"لا تأكل أي شيء لا تتعرف عليه جدتك الكبرى كطعام"

The core idea of this quote boils down to eating wholesome, unprocessed foods. Think about it—back in the day, our great-grandmothers didn't have shelves packed with neon-colored snacks or meals ready in minutes from a microwave. They cooked with what was available locally and seasonally, mostly raw ingredients. If you're aiming for a healthier diet, sticking to foods that she would identify as food is a brilliant start.

Now, let's dive into some context. This wisdom likely gained traction in modern times due to the rise of processed foods and a growing awareness of their health impacts. Industrialization brought about packaged goods, loaded with preservatives, artificial flavors, and additives. These changes have led to various health issues. So, this saying is a call to return to basics—think farm-fresh veggies and grains, not factory-made snacks.

To illustrate, picture yourself walking down the aisles of a supermarket. You see rows of box cereals, instant ramen, and frozen dinners. Now, imagine your great-grandmother beside you. She’d probably be puzzled by these items. But take her to the produce section, and she'd light up. She’d recognize the carrots, potatoes, apples, and fresh herbs. She might even share stories of how she used to cook them.

Here’s a real-life example. A friend of mine decided to adopt this principle after dealing with health issues. She cut out all the overly processed stuff—bye-bye sugary cereals and frozen pizzas. Instead, she stocked up on fresh produce, grains, and lean meats. Her meals started looking simpler but were bursting with flavor. She noticed she felt better, had more energy, and even lost a bit of weight. All because she was eating real food, the kind her great-grandmother would approve of.

If you’re wondering how to apply this wisdom, start with shopping. When you're at the store, ask yourself if your great-grandmother would recognize the item as food. Skip the aisles with processed snacks and head for the fresh produce section. Cook your meals from scratch when you can, using simple ingredients. You don’t have to be a gourmet chef—roasted veggies, grilled meats, and fresh salads are easy and delicious.

Imagine a relatable scenario. You're hosting a dinner party. You decide to whip up a dinner inspired by your great-grandmother’s era. You start with a hearty vegetable soup made from scratch, followed by a roast chicken seasoned with fresh herbs, and a side of steamed green beans. For dessert? An apple pie made with real apples, not canned filling. Your guests are wowed—not by the complexity, but by the authentic, wholesome flavors. They ask for seconds and you end up sharing your newfound approach to eating.

In essence, this quote isn't just about food—it's about valuing simplicity and authenticity in what we consume. It's a gentle nudge to move away from the artificial and embrace what's real, just like our great-grandmothers did. So next time you’re picking out what to eat, think about her. Would she recognize it as food? If the answer is yes, you’re likely making a good choice.