About

The word diet first appeared in English in the 13th century. Its original meaning is equivalent to "generally accepted food and drink" in modern English. However, in the Middle Ages and early Modern English era, diet was also used in other senses to mean "lifestyle." In fact, this is the original meaning of the Greek ancestor of the diaita diet, from the verb diaitasthan meaning "to lead your life". The Greek word diaita is used more specifically to refer to a lifestyle, diet, or other treatment already prescribed by a doctor.