Why did people seem thinner in the 1970s? Simpler diets, more active lifestyles, less screen time, and less stress: the lifestyle of the time largely explains this difference. Some habits from the past could even inspire us today.
We often look at old photos from the 70s with a certain surprise: the figures seem slimmer, more natural, as if everyone was in good shape without following any particular diet. So naturally, one question often arises: why were people thinner back then? Was it the food, the lifestyle, or simply an impression? In reality, several habits of the time explain this difference, and some could even inspire us today.
A simpler and more natural diet
In the 1970s, most meals were cooked at home. People ate seasonal vegetables, simple dishes, soups, meat, fish, bread, rice, or pasta. Industrially prepared meals existed, but they were much less common than they are today.
There were also far fewer processed foods, industrial cookies, sodas, and snacks. People ate at the table, at set times, and snacking was much less frequent. As a result, without necessarily paying attention, people had a more balanced and natural diet.
Another important difference: portions were generally smaller than today, especially in restaurants.
