Food Trends and Eating Habits Since the 1960s: A Reflection on Changing Nutrition and Convenience
# Unveiling the Food Trends and Eating Habits That Have Shaped Us Since the 1960s
From margarine to macronutrients, calorie-counting applications to contemporary TikTok hacks, the past sixty years have witnessed significant transformations in our relationship with food.
The evolution of dietary preferences has been marked by various fads and trends, beginning with the popularity of margarine in earlier decades. Nutritionist Rob Hobson reflects on the simplicity of meals from the 1970s and 1980s, noting, “I grew up in the 70s and 80s, when dinner came from the oven or a tin and 'healthy eating' simply meant clearing your plate. Margarine was a miracle food, microwave meals felt futuristic, and dessert was tinned fruit with Carnation milk.”
Over the years, the landscape of food consumption has shifted dramatically. A focus on convenience has led to a multitude of quick and inexpensive food options, which, according to Hobson, compromises nutritional value. “We've created a food system that's quick, cheap and convenient but stripped of the nutrients our grandparents took for granted. Supplements like plant sterols aren't a shortcut, they're a way of buffering the modern diet and supporting heart health in a world where even a 'balanced' diet often isn't enough,” he explains.
As we navigate through the complex world of dietary choices, Hobson acknowledges the growing confusion: “Somewhere, we lost the middle ground, and our collective confusion around food has never been greater.” This suggests a need for a clearer understanding of nutrition in an increasingly complex food environment.