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Diet

10 diet trends from the Chatelaine archives

We take a look back at some of the most diverse (and interesting) health advice from the last 85 years including how the Queen diets and what Weight Watchers was like decades ago.
10 diet trends from the Chatelaine archives

Health Archives

Spring Tonic in Every Meal, March 1928

In one of our first health stories, we explained to women that vitamins are to the body what sparks are for the automobile. We also recommend a breakfast that's 730 calories. We miss 1928...

10 diet trends from the Chatelaine archives

You'll Never Know You're Dieting, September 1959

Written by Elaine Collett, this article showed readers that, "Sauces, gravies, pies and all your other favorites can stay right on the menu. Prepare them the low-calorie way that puts an end to on-and-off dieting." Everything in moderation, right ladies?

10 diet trends from the Chatelaine archives

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How the Queen Diets, March 1971

"Queen Elizabeth is slimmer today than when she married -- thanks to her husband's inspiration, a 750-calorie diet and royal will power," reads this story's intro.

It explained that the then 45-year-old Queen was encouraged by Prince Phillip to see a diet doctor who warned her that if she continued to eat the way she was she would, "continue to gain weight, eventually growing as heavy as her mother".

10 diet trends from the Chatelaine archives

The Slob Diet and Exercise Program, July 1977

Chatelaine writer Margaret A. Wood explained, "I guzzled grapefruit, chomped on celery stalks and choked on cottage cheese. I tried exercise, I stopped exercise; I took up yoga and dropped yoga. There was nothing to do now but formulate my own diet and exercise program." -- We couldn't agree more!

10 diet trends from the Chatelaine archives

Take it off! Take it off!, April 1970

Writer Eveleen Dollery shares Marla Donsky's struggle to get rid of her "hula-hoop hips". Donsky's success came by eating a healthy breakfast, sitting down to eat with her children and, when she was compelled to cheat, looking at a picture of herself at her heaviest.

10 diet trends from the Chatelaine archives

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The Thinking Woman's Diet, November 1969

Developed by the faculty of food science at the University of Toronto, this article talks about the new equation for weight loss. It included eating 17 units a day (very similar to today's food guide) consisting of three units of milk, two units of fruit, three units of vegetables, two units of bread and cereal and seven units of meat, fish, poultry, cheese or eggs.

10 diet trends from the Chatelaine archives

Do I Have to Grow Old?, February 1954

"Doctor, I'd like to know...Do I have to grow old?" asks our story. Our advice? Fresh fruit, green leafy vegetables, milk, eggs and meat. Not too different than the advice we'd give you today!

Weight Watchers New Diet, February 1977

This Chatelaine exclusive showcased the then-10-year-old Weight Watchers plan to the masses. Some 450,000 Canadians had already used the program that's still going strong today with the help from spokespeople like Jessica Simpson and Jennifer Hudson.

10 diet trends from the Chatelaine archives

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New Plan for Keeping Fit, October 1960

Designed by the Royal Canadian Air Force, this plan focused on getting fit in 12 minutes a day. Similar to our popular 10-minute workouts today, this program had small spaces and efficiency in mind.

10 diet trends from the Chatelaine archives

The Indian Thing, July 1968

This is the first yoga workout ever featured on our pages. Though we're not sure about doing yoga draped in jewels, we certainly agree that yoga is a great get-fit option. The story explained that it, "Doesn't whack you out the way that old huff-puff stuff did."

For more from our archives click here.

10 diet trends from the Chatelaine archives

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