From TV Dinners to Real Nutrition
Welcome to Sage Space!
This week we're stepping into our nutritional time machine to reminisce about the '70s—bell bottoms, disco balls….and food trends that had us all convinced we were the pinnacle of health. Let’s laugh a bit at our past selves while gleaning some timeless Wisdom J on keeping our meals both hearty and healthy.
Here’s to good health and hearty laughs!
Cathy Minter
Co-founder and CEO – Wisdom.io
cathy@mywisdom.io
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A Trip Down Memory Lane
Remember when a stick of margarine was a kitchen staple? I recently pulled out an old recipe card for scalloped potatoes that called for a whole stick! Who still uses margarine anyway? I secretly switched it out for real butter—because, let's be honest, everything tastes better with butter. It even had a swap for powdered milk over fresh milk. And let’s not forget the classic Tuna Casserole topped with American cheese and potato chips!
From TV Dinners to Real Nutrition: How Times Have Changed
Back in the '70s and '80s, TV dinners were the height of convenience. Who didn’t love a Salisbury steak with a side of gooey brownie and carrots, all neatly compartmentalized? Fast forward to today, and we’re more likely to grill a salmon fillet with rice and vegetables. What’s the same today? Our need for convenience…but our preferences have shifted to fresher, less processed options.
Healthy Aging: Practical Nutrition Advice
Eating well doesn’t have to be complicated or too fancy, even if you’re juggling dietary concerns as you age.
Here are a few easy tips:
Grill It Up: Grilling isn’t just for burgers. Try fish, chicken, or a basket of mixed vegetables for a quick, healthy meal. It you don’t have a grill, the oven broiler works wonders.
Back to Basics: Foods that were healthy back in the day still excel in modern nutrition. Apples for fiber, oatmeal for heart health, and eggs, now celebrated for their protein and nutrients. Also classic and veggies like carrots and spinach continue to support a balanced diet and are a great value with inflation.
Sweet tooth: Recall the 70s' reign of Jell-O and artificial desserts. Today, we favor natural flavors. Enhance sweets with fresh fruits and spices like cinnamon and vanilla instead of added sugars. Use ripe bananas, applesauce, or pureed dates for natural sweetness plus essential nutrients.
Fun Fact: Tang and Space Exploration: Tang was invented in the late 1950s, it became famously associated with the space race and was popularized in the 70s as the drink that astronauts took to the moon. Its convenience and novelty made it a staple in many households.
Recipe Flashback & Update - Chicken à la King with a Twist
Let’s take one of those old '70s recipes and give it a modern, healthy twist. The classic Chicken à la King, often made with heavy cream and butter, can be revamped for better health: https://www.healthyseasonalrecipes.com/healthy-chicken-a-la-king/
This Week’s Quote
“I miss the 70s. Our children used to watch TV in one room, and we’d socialize in another. Now they text us from across the table.”
As always, we love to hear your stories and tips. What’s a nostalgic dish you’ve revamped for better health? Share with us at info@mywisdom.io.
Ask Puddy, puddy@mywisdom.io
Remember the Good Times, Eat for the Better Times
As we navigate the changing landscape of nutrition, I want to encourage our Wisdom Community to share their thoughts and questions. Do you find the amount of information about diet and nutrition for our age group overwhelming or confusing? Let’s discuss and help each other sift through the noise to make informed choices.