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The Supersizers Go Essay

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In the BBC program, The Supersizers Go…, Giles Coren and Sue Perkins travel back in time to the 17th Century and explore the different social events and and dining aspects of this time period. During the week of living in the Restoration era, one can see significant differences between the appetites and health of those living under the rule of Charles II in the 1600s and those today. In addition, we can see the differences between various social class in England during this time reflected in the dining habits. At this point in history, the monarch was put back on the throne which left the upper class feeling free and happy. As a result, the elite found themselves living in luxury including their appetites. We even begin to see the rise in popularity of coffeehouses that were frequented by upper class men who …show more content…

Three meals were eaten throughout the day, with dinner (known as lunch today) and supper typically had several courses. At each course, both the savory and sweet dishes were served all at once and would be eaten on the same plate. Cheese became very popular throughout the 17th century due to no other dairy products safe to consume in England. It was such a luxury item, especially parmesan, which was even used as currency amongst the wealthy. Copious amounts of ale and meats were consumed during all three meals for several reasons. Beer, wine and other alcoholic drinks were consumed by everyone, including babies, as water was undrinkable in England at the time. Meats ranging from carp to coxcombs were viewed as delicacies only available to elite. In addition, vegetables at the time were considered unsafe and indigestible as they came from the ground and were not consumed by the elite, nor the poor as they sold their turnips for cattle feed instead. The poor also did not experience the luxuries during the 1600s as the recession caused food supply shortages and an increase in disease and

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