The elders from olden times often stayed fit and healthy—not because they went to the gym or counted calories, but because of their natural lifestyle and simple, wholesome eating habits. Here’s a breakdown of the key habits they followed and why they’re still beneficial today:
🌾 1. Eating Seasonal and Local Foods
Olden Habit: They ate what was grown locally and seasonally—mangoes in summer, leafy greens in winter, etc.
Why it’s healthy:
- Seasonal foods are fresher, more nutritious, and naturally suited to the body’s needs in that climate.
- Local produce is usually chemical-free and retains more nutrients.
🥣 2. Home-cooked Meals
Olden Habit: Most meals were freshly prepared at home, with love and care.
Why it’s healthy:
- Less oil, sugar, and salt than processed or restaurant food.
- You know exactly what’s going into your food—no hidden preservatives or chemicals.
🌿 3. Use of Traditional Ingredients
Olden Habit: Jaggery instead of sugar, ghee instead of refined oils, rock salt instead of table salt, clay pots instead of non-stick pans.
Why it’s healthy:
- Natural sweeteners and fats offer health benefits and are less harmful.
- Cooking in clay or iron pots adds minerals to food and avoids toxic coatings.
🥛 4. Simple, Balanced Diets
Olden Habit: Rotis, dals, vegetables, rice, chutneys, pickles—a balanced plate.
Why it’s healthy:
- Carbs, protein, fiber, and healthy fats were all included.
- No extremes like high-protein or zero-carb diets—just wholesome variety.
🧘 5. Mindful Eating
Olden Habit: No TV or mobile while eating. People ate together, slowly, and with gratitude.
Why it’s healthy:
- Better digestion and satisfaction.
- Less overeating because you’re paying attention to hunger cues.
🕓 6. Fixed Meal Times
Olden Habit: Breakfast at sunrise, lunch by noon, and a light dinner before sunset.
Why it’s healthy:
- Supports natural circadian rhythms.
- Helps the body digest food properly and sleep better.
🍵 7. Natural Remedies and Herbal Teas
Olden Habit: Turmeric milk, ajwain water, tulsi tea, and more for common ailments.
Why it’s healthy:
- Boosts immunity.
- Reduces dependency on synthetic medicines for minor issues.
🚫 8. No Junk or Processed Food
Olden Habit: No chips, sodas, or packaged snacks—people made snacks at home.
Why it’s healthy:
- Avoids trans fats, preservatives, and excess sugar/salt.
- Reduces risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart issues.
🧂 9. Fermented and Probiotic Foods
Olden Habit: Foods like curd, buttermilk, pickles, and idli/dosa batter.
Why it’s healthy:
- Promotes gut health and digestion.
- Natural source of good bacteria.
🏃♂️ 10. Active Lifestyle, Not Sedentary
Though not directly food-related, it’s worth mentioning—our elders didn’t sit for hours. Walking, farming, chores—all kept them fit.
💬 Final Thought:
We don’t need to “invent” health hacks—just go back to our roots. Simple, traditional eating is timeless wisdom. Even adopting a few of these habits can make a big difference.
