Better Nutrition in the 1930s

Originating in the 1930s when dieting first became popular, the Grapefruit Diet has endured over the years, going in and out of fashion and outlasting many other food “fads.” This low-carb regimen, which was also called the Hollywood Diet, centers around (you guessed it) the fat-burning powers of grapefruit. Early versions of the diet were very low calorie—as low as 585 calories per day. There are numerous variations today; most of them suggest eating around 800–1,000 calories daily. Here’s a sample Grapefruit Diet menu that we found online. Keep in mind that this plan is designed for short-term use, around 10–12 days.

Grapefruit Diet Menu

Breakfast

• 2 eggs boiled
• 2 slices bacon
• ½ grapefruit or 8 oz. grapefruit juice without added sugar

Lunch

• ½ grapefruit or 8 oz. grapefruit juice without added sugar
• Salad
• Any style meat in any amount

Dinner

• ½ grapefruit or 8 oz. grapefruit juice without added sugar
• Salad with a red or green vegetable cooked in butter or spices
• Meat or fish cooked any way
• Coffee or tea (1 cup)

Bedtime Snack

• 8 oz. cup of skim milk

Foods of the ’30s

The following foods were introduced in the 1930s:

• Jiffy Biscuit Mix
• Krispy Kreme
• Cheese puffs
• Dry soup mix
• Fritos
• Twinkies
• Ritz Crackers
• Hawaiian Punch
• Canned beer 

The Story of Better Nutrition was founded by Jack Schwartz in 1938. Schwartz returned from the military with a business idea—start a magazine about nutrition. He loved helping friends and family find natural solutions to health problems, and he figured others would be interested in this too. He saw an opportunity to fill a niche and, at the same time, satisfy his passion for health and nutrition. And just like that, Better Nutrition magazine was born. Fall back in time with us this year as we revisit popular trends in nutrition, vitamins, recipes, and more with this limited-edition section. 

80 Years of Better Nutrition:

• Better Nutrition in the 1930s – The Grapefruit Diet
  
• Better Nutrition in the 1940s – The Original Master Cleanse
  
• Better Nutrition in the 1950s, Part 1 – Gelatin Molds
  
• Better Nutrition in the 1950s, Part 2 – Wheat Germ
• Better Nutrition in the 1960s, Part 1 – Granola
• Better Nutrition in the 1960s, Part 2 – Fondue
• Better Nutrition in the 1970s, Adelle Davis
• Better Nutrition in the 1980s, Part 1 – Fit for Life
• Better Nutrition in the 1980s, Part 2 – Bran
• Better Nutrition in the 1990s, Part 1 – Low-Fat Diets
• Better Nutrition in the 1990s, Part 2 – Low-Carb Diets