Tag: Historical diet

Archaeological finds reveal that Vikings did not eat modern processed foods but relied on a diet rich in whole, natural foods sourced from farming, hunting, and foraging. Here we explore what foods did Vikings eat to make them strong and how their nutrient-dense diet fueled their powerful physiques and demanding lifestyle.

Though meat consumption in Japanese households surpassed fresh fish for the first time only in 2007, the long-standing misconception that the Japanese historically never ate meat is not entirely accurate. This question arises from a centuries-long period when meat was taboo, driven by religious and pragmatic factors that dramatically shaped the nation's culinary landscape.

For over a thousand years, Japan had an official ban on eating meat, a powerful social and religious influence that affected diets across the country. This long-standing tradition is a core reason why ninjas did not eat meat, but their rationale went far beyond simple social customs, incorporating tactical and health considerations essential for their covert work.

Historians have long noted Susan B. Anthony's deep involvement in social reform movements, including her ties to the American Vegetarian Society. Yet, the question of 'Was Susan B. Anthony a vegetarian?' has a surprisingly complex answer, filled with nuance and practical realities that paint a richer picture of the tireless activist's life.

In the 19th century, vitamin D deficiency was so widespread among children in industrialized cities that it was nicknamed “the English Disease”. So, how did people used to get vitamin D before modern fortification and supplements became common practice? The answers lie in a mix of environmental exposure and specific, naturally rich dietary sources.

A century ago, around 1925, the average American consumed roughly 90 pounds of sugar annually, a figure that dramatically showcases the vast differences in dietary habits over time. This historical snapshot provides crucial context for understanding how much sugar did the average American consume 100 years ago, highlighting a less-industrialized food system.

According to a Business Insider analysis, the average American consumes more than 3,600 calories daily—a 24% increase from 1961. So, do we eat more now than in the past? This significant rise in caloric intake is a definitive indication that modern dietary habits involve a higher volume of food and calories compared to previous generations.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global per capita meat consumption nearly doubled between 1961 and 2013. The simple answer to the question, 'Do we eat more meat now than in the past?' is a definitive yes, but the reasons behind this shift and its varied impact across the world are complex and multifaceted.

In his autobiography, Nikola Tesla stated that his diet was one of the most important elements of his life plan, viewing his body as a machine that required proper fueling. This perspective drove his minimalist eating habits, which leads many to wonder: what did Tesla like to eat to maintain his legendary mental and physical stamina?

Back in the 'Golden Era' of bodybuilding, during the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, athletes achieved remarkable physiques without the convenience of modern supplements. Instead of powders and shakes, the answer to what did bodybuilders eat before protein powder was a diet focused on huge quantities of wholesome, high-protein foods, demonstrating that dedication to whole foods can build impressive muscle mass.