In a city packed with grab-and-go meals, meal deals and late-night takeaways, more of us are looking for ways to get back to basics. It’s about reconnecting with real food. The kind our grandparents (or great-grandparents) would recognise. This guide takes inspiration from traditional eating habits to help you make healthier choices using natural ingredients and seasonal produce. From fresh veg and responsibly sourced meat to hearty grains and seeds, here’s how to build a better relationship with food. Rooted in the past, but perfect for life in London today.
For generations, traditional diets revolved around simple, whole ingredients. We’re talking food that’s minimally processed, packed with natural nutrients and full of honest flavour. Think colourful veg, pulses, seeds, grains and quality protein. The kind of ingredients you’ll find at a proper market or a good local grocer.
Choosing natural food doesn’t mean restricting what you eat. In fact, it opens up a world of variety. Real ingredients tend to be more satisfying, both in taste and in how they make you feel.
Across cultures, veg has always played a starring role on the plate. And here in the UK, there’s plenty of brilliant seasonal produce to work with. From Kentish tomatoes to British-grown squash and root veg.
Building your meals around a mix of vibrant, seasonal veg is one of the easiest ways to eat better. It’s also a nod to the way people have cooked for centuries. Simple, nourishing and full of natural variety.
If you eat meat, it’s worth going for better-quality cuts. Think grass-fed, free-range or locally sourced where possible. Traditionally, meat wasn’t the main event on the plate, but a flavourful addition used alongside veg, grains and legumes.
That balance still makes sense today, both for your health and the planet. Choosing better meat, less often, is a simple way to make your diet healthier and more sustainable.
Wholegrains have been part of hearty, traditional diets for centuries. Unlike refined grains, they keep all their natural fibre and goodness intact. Oats, barley, quinoa, brown rice and wholemeal flour are versatile, filling and perfect for everything from breakfast to baking.
Adding wholegrains into your meals is an easy way to get more fibre and make your dishes feel more satisfying. No fad diets needed.
Tiny but mighty, seeds are a simple way to pack extra nutrients into your meals. Used across cultures for centuries, they bring healthy fats, protein and minerals to the table without overcomplicating things.
Sprinkle them on porridge, add to salads, blend into smoothies or bake into bread. Chia, flax, pumpkin and sunflower seeds all do the job brilliantly.
Switching to a more natural way of eating doesn’t mean going all-in overnight. Start with simple swaps. Wholegrains instead of white rice, extra veg with dinner or a handful of seeds on your breakfast. Little by little, these changes stick. The goal? A way of eating that feels natural, enjoyable and easy to keep up, even with a busy London lifestyle. Try out new recipes, experiment with seasonal ingredients and make it work for you.
And remember, every body is different. If you’re thinking about making big changes to your diet, it’s always smart to check in with a registered nutritionist or healthcare pro for advice that fits your needs. Whether it’s finding the right balance or making healthier swaps, small steps towards eating more healthy food can make a lasting difference.
At Hg, this is exactly how we cook. Real food, prepared simply, with fresh, seasonal ingredients at the heart of every dish. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or sitting down for a proper meal, we believe healthy food should always feel real, satisfying and made with care. Come by and join the Real Food Revolution.