Diet History:
How Food, Drink (and Weight Loss) Have Changed Over Human History

History of Weight Loss Diets

Obesity was very rare before agriculture. It emerged and grew from sedentism enabled by rising crop yields and generally has been held undesirable or even sinful leading to efforts at eradication. Anti-obesity diets have generally been artifacts of the culture they emerged from and have changed greatly in the modern period.

History of Eating Styles

This article traces the evolution of cooking techniques from prehistoric times to the modern era, exploring how different methods of cooking, such as roasting, boiling, frying, and baking, emerged and developed over time, shaped by factors like geography, culture, and technological advancements.

History of Spices

Spices have been used since at least the paleolithic to improve the flavor of food and drink. Their use was determined by geography and affluence. The opening of the 'New World' to Europe introduced many more spices to the Western world and strongly influenced cooking styles and recipes from that era until the present.

History of Food Crops

The article provides an overview of the history of food crops, starting with the origins of agriculture in the Fertile Crescent and the domestication of key crops like wheat, rice, and maize. It then traces the global spread and diversification of these crops, as well as the emergence of new varieties through selective breeding and genetic modification.

New World Foods

New World Foods in Europe and North America: This article discusses the introduction of New World foods to Europe and North America, focusing on the impact of the Columbian Exchange and the adoption of foods like potatoes, tomatoes, and maize. It also explores the challenges and controversies surrounding the acceptance of these new foods, such as the fear of tomatoes as a nightshade and the slow adoption of potatoes.

History of Sugar

This article delves into the history of sweets, from the earliest consumption of honey and fruit juice to the development of refined sugar. It examines the spread of sugar cultivation and the impact of the sugar trade on global economies, as well as the rise of confectionery and the modern sugar industry.

Selective Breeding

The article explores the history of selective breeding and crop improvement, detailing how humans have shaped the genetic makeup of plants to enhance productivity, nutritional content, and other desirable traits. It traces the progression from early domestication to modern genetic modification techniques, discussing major historical crop improvements along the way.

History of Fermentation

This article provides an overview of the history of fermentation, from early prehistoric practices to the present day. It covers the development and global spread of fermentation techniques for producing alcoholic beverages, as well as the use of fermentation in food preservation and the recent resurgence of interest in traditional and artisanal fermented products.

History of Beverages

The article traces the history of beverages from prehistoric times to the present day, discussing the development and global spread of various drinks, such as water, fruit juices, alcoholic beverages, and tea, coffee, and chocolate. It also explores the impact of industrialization, mass production, and modern innovations on the variety and accessibility of beverages worldwide.

History of Food Preservation

This article examines the evolution of food preservation methods, from early techniques like drying and smoking to modern technologies like canning, refrigeration, and high-pressure processing. It also discusses the resurgence of interest in traditional preservation methods, such as fermentation and pickling, driven by factors like sustainability and the pursuit of unique flavors and textures.