Soviet cuisine had its advantages: nutritious homemade dishes, a minimum of semi-finished products and understandable recipes. But it also instilled in us stable eating patterns that today make it difficult to maintain a healthy weight and a harmonious relationship with food.
Here are the most common of these habits that you should not pull from the past.
1. Tea with cookies
Tea with something sweet after a meal was almost a ritual in the USSR. Because of this, cookies, candy or a bun still seem like a logical ending to a meal for many.
Try gradually reducing sugar in drinks and replacing industrial desserts with fruits, berries or homemade cakes with a simpler composition. This will help you reduce your overall caloric intake without feeling guilty.
2. Bread is the head of everything
The habit of eating everything with bread comes from an era when it was the main source of calories. It's hard to imagine a soup or salad without a slice on the table, right? We repeat this automaticity without thinking.
There is no need to give up bread completely. Just choose healthier options that are more filling and contain more fiber. Consciously decide when you really need bread and when you can make do.
3. Clean plate
The attitude of “finishing everything, even if you’re already full” is a classic legacy of Soviet education. It is often perceived as respect for the work of the person who cooked, and creates internal discomfort if food is left out.
Give yourself permission to stop when you're full. Your feeling of fullness is more important than conventions. If you are afraid to leave food, immediately serve yourself a smaller portion. The prepared food can be stored in the refrigerator and eaten later.
4. A feast for the whole world
A full lunch of first, second, salad and compote was the norm for working Soviet people, who spent a lot of energy. Today, this amount of food is excessive for most of us.
For a modern person, one hearty main course (with a balance of proteins, fats and complex carbohydrates) and a portion of fresh or stewed vegetables is often enough. Give up the habit of preparing a “three-course set” every day – this will relieve both digestion and your time.
You shouldn’t blame the past, but it’s useful to analyze your automatisms. Eating mindfully begins with the question: “Am I eating this because I really want to, or because it’s “accepted”?” Giving up these four habits is the first step to an easier and healthier diet.
Important: This information is not a substitute for consulting a doctor. The body's response to changes in diet/training may depend on individual physiology, genetic predisposition and health status. It is recommended to consult a specialist.
