Food is the one thing that connects us with everything in the world. Don’t you ever wish we could bring back those eating habits that we left in the past? While modern life has brought us incredible culinary innovations and global flavors, some of the world’s old-school approaches to food were surprisingly wise. In this listicle, we’re bringing you time-tested habits that promote better digestion, stronger family bonds, and a more mindful relationship with what we eat.
10. Eating Meals at the Table
During our busy days, we often bring our food as we work and do our daily tasks. Instead of doing this, why don’t we put our food on the table and sit? We must allot time for breaks where we relax and focus on the food we eat. Set the plates, napkins, and utensils to signal meal time.
9. Taking a Moment of Gratitude
Whether religious or secular, we used to pause for a moment to say our grace. A moment of gratitude creates appreciation for the simple things we used to ignore. It reminds us that we have something to consume on the table and are ever grateful for anything and anyone who made it possible.
8. Eat With The Family
Nowadays, it’s hard to gather the family for 30 minutes to an hour at the dining table. It’s supposed to be the time where every member of the family speaks on how their day went, like a check-up on what they’re currently doing. This isn’t just about eating together and building and strengthening family relationships.
7. Eating Through The Seasons
Before the global food distribution, people used to eat what was available from nearby and what was in season. Spring meant fresh greens and early vegetables, while summer brought fruits. Meanwhile, fall offered root vegetables and grains while winter featured preserved foods and warm stews. Following the natural rhythm of the seasons, food helps provide nutrients that we need for a specific weather and connects us to our local environment.
6. Cooking From Scratch
Last year, TikToker Nara Smith grew famous for her “made from scratch” food. While various memes gave us a good laugh, Smith just followed what your grandparents did in the past while preparing food. Instead of heading to the grocery, try making food or ingredients from scratch as much as possible. This approach will eliminate unwanted preservatives and keep its nutritional value.
5. Taking Time to Chew The Food
Our grandparents knew the importance of chewing food properly. We were told to aim for at least 20 chews per mouthful. Well, this isn’t just about teaching you table manners; it’s important for proper digestion and helps your brain to register a full signal. Yup, the old advice to “chew your drink and drink your food” emphasized breaking down food thoroughly before swallowing.
4. Practice Proper Portions
By proper portions, we meant only getting what you can consume. This practice will make you avoid wasting food when you feel full. If leftovers are left, save what you can consume later or the next day. You can even repurpose meals into a whole different dish. It all matters in how you portion food when cooking and consuming.
3. Take Time to Create a Filling Meal
In today’s fast-paced world, we often opt for food that is easy and quick to make. Or maybe, you’re lining up at drive-thru lines, hoping to grab a quick meal on the way to work. Why not make time to actually plan your meals for the week, depending on your schedule? You can go to your local grocery store and prepare homemade meals that are delicious, low-cost, and most importantly, healthy.
2. Growing Your Own Food
If you’re stressed out over work, gardening is a good activity to take your mind off. You can maintain a small vegetable garden right in your backyard. This practice ensures you have fresh ingredients to add to your meal, saving you time and money. Also, it’s the perfect activity to do with the family.
1. Designated Roles in Meal Preparation
While everyone has their own lives, don’t remove the responsibilities you delegate to each family member when preparing food. It’s the same thing your parents did to you and your siblings. Meal preparation is a family affair because skills were passed down and responsibilities were shared. Through this, you’ll let cooking knowledge be preserved across generations. This also teaches valuable life skills for your children.