Here’s how your grandparents’ way of eating can help you live longer

The world may have progressed in many ways, but it has also brought with it a ton of health issues! The times when our grandparents’ were young was far simpler, minus any nasties. They were more in tune with nature, ate fewer processed foods, and cooked veggies and fruits that grew in their backyard. It is what we call the ‘slow life’ today! 

They didn’t have to make conscious efforts to incorporate these practices; it was a way of life for them. And we can’t help but deny, these were the habits that have contributed to their good health and longevity. 

The kitchen was the heart of the house; it wasn’t just a space that nourished the soul, but it also served as a medicine cabinet that had the answers to all kinds of illnesses, big and small. Our grandparents’ might not have had access to the most modern amenities, but they led a happy and healthy life. 

Today, most of us want to try out that lifestyle, but we don’t know how to begin! That’s why we are here to help you and share a leaf out of our grandparents’ book. Are you ready to find out some of their best-kept diet secrets? Let’s go!

1. Sit at the dinner table

This might not sound like the perfect “diet advice”, but it is truly important. That’s because eating at the dinner table will force you to chew your food properly, and eat mindfully. Moreover, you are going to feel more satiated, which will prevent you from indulging in unhealthy foods. What’s more, eating as a family is said to improve your mental health, self-esteem, and brings you closer to the other members. 

2. Eat homemade meals as much as possible

For the longest time, our generation has been leaning on processed foods! In the struggle to hustle and complete a zillion tasks every day, we are left with barely any time. The next best option is to go for takeaways or packaged foods that are not just high in salt and sugar, but are packed with saturated fat. Trust us, they are going to harm your health in more ways than one. Take out some time to plan your meals, and prepare them in advance. Make sure to eat as many homemade meals as possible; trust us, your body will thank you. 

3. Give up all fad diets

Have you ever seen your grandparents’ depriving themselves of anything? They ate everything, and yet remained hale and hearty. Today’s generation believes in quick results and instant gratification, which is why they fall prey to all sorts of fad diets. Well, if you want to have a sustainable and healthy lifestyle, steer clear of any diet that asks you to give up on your favourite foods. If you deprive your body, it’s only going to rebel and eat more later on. So, we suggest STOP this right away! 

4. Take time out for breakfast

There’s a reason why our grandparents’ emphasised on eating a wholesome breakfast every morning. Did you ever see them skip it? That’s because those who miss out on their breakfast tend to eat much more at lunch. Obviously, because you are going to be super hungry by then. Also, it will lead you to indulge in more unhealthy snacking, and that’s never a good idea. So, make sure to eat a protein-packed and nutritious breakfast every single day, and see the difference in no time! 

5. Don’t cut out on fats

Remember your nani or dadi smearing piping hot rotis with ghee? Well, for the record, it doesn’t make you fat in any way! We believe that cutting out fat from our diets is the easiest way to lose weight. Well, it’s actually the opposite. Both carbohydrates and fats play an important role to provide us with energy, and when you cut these out from your diet, you are giving your body a hard time. Also, it’s all about the kind of fat you consume; opt for healthy options like ghee, milk, nuts, and fish. Trans fat is what needs to be eliminated, not the good fat!

6. Make pickles a part of every meal

And in this case, we mean homemade pickles. The variety you get in supermarkets is packed with salt and other preservatives, which is only going to spike your blood pressure. Pickles made by hand are crafted using age-old techniques like fermentation, which are helpful in improving digestive health. After all, they are packed with probiotics. What’s more, they are low in calories and a good source of vitamin K, an essential nutrient for blood clotting. 

So ladies, let’s go back in time and follow what our grandparents’ did. It’s going to improve our quality of life in so many ways!