There have been a lot of health fads and nutritional advice through the ages, many totally insane, some just silly, but others, good sense that it seems our culture has forgotten.
here are some of the best health hacks through the decades that we definitely shouldn't forget!
MINDFUL MEALS
One of the best “old school” habits that has come back around is to gather at the table, undistracted by screens, with friends and family to eat our meals.
Over the past few decades, eating in front of the T.V., while on the run, or in front of the smartphone has become the norm, but Health Canada's New Food Guide points out the importance of unplugging before meals and being mindful.
A few benefits of this are;
- We are more mindful of portion size and are less likely to overeat.
- Eating with friends and family we tend to make better choices with what we are eating.
- We also tend to take a few more moments to finish our meals, slowing down the pace and supporting better digestion.
GROWING A KITCHEN GARDEN
Before WW2, it was common place to have a kitchen garden in every household, some veggies, herbs, and maybe some berries. Now, most of us are very reliant on the local grocers for our veggies and fruits.
Growing some veggies in pots, or in a patch can benefit us in different ways as well. For example, tomatoes purchased at the store that have come from a local source, spend apx. 10 days out of the ground and on route to store shelves, in those days, they lose over 50% of their vitamin C.
Home Grown veggies increase available nutrients and they save money on produce.
Try tomatoes in pots on the patio, kale and romaine are easy to grow, and zucchinis are an easy addition to any healthy meal.
EAT WHOLE FOODS
Before the 50s, processed foods were pickled veggies, milled flours, and a handful of prepared canned items. Grocery stores were small, milk was dropped off at the door, and a trip to the butchers would be the scope of gathering food to meal prep for the week.
Today, we have fast food chains open 24hr, grocery stores that are 90% filled with “products” not food, and every processed frozen dinner imaginable. Take-out pizza at 2am, more burger joints than we can count, and real, unprocessed food seems more and more expensive comparatively.
Nutritional scientist have studied the increase in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other rising health epidemics, and they are recommending the return to “real food” to fight this.
One way to do this is gather your food from the perimeter of the store. All of the single ingredients to make meals with will be found on the very outside edges, purposefully, to make us walk by all of the non essential products.
Fill up on veggies first, then move to the sections you need to be in, bring a list, don't just wonder. The only aisle you should walk down is where you find beans, rice, and whole grains like barley or quinoa.
If your great grandma recognizes it as food, you’re probably doing okay.
CALISTHENICS CRAZE
Another "old school" habit that just makes good sense is calisthenics, or body weight exercises.
Really calisthenics are just exercising without the aid of equipment to promote strength and flexibility.
Jumping jack still raise your heart rate within seconds, and planks might be the new push-up but body weight exercises are still just as reasonable today than any time in the past. There are so many to try on YouTube for inspiration and fitness without any equipment necessary, especially through the winter seasons, but it's super fun in Spring when you can take what you've learned outdoors.
SOME “OLD SCHOOL” HABITS TO DITCH
DITCH HIDING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
It’s not too long ago that we would shy away from talking about mental health in open forums. Now it’s common place to see promotions of mental health support, and it’s not so hush, hush.
We have to keep working at this so people are more comfortable seeking out the support they need. Conversation is key!
DITCH THE EXCLUSIVE MATRIARCHAL KITCHEN
We’ve come a long way from “the wife” staying at home and making all the meals. As women entered the workforce in higher numbers men were picking up the pots, and the roles in the kitchens have changed.
Everyone, including the kids, should have a role in the kitchen and understand how to nourish them self and their family whether, in the future, they take on the role of chef at home or not.
To combat most of our lifestyle related chronic diseases, creating nourishing habits, and a healthy relationship with food is essential, and it starts at home.
Before the 50s, processed foods were pickled veggies, milled flours, and a handful of prepared canned items. Grocery stores were small, milk was dropped off at the door, and a trip to the butchers would be the scope of gathering food to meal prep for the week.
Today, we have fast food chains open 24hr, grocery stores that are 90% filled with “products” not food, and every processed frozen dinner imaginable. Take-out pizza at 2am, more burger joints than we can count, and real, unprocessed food seems more and more expensive comparatively.
Nutritional scientist have studied the increase in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other rising health epidemics, and they are recommending the return to “real food” to fight this.
One way to do this is gather your food from the perimeter of the store. All of the single ingredients to make meals with will be found on the very outside edges, purposefully, to make us walk by all of the non essential products.
Fill up on veggies first, then move to the sections you need to be in, bring a list, don't just wonder. The only aisle you should walk down is where you find beans, rice, and whole grains like barley or quinoa.
If your great grandma recognizes it as food, you’re probably doing okay.
CALISTHENICS CRAZE
Another "old school" habit that just makes good sense is calisthenics, or body weight exercises.
Really calisthenics are just exercising without the aid of equipment to promote strength and flexibility.
Jumping jack still raise your heart rate within seconds, and planks might be the new push-up but body weight exercises are still just as reasonable today than any time in the past. There are so many to try on YouTube for inspiration and fitness without any equipment necessary, especially through the winter seasons, but it's super fun in Spring when you can take what you've learned outdoors.
SOME “OLD SCHOOL” HABITS TO DITCH
DITCH HIDING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
It’s not too long ago that we would shy away from talking about mental health in open forums. Now it’s common place to see promotions of mental health support, and it’s not so hush, hush.
We have to keep working at this so people are more comfortable seeking out the support they need. Conversation is key!
DITCH THE EXCLUSIVE MATRIARCHAL KITCHEN
We’ve come a long way from “the wife” staying at home and making all the meals. As women entered the workforce in higher numbers men were picking up the pots, and the roles in the kitchens have changed.
Everyone, including the kids, should have a role in the kitchen and understand how to nourish them self and their family whether, in the future, they take on the role of chef at home or not.
To combat most of our lifestyle related chronic diseases, creating nourishing habits, and a healthy relationship with food is essential, and it starts at home.
If you are starting your journey to better health & wellness and are looking for more tailored support, I'm excited to announce I will be taking on new clients this Spring & Summer.
Dive deep into your health and get support from a science-based nutritional educator that can help you discover your best health ever.
Check out the service page for programs or call for a free 20 min meet and great to see if working with Wild Seed is right for you.
Health and Happiness Always,
~R
Dive deep into your health and get support from a science-based nutritional educator that can help you discover your best health ever.
Check out the service page for programs or call for a free 20 min meet and great to see if working with Wild Seed is right for you.
Health and Happiness Always,
~R