The revival of 70s diet also arrives in Italy: the topic is viral on social media and reopens the debate on eating habits, outdoor activities and scientific choices. Benny and Stefano Meloccaro have talked about this trend, but be careful about the simplifications and the health risks.
In recent months a viral video has relaunched the idea of a “old-time diet” made of butter, simple meals and more movement outdoors, contrasting it with modern eating habits and to a sedentary life with smartphones and an indoor gym. The phenomenon is not just nostalgia: it is part of a larger one back to the seventies which affects fashion, music and lifestyles, and which in Italy finds an echo in daily conversations and on social media.
Benny: “It’s an idea that came to a journalist in England, Josie Gibsonwho thought it would be better if we went back to eating like we did in the 70s because we weren’t overweight then. In the seventies there were no microwave dishes or ultra-processed foods, those that really have little and are full of additives and preservatives. Furthermore, at that time, the plates and glasses were much smaller than the current ones and, if we already ate less than we eat today, we would be much fitter.”
The popular version of the 1970s diet therefore emphasizes less processed foods, moderate portions, walking outdoors and a return to traditional fats like butter in place of some industrial oils. However, the message circulating online often simplifies the historical reality: the Seventies were not a homogeneous era from a nutritional point of view and many choices were dictated by availability and local culture.
Data on overweight people from yesterday and today
Benny: “Going to look at the data from the 70s of overweight people and comparing them with those of today, we can see that 50 years ago the European population was much fitter: in United Kingdom we went from 42% of the population to 67%; in Spainsimilar to us, 42% of people were overweight in the 70s while today it is 61% of the population. In Italy, 41% were overweight, today it is 46%.”
Stefano Meloccaro: “In the United States, where the problem is much more serious that in Europe, they revolted to food pyramids putting proteins at the top, with the concept of getting across the message of eating only unprocessed foods, at the cost of eating more meat, which isn’t necessarily good for you. But still better than all that junk food Americans are used to.”
Because it seems to work
More than a magic formula, the reference to the 70s focuses on two key elements: reduction of ultra-processed food and increase in daily physical activity (walking, housework, less sedentary lifestyle). In the past, fashion and lifestyle contributed to a different body image, with clothes and movements that hid or discouraged excessive sedentary lifestyle.
Experts warn against “one-size-fits-all” recipes: not all the choices of the Seventies are supported by modern evidence (for example the indiscriminate use of some oils or condiments) and health must be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Anyone considering adopting this style should consult a professional and don’t rely exclusively on viral trends.
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The return of the 70s diet it is more a cultural signal than a medical prescription: it offers useful ideas – less processed foods, more outdoor movement, attention to the daily rhythm – but it requires prudence and personal adaptation. The real value lies in recover healthy habits and sustainable, not in slavishly replicating an idealized past. We strongly recommend that you consult a doctor before embarking on any path that involves our diet.
