Watch The Diets That Time Forgot

The Diets That Time Forgot is a fascinating and entertaining show from Acorn Media that takes a look at the history of dieting and how it has evolved throughout the centuries. Presented by Dr. Lucy Worsley, this six-part series explores the strange and sometimes shocking diets of the past, from the bizarre regimens of the Romans to the fad diets of the 20th century.

Dr. Worsley is an engaging and knowledgeable host who brings a sense of fun and wonder to the subject of dieting. She is passionate about history and has a talent for bringing the past to life in a way that is both informative and entertaining. In this series, she takes viewers on a journey through time, exploring the diets of the rich and famous, the bizarre dietary practices of different cultures, and the scientific theories that shaped our understanding of nutrition.

The first episode of The Diets That Time Forgot is titled “Ancient Diets” and explores the diets of ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans. Dr. Worsley explains how these cultures believed in the power of food to heal the body, and how they prescribed different diets for different ailments. She also discusses the strange and sometimes gruesome foodstuffs that were considered delicacies in ancient times, such as flamingo tongues and dormouse meat.

The second episode, “Medieval Diets,” looks at the diets of the Middle Ages, a time when food was seen as medicine and when feasting was a symbol of status and power. Dr. Worsley explores the different foods that were available to people in this era, from the peasant diets of bread, beans, and onions, to the more luxurious fare enjoyed by the nobility.

The third episode, “Renaissance Diets,” takes a look at the dietary habits of the wealthy during the Renaissance. This was a time of great change in the way people thought about food, with new scientific discoveries challenging traditional beliefs. Dr. Worsley discusses the different foods that were popular during this time, including salads, fruit, and wine, and looks at the role that food played in the social and cultural life of the Renaissance.

The fourth episode, “Victorian Diets,” examines the diets of the Victorian era, a time when food was seen as a symbol of morality and virtue. Dr. Worsley explains how the Victorians believed in the value of a “balanced” diet and how this idea influenced the development of modern nutritional science. She also looks at the bizarre and often dangerous diet fads that were popular during this time, such as the “Fletcherizing” diet, which involved chewing each mouthful of food 32 times.

The fifth episode, “War-Time Diets,” explores the diets of people during times of war, from the rationing of food during World War II to the survival diets of prisoners of war. Dr. Worsley discusses the different ways that people coped with food shortages and the role that propaganda played in promoting certain foods and dietary habits.

The final episode, “Modern Diets,” takes a look at the diet fads of the 20th century and how these have influenced our attitudes towards food today. Dr. Worsley discusses the popularity of fad diets such as the Atkins diet, the Zone diet, and the South Beach diet, and explores the scientific research that has shaped our understanding of nutrition.

Overall, The Diets That Time Forgot is a fascinating and insightful series that offers a unique perspective on the history of dieting. Dr. Worsley is an engaging and entertaining host who brings a sense of fun and wonder to the show, making it an enjoyable and informative watch for anyone with an interest in food and history.