A Brief History of Diet Trends
Exploring the Problems with our Modern Food Culture
Lee Thomas
Lifestyle Editor
Because there are thousands of theories on what constitutes a balanced diet, it can be hard to decide which outlook to subscribe to. A basic knowledge of modern food trends helps aid in the decision-making process.
Brussels sprouts are the new cauliflower. Cronuts are the new cupcakes. Low-carb is the new low-fat. These comparisons have become more popular than ever in our increasingly image-obsessed society.
Certain items are chosen as the “it” food of the moment, seemingly with no rhyme or reason besides our consumer-driven herd-like mentality. Combine that with our desire to be skinny and/or healthy and the product is the state of our current diet culture.
The early 1980s ushered in a new era of commercialized weight-conscious foods with the releases of Diet Coke and Lean Cuisine. By mid-decade, name-brand weight-loss lifestyle companies such as Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers saw memberships skyrocket..
Throughout most of the ’80s and ’90s, the nation began to cultivate nutritional delusions in which the answer was to substitute chemically-manipulated, lower calorie versions, such as “light” foods or using aspartame instead of sugar. Although recently these trends have been undercut by more natural and health-based approaches, some dieters still cling to these antiquated and artificial products and ingredients.
In the early 2000s, the advent of the Atkins Diet ushered in the belief that the nutrient that the masses should fear is carbohydrates. The fad has evolved into more recent trends like the gluten-free lifestyle and the even more restrictive Paleo Diet.
The problem is that with so many conflicting theories and little scientific proof, many of us become paranoid wrecks, constantly looking for another bandwagon to jump on due to being unsure and unhappy with our current choices. Some people will find happiness through these nutritional plans and promote their successes through social media; but the truth is that most of us can’t live without eating a cookie every once in a while.
Our nation’s backslide into processed food in the 1950s, followed by our collective weight gain and subsequent fixation with being skinny/healthy, has planted a strange misconception deep in our brains that has made eating the right things appear to be more difficult than it actually is.
“Eating real and whole foods moderately and in balance can be hard to get used to with all of the fast and convenient options out there, but it’s what our bodies need to be running at full capacity,” explained Rachel Bott, a local nutritionist who specializes in creating balanced meal plans for private clients.
Moderation does seem to be the key in not only getting all of the nutrients needed, but for sustaining a lifestyle of healthy eating.
“You need to eat all of the things you want once in a while to keep your sanity,” said Bott, “You can go for short periods of time without these things, but you need to go through periods where you are relaxed about your eating habits to keep your head straight.”
Continuously stumbling in nutritious eating habits, and still not giving up on goals, is crucial to stabilizing healthy patterns..
The truth is that no one can prove which method is truly best to keep someone healthy and thin. In response to that, eating a hearty mix of fresh vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates seems to be the optimal choice in keeping our minds and bodies in balance. Not being manipulated by societal influences and going back to the basics is key to repairing culture and providing future generations with a sustainable, healthy lifestyle.
