional Movement Practice?
Yes you can. In fact, this is a built-in component of a Functional Movement Practice. If you have a lot of weight to lose, if you are older or if you possess low-level movement capabilities you will begin with a conservative, remedial practice. These practice sessions emphasize slow, controlled movement. Once you are able to execute remedial practice sessions with technical proficiency and quality, you will be able to proceed with a full Functional Movement Practice.
What is Paleolithic nutrition?
Paleolithic nutrition is the discipline associated with understanding our species particular dietary strategy in order to establish principles of human nutrition. It is based on the theory that each organism is designed for a particular dietary strategy, which is dictated by their genome. Paleolithic nutrition is used to restore ingestion as designed.
From the perspective of Paleolithic nutrition, what is typically ingested over the course of the day?
A variety of plant and animal food sources that are analogous to those that were available in the ancestral environment are ingested throughout the day. This also includes some food sources that were available in limited quantities and others that were not available, but possess properties that are similar to those that were available in the ancestral environment. More importantly, food sources such as grains, certain tubers like the potato, legumes and milk and dairy in all of their forms are not ingested. These food sources are not appropriate for our design.
How much carbohydrate, protein and fat should I ingest?
Macronutrient proportions have varied throughout our species evolutionary history. This has mostly been a function of the particular population of humans and their habitat. However, Human by Design recommends the following general macronutrient guidelines based on our genetic design. Carbohydrate from plant matter should compose around 60-65% of the diet. Protein from animal matter should compose around 25-30% of the diet. The rest of the diet should be composed of fats from appropriate plant and animal sources.
How do I contact you with questions and suggestions?
If you have general questions or comments about anything we have published or have any ideas about how we can make our services better, please don't hesitate to contact us. Contact us by submitting the form on the Contact page. We generally reply in the order received within 72 hours, depending on the complexity and workload.
If I am not satisfied with your product how do I return it for a refund?
Due to the nature of our products (non-tangible digital goods), it is not possible to return them. Therefore, we do not offer refunds after a purchase is made. If you have any questions about our products or if you have suggestions or ideas about how we can improve them, please don’t hesitate to contact us through the Contact page.
I am having problems with my product. Can you help me?
After we have successfully received your payment your product will be sent to the email address you provided. This may take up to 24 hours but usually happens within minutes. Don't forget to check your spam/junk folder. If you do not receive an email within this time frame, please contact us. If you are having problems accessing the product please contact us through the Contact page as well.
What do I do if I am experiencing difficulties with the website?
We only provide support regarding issues arising with downloads of products and general questions associated with the products and website. We are not able to provide internet or website support or payment method support. Please contact your ISP provider, Weebly, PayPal or Square where appropriate.