Vegetarian Diet Became Popular in 1847 England

A trademark of traditional Chinese culinary is their preference for striking the perfect balance in everything, which is a principle that is still applied to their meals today. Many Asian cultures firmly believe that achieving equilibrium in each meal helps to maintain good energy flow and prevents weight gain. In Medieval Britain, the meals of the wealthy and the foods consumed the poor were strikingly different, as were the health outcomes. Excess meat and other food luxuries caused the wealthy to suffer with medical disorders like gout and bowel disease.

Although it can be argued that following a high-calorie diet will cause weight gain and a low-calorie diet will lead to weight loss, your body's health does not rely solely on this aspect of nutrition. Listed below are popular diets with historic significance:

• CHEYNE MEATLESS DIET - In 1724, a very obese English doctor named George Cheyne was one of the first dietitians to publicly recommend that anyone overweight not consume large quantities of food and drink. Cheyne created a meatless diet of milk and vegetables to restore his own health.
• LOW-CARB DIET - The English pamphlet that outlined the low-carb, low-calorie Banting diet became the first popular menu plan used a model for modern diets. Banting's booklet has transcended many generations and remains in print today.
• VEGETARIAN DIET - Even in ancient times, most diets were filled with natural fruits, vegetables, grain and little to no meat. Founded in 1847, the Vegetarian Institution's Cookery School is headquartered in Altrincham, Greater Manchester.
• MACROBIOTIC DIET - The macrobiotic diet is associated with Zen Buddhism and based on the idea of balancing yin and yang. The 1930s diet emphasizes locally grown whole grains, legumes, vegetables, seaweed, fermented soy and fruits with natural seasonings and a non-stimulating drink.
• ATKINS DIET - American diet guru, Dr. Robert Atkins, is well known for his high-fat, low-carb menu plan, which he and his staff followed to drop a credible amount of weight. Over time, good carbohydrates are slowly reintroduced into the diet plan.
• THE SCARSDALE MEDICAL DIET - According to Dr. Tarnowers' original diet, grapefruit was the only fruit you could eat when following his two-week, low-calorie regime. Although dieters still follow the diet's strict meal plans including fats, proteins, and limited carbs, other raw fruits are allowed today.
• ZONE DIET - Created by Dr. Barry Sears, the Zone Diet was developed to reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses and heart disease. To reduce overall inflammation, the diet encourages followers to eat balanced ratios of 40% carbs, 30% protein, and 30% fat for every meal or snack.
• MEDITERRANEAN DIET - With emphasis on consuming fruits, vegetables, olive oil, fish and other healthy fare, the Mediterranean Diet is considered by food experts to be eminently sensible. Although it is rooted in ancient times, it is one of the most popular diet plans with today's dieters.

Do you eat or snack out of habit? If you find yourself being pulled to the snack drawer in your desk after lunch or gravitating toward the kitchen soon after finishing a meal, you may be eating out of habit. Ironically, humans often confuse thirst with hunger as well as overeat out of boredom or stress. It's important to recognize when you've eaten enough. For more tips on healthy diet, visit a Metabolic Research Center near you.