I ate like I was in the 1950s for a week and this is what happened

We often associate the time before microwavable meals and fast food being more wholesome and healthy—with farm fresh vegetables and fruits in abundance—but the typical 1950s American diet was actually considered to be quite high-fat and indulgent. Despite this, the average life expectancy has increased significantly from 68 years in 1950 to 81 years today, reflecting broader health trends over time.

According to a 2008 article in the Journal of the History of Medicine and Allied Sciences, the 1950s diet was largely made up with fatty meals—even predating the rise of fast food. The main meal of the day was typically substantial and often included dishes like lamb or pork chops with vegetables. Gathering around the dinner table as a family was important, with shared mealtimes leading to better academic performance and healthier lifestyle choices for children. Food rationing during and after World War II had a lasting impact on the 1950s diet, leading to higher carbohydrate intake and lower fat consumption. Common dishes included the likes of meat stews, creamed tuna, meat loaf, corned beef and cabbage, mashed potatoes with butter, breaded and fried veal cutlets, deep-fried vegetables, French fries… you get the idea.

During this time, women were encouraged to lose weight through various dieting methods. Weight-loss diets gained popularity, illustrating a societal shift towards valuing a slim figure associated with femininity. Diet advice was frequently published in women’s magazines, further promoting the trend.

Lifestyle author Anne Barone, who grew up in the 1950s in Texas, commented that the only “sanctioned pleasurable activity was eating,” adding that church family-night dinners were considered to be “food orgies.” The rising consumption of processed foods has also contributed to contemporary health issues like obesity and cardiovascular disease. The historical shift from home-cooked meals to fast foods has played a significant role in this trend. Additionally, the rise of portion sizes in fast food restaurants compared to historical standards emphasizes the importance of choosing smaller portions to reduce calorie intake.

Barone also recalled that as an overweight teenager in Texas she doesn’t remember eating hardly any fresh fruits or vegetables, with the quality of produce available in stores being extremely low—hence why canned goods, and homemade cakes, pies, and cookies reigned supreme.

With that in mind, here’s exactly what happened when I tried to follow a typical 1950s American diet for a week and why, while I love a good plate of cookies or slice of pie, I won’t be quick to give up fresh veggies any time soon.

Day One

As a strict vegetarian with relatively healthy (and modern) eating habits, I must admit I wasn’t looking forward to spending the week eating baked goods and deep fruit foods but I was still curious to see what it would be like.

I decided to pull out some old dishes from my childhood to really get into it—and committed to dinner eating at 5pm every day. I usually follow a strict intermittent fasting schedule so this was a bit of an adjustment. I made a vegan meatloaf with a side of steamed potatoes which was actually delicious but I was hungry again by 9pm.

Day Two

By day two I still had enough meatloaf to eat leftovers—which to me sounds very 1950s family style.

Eating at 5pm was definitely the most difficult thing to get used to  and I decided to just lean into the idea of having a little bedtime snack around 8pm when my boyfriend was eating.

Day Three

Today is when I realized just how much the typical 1950s American diet reminded me of my childhood. I grew up in the 90s but because my grandmother lived with my family, she did a lot of the cooking when my parents were at work. We’d eat dinner every night at 5pm—sometimes even earlier—and it was always either meat and potatoes, hamburgers, stews, or macaroni and cheese.

As I sat down to eat my frozen vegan macaroni and cheese dinner after finishing my office hours for the day, I felt weirdly reminiscent eating a carb-heavy meal while it was still bright out.

Day Four

Despite my little walk down memory road, I was really craving fresh veggies by day four. I did the next best thing and cooked up canned peas, carrots, and corn, and paired it with slices of tofurkey. While it’s not necessarily an unhealthy meal, I definitely prefer fresher vegetables and am very grateful that I have easy access to an abundance of local produce.

Day Five

By the end of the week, I was looking forward to getting back to my normal salad-and-smoothie, very present-day diet. That said, I did find it rather fun to cook all these atypical meals and eat earlier in the day—especially when I realized the parallels it had with growing up with my grandmother’s cooking and the fond memories of my childhood.

Preparing for the Experiment

Before embarking on this culinary journey, I spent hours researching and preparing for the experiment. I scoured through vintage cookbooks, including my grandmother’s old recipe book, to get a sense of what people ate in the 1950s. I also read about the cultural and social context of the time, including the impact of food rationing and the rise of fast food restaurants. I made a list of ingredients and recipes that I wanted to try, and I stocked up on staples like canned peaches, cottage cheese, and frozen fruits. I also set the table with vintage china and linens to create an immersive experience.

Eating Habits Like It’s the 1950s

Eating like it’s the 1950s was a fascinating experience. I started each day with a hearty breakfast, often featuring eggs, bacon, and toast. During this era, young women began to embrace more active lifestyles, often wearing trousers and traditionally masculine garments, which influenced their dietary choices as well. I made sure to eat dinner at the table every night, just like families did back then. I tried to stick to traditional 1950s recipes, like roast beef with french fries and vegetables, and I even attempted to make some vintage desserts like pineapple upside-down cake. I also made sure to drink plenty of water and limit my intake of sugary drinks. One of the biggest challenges was avoiding processed foods, which were just starting to become popular in the 1950s. Instead, I opted for fresh fruit and vegetables, and I even tried my hand at canning and preserving.

The Impact of Processed Foods on My Health and Wellbeing

Eating like it’s the 1950s had a surprising impact on my health and wellbeing. I found that I had more energy and felt more satisfied after meals. I also noticed that my skin looked clearer and my digestion improved. I think this was due to the fact that I was eating more whole foods and avoiding processed foods, which can be high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. I also found that I was sleeping better and waking up feeling more refreshed. Of course, it’s worth noting that the 1950s diet was not without its flaws – it was often high in saturated fat and low in fiber, which can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems. However, I tried to balance out my diet by incorporating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Social Aspects of Eating in the 1950s

Eating in the 1950s was a social activity that brought families and communities together. I tried to recreate this sense of community by eating dinner with my family every night and inviting friends over for dinner parties. We would often talk about our day and share stories while we ate, just like families did back then. I also noticed that eating at the dinner table helped to slow down our pace of life and encouraged us to appreciate the simple things. In an era where fast food and eating on the go are the norm, it was refreshing to take a step back and savor our meals.

Challenges and Takeaways

One of the biggest challenges of eating like it’s the 1950s was avoiding processed foods and sugary drinks. It was also difficult to find recipes that were both authentic and healthy. However, I learned a lot from this experiment and took away some valuable lessons. First, I realized the importance of eating whole foods and avoiding processed foods. I also learned that eating at the dinner table can bring families and communities together and encourage a sense of gratitude and appreciation. Finally, I discovered that even small changes to our eating habits can have a big impact on our health and wellbeing. If you’re looking to lose weight or improve your health, I would recommend trying some of these vintage recipes and incorporating more whole foods into your diet.