Why did people seem thinner in the 1970s? Simpler diets, more active lifestyles, less screen time, and less stress: the lifestyle of the time largely explains this difference. Some habits from the past could even inspire us today.
We often look at old photos from the 70s with a certain surprise: the figures seem slimmer, more natural, as if everyone was in good shape without following any particular diet. So naturally, one question often arises: why were people thinner back then? Was it the food, the lifestyle, or simply an impression? In reality, several habits of the time explain this difference, and some could even inspire us today.
A simpler and more natural diet
In the 1970s, most meals were cooked at home. People ate seasonal vegetables, simple dishes, soups, meat, fish, bread, rice, or pasta. Industrially prepared meals existed, but they were much less common than they are today.
There were also far fewer processed foods, industrial cookies, sodas, and snacks. People ate at the table, at set times, and snacking was much less frequent. As a result, without necessarily paying attention, people had a more balanced and natural diet.
Another important difference: portions were generally smaller than today, especially in restaurants.
We were moving around a lot more without realizing it.
Today, we talk a lot about sport, fitness, and training sessions. But in the 70s, people did less sport… and yet they moved more.
People walked more to do their shopping, go to school or work. Children played outside for hours. Adults gardened, did DIY projects, cycled, danced or went for walks. Movement was part of everyday life, without being planned.
Today, we can spend an entire day sitting: car, office, sofa, telephone… This sedentary lifestyle changes a lot of things.
Fewer screens, therefore a more active life
It's a detail that changes everything: in the 70s, there were no smartphones, no social networks, no streaming series to watch for hours.
Television existed, of course, but there were few channels and programs ended early in the evening. People spent more time going out, chatting, walking, doing DIY projects, or seeing friends.
Sometimes we got bored… and it was precisely this boredom that pushed us to move and do activities.
A simpler relationship with food
Another important difference: people didn't constantly talk about diets, calories, or methods for losing weight. They simply ate, without constantly analyzing every single food item.
Paradoxically, today we talk a lot more about nutrition, but we often eat more industrial, sugarier and more processed products.
In the 1970s, food was more of a moment of sharing and routine than a subject of stress or constant control.
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