[LadyRain]

I saw the 60minute report... this is what I think ::; I am a history buff, I brought a 1777 home back to almost original inside and out., I was in Rev.war re-enactment group. I have read and studied the 18th century for many years. Why I bring this up is because i have also read about food and diet. The only sweeteners were honey (limited) and cane sugar brought here from the West Indies. There were a few other sweet things from the garden, now used to make stevia. Cancer was as prevalent then as it is now! Although there were no preservatives, salt was used to preserve meats and fish. Imagine the salt intake!! People were not as heavy then because of two reasons. Everyone worked hard! I made many meals in a hearth, and that kind of cooking is time consuming and back breaking work. People ate what was in season, and in moderation. Corn was the size of a mans thumb, not like it is today. The only fresh meat all year was chicken, duck, partridge, goose and then only when there were too many males, or a hen was too old to lay eggs anymore.Hogs and beef were butchered in the fall. Lambs late spring. Wild animals when they could be hunted. No one drank water, they made mede and beer, and you could drink the beer all day and not get drunk, like beer today. People burned off what they ate. They also ate a lot of butter and animal fats, and breads. One pot meals were the norm, they would just add more stuff to it each morning. Our food is over processed to the point that they re-add vitamins ! Our fresh foods are covered in pesticides! I guess the lesson is to do the best you can. Take charge of what you and those you love eat.The less sugar you eat the more sweet a fresh carrot will taste! Good food costs more, that is sad to me. I think we feel the need to "feel full" after we eat, and that is not good for us. Our stomach expects it. Listen to your body, its the best we can do.