Tag: Greek diaita

The modern understanding of the word 'diet' is almost exclusively linked to weight loss and food restriction, but its origin is far more expansive. The term comes from the ancient Greek word *diaita*, which encompassed a complete "way of life" dictated by a physician, including exercise, sleep, and overall lifestyle, not just what was eaten.

The word *diet* comes from the Ancient Greek word *diaita*, which meant 'a way of life' or 'regimen'. So, why is it called diet when we often use the word to describe food restriction and weight management? This linguistic evolution reveals much about our cultural shifts regarding food and health.

The word "diet" first appeared in English in the 13th century, but its original meaning was far broader and more holistic than today's interpretation. To truly understand modern nutritional concepts, we must first answer the question: **What is the old definition of diet?**