Jeffrey Salazar
The concept of dieting has existed for centuries, with the word diet stemming from the Greek diaita, which refers to a holistic lifestyle encompassing mental and physical health. Ancient Greeks believed that a healthy body indicated a healthy mind, and fitness was a significant aspect of their culture. However, the ancient Greek ideal body was male, and women were not expected to attain this standard. The first diet influencer was Lord Byron, who, in the 1800s, popularised the vinegar diet, which involved drinking vinegar with water and eating vinegar-soaked potatoes. Dieting as a means to lose weight emerged in the 19th century, with the first weight-loss bestseller published in 1918, and the diet industry booming after World War II. During the 1930s, women's fashion was slinky and form-fitting, and dieting became more prevalent, with the first diet drink released during this decade.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When did women start dieting | Dieting as a concept has existed since Ancient Greece, but women started dieting in the 1890s |
| Why did women start dieting | To differentiate themselves from stereotypes of Black women |
| What influenced women to start dieting | Beauty standards, societal expectations, and ideal body types |
| How did women diet | Corsets, starvation diets, laxatives, chewing gum, diet drinks, exercise routines, fad diets, weight loss books, diet pills |
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What You'll Learn
Ancient Greek diet culture
The ancient Greeks are believed to have coined the term "diet", referring to an entire way of life, including food, drink, lifestyle, and exercise. The ancient Greeks believed that a healthy body signified a healthy mind, and that being fat was not only ugly but also indicated a mental imbalance.
The ancient Greek diet was centred around the Mediterranean triad of cereals, olives, and grapes, with an emphasis on local, whole, and minimally processed foods. The two main grains were wheat and barley, which were used to make a large variety of breads. Bread was served with accompaniments known as opson, a generic term for anything that accompanied this staple food, including meat, fish, fruit, or vegetables.
Legumes, such as lentils, chickpeas, and bitter vetch, were also a crucial part of the Greek diet, providing essential nutrients and replenishing the soil. Fruit and vegetables were also significant, with the ancient Greeks consuming much less meat than modern societies. Meat played a smaller role in the ancient Greek diet, with plant-based foods supplying sufficient protein. Pork and mutton were the most prevalent meats, while chicken became more common later on. Goat and venison were also consumed, and only the wealthy could afford beef and lamb regularly.
Olive oil was the primary source of fat, used for cooking, dressings, and flavouring. As a seafaring culture, fish and seafood were also regular features of the Greek diet, including tuna, mackerel, sea bass, red mullet, octopus, and mussels. Wine was also an important part of the diet, and wine production practices in ancient Greece continue to influence modern winemaking.
The ancient Greeks valued physical fitness and exercise, with wealthy individuals spending up to eight hours a day working out in gymnasiums, often naked. Beauty contests were also held for women.
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Dieting in the Renaissance
The Renaissance, which began around 1500, saw a shift towards a more secular, indulgent, and freer attitude in the Western world. However, being overweight was still considered immoral, especially since most people did not have enough to eat. During this period, the concept of dieting for weight loss had not yet taken hold, and Renaissance women who wanted to appear slimmer resorted to tightening their corsets instead of restricting their food intake.
Ancient Greek ideals of fitness and beauty continued to influence Renaissance society. Wealthy individuals with leisure time often spent up to eight hours a day exercising in gymnasiums, usually in the nude. Beauty contests for women were also held. The ancient Greeks believed that a healthy body signified a healthy mind, and being fat was considered not only ugly but also indicative of mental imbalance. Greek physician Hippocrates, who lived around 400 BC, associated obesity with various health issues, including unhealthy sleep, aches, pains, flatulence, and constipation.
The invention of the printing press in 1440 led to a proliferation of diet books in the following two centuries. These books, known as "courtly dietaries," were intended for courtiers who frequently attended lavish banquets. While they offered advice and recipes, they were not particularly restrictive. Some even provided remedies for drunkenness. One notable example is the book by Christian physician Ibn Butlan, translated into Latin as "Tacuinum sanitatis" or "table of contents of health." This book classified foods according to their natures and degrees, such as cherries being considered cold in the second degree and moist in the third, and veal being hot and moist.
During the Renaissance, art played a significant role in capturing and influencing dietary habits and body ideals. Paintings from this period offer valuable insights into the eating habits and cultural influences of the time. One notable example is Giuseppe Arcimboldo's "The Four Seasons," which depicted the seasonality of fruits, vegetables, and plants, reflecting the transformative power of nature. This period also witnessed the emergence of "Mannerism" in Spain during the 16th century, providing insights into the dietary habits and artistic expressions of the time.
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The Great Depression and dieting
The Great Depression, which began in October 1929, significantly altered Americans' relationship with food. The economic crisis led to widespread hunger and food scarcity, forcing people to become creative and resourceful with their limited ingredients and budgets. This period marked a shift in societal attitudes, where overindulgence in food was viewed as immoral and insensitive while others were starving.
Despite the scarcity of resources, the demand for weight loss products and diets persisted and even increased during the Great Depression. This paradoxical trend resulted in a thriving market for various products promising weight loss, such as La-Mar Reducing Soap, Slends Fat Reducing Chewing Gum, and Lesser Slim Figure Bath Oil. The first diet drink, Squirt, was also introduced during this time. People spent substantial amounts on laxatives, which were often added to "reducing breads." In 1936, 26,000 people participated in a radio "reducing party" hosted by Victor Hugo Lindlahr, the author of "You Are What You Eat."
The fashion trends of the 1930s also played a role in shaping attitudes towards dieting. The styles were form-fitting, emphasizing a slim silhouette. This influenced women's perceptions of their bodies and reinforced the desire to lose weight.
During the Great Depression, people had to make do with inexpensive and readily available ingredients. They created inventive dishes, such as cinnamon-scented apple pudding, sugar cream pie, cornbread with sausage and cheese, and fondue. These recipes were passed down through generations, reflecting the resilience and creativity of that era.
The Great Depression had a lasting impact on dieting and weight loss trends. It marked a time when dieting became more accessible to the general public, with a variety of products and methods being marketed and promoted. The scarcity of resources and the desire to maintain a slim figure, influenced by fashion trends, further fueled the demand for weight loss solutions. This period in history left an indelible mark on societal attitudes towards food, health, and body image, shaping the dieting culture that continues to evolve today.
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Post-WWII dieting
The post-World War II period witnessed significant changes in societal norms and expectations, particularly regarding women's roles and body image. Here is a detailed look at the dieting landscape for women in the aftermath of WWII:
The years following World War II saw a continued focus on dieting and body image for women. The 1940s and 1950s were marked by the emergence of various fad diets and weight loss trends. One notable example was the "'Basic 7' diet, promoted by the US government during the war. This diet provided recommended daily intakes of essential nutrients and was a precursor to the modern food pyramid.
Women's Magazines and Hollywood Influence:
Women's magazines of the 1940s and 1950s played a significant role in promoting dieting and exercise routines. These publications often featured Hollywood film stars and their approaches to weight management. The "Grapefruit Diet" or "Hollywood Diet" gained popularity, along with extreme approaches like the "Master Cleanse" or "Lemonade Diet," which involved drinking a mixture of lemon juice, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper for several days.
Social and Economic Factors:
The post-war period also saw a shift in social and economic dynamics. Women who had entered the workforce during the war now faced pressure to return to traditional gender roles, with many employers discouraging married women from working and paying them less than men for the same jobs. This dynamic contributed to the perception that women's wages were for 'extras' rather than essential family income. Despite these challenges, women continued to strive for equal pay and fight gender stereotypes in the workplace.
Health and Nutrition Awareness:
The war years and the subsequent period played a pivotal role in raising awareness about nutrition and health. Wartime rationing and food shortages inadvertently led to a healthier diet for many, with lower fat and sugar consumption. This experience highlighted the importance of a balanced diet and exercise for overall well-being.
Body Image and Idealization:
The post-WWII era also witnessed a growing obsession with body image and the idealization of certain physical standards. Women were often held to unrealistic beauty standards, and dieting was seen as a means to achieve these ideals. This pressure to attain a particular body type was reflected in the media and popular culture, with diet gurus and doctors profiting from the sale of weight loss products and programs.
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The first diet influencers
Women have had a difficult relationship with dieting for centuries. The ancient Greeks believed that a healthy body meant a healthy mind, and that being fat was ugly and a sign of mental imbalance. The Greeks were also big on fitness, with wealthy people spending up to eight hours a day exercising in a gymnasium, usually naked.
During the Renaissance, it was considered immoral to be overweight, and women would use corsets to look slimmer rather than dieting. In the 1920s and 1930s, overindulgence in food was seen as immoral and insensitive, and the first diet products and drinks were marketed. During the Great Depression, many people went hungry, and the demand for weight loss products and diets remained. In the 1940s, women's magazines featured exercise routines as well as diets, and the first "diet guru", Sylvia of Hollywood, emerged, offering starvation diets and "fat reduction" massages to movie stars.
Today, the diet industry is worth billions, and social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become key tools for the industry to promote its products. The food and beverage industries pay "influencer" dietitians to promote their products and to counter negative claims about their products, such as the WHO's statement that aspartame is "possibly carcinogenic".
While the ancient Greeks may have been the first diet influencers with their focus on the connection between a healthy mind and body, some modern-day diet gurus have emerged as influential figures in the dieting world. Here are some notable ones:
- Steph Grasso: With over 2.2 million followers on TikTok, Steph Grasso is one of the most famous nutritionist influencers. She educates her audience on maintaining a balanced diet through grocery guides and evidence-based meal prep tips, always with a dash of humour.
- Miranda Galati: Miranda Galati has created comprehensive courses like "Real Nourished Basics" and "Feel Good Nutrition Method" to help people adopt a healthier relationship with food and move away from diet culture.
- Wendy and Jess: These dietitian BFFs and diabetes experts provide content on nutritious eating as well as skin health, dental health, and mental health. They also host the "Food Heaven" podcast.
- Marisa Moore: Marisa Moore takes a plant-forward approach to nutrition, focusing on what you can add to your plate rather than take away. She is the author of "The Plant Love Kitchen".
- Kylie Sakaida: Kylie Sakaida is a nationally recognized registered dietician who has worked with renowned hospitals. She provides evidence-based content with a touch of humour and has been featured in various magazines, including Cosmopolitan and PopSugar.
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Frequently asked questions
Women in the Western world have had a complex relationship with food and their bodies for centuries. The concept of dieting as a way to lose weight or change one's body first appeared in the 19th century. Dieting advice started appearing in American women's magazines in the 1890s, and Lord Byron, considered the most beautiful man in the world by the Victorians, is credited with popularising the first diet in the 1800s.
The first popular diet was called "Banting", named after English undertaker William Banting, who wrote a pamphlet called "Letter on Corpulence, Addressed to the Public" in 1863. Banting's diet consisted of four meals a day, including meat, greens, fruits, and dry wine, with an emphasis on avoiding sugar, sweet foods, starch, beer, milk, and butter.
Dieting became popular due to a combination of factors, including shifting beauty standards, the development of scientific racism, and the influence of pop culture and advertising. In the 1830s, plumpness was associated with positive traits such as wealth, motherhood, and sexual aptitude. However, by the late 19th century, societal beauty standards began to shift away from the dominant hourglass figure, and the development of scientific racism, which characterised Black women as lacking self-control and unable to control their consumption, encouraged white women to diet to differentiate themselves from these stereotypes. After World War II, advancements in food and advertising technology, along with social and economic pressures, further fuelled the diet industry, with advertisers targeting housewives and promoting harmful weight loss methods.
