Why Were We Always Told to Eat Something Sweet Before Leaving the House?

Way back in the day, your grandmother probably called out to you before leaving the house and told you to eat something sweet before you go. Maybe you rolled your eyes or maybe you took her advice and actually tucked a couple dates in your pockets before leaving the house. It may be a very old myth that borders on superstition, but there is nonetheless some real wisdom and truth to be found in it – as in the case in many myths.

Most myths are grounded in some type of factual observation; they are an attempt to explore and explain said observation in some way that makes sense for the time. This folk wisdom about eating sweet things before you leave the house, most likely has a lot to do with the problems of travel in ancient India. Back then, people had to walk long distances on foot between villages and other locales. The roads were much less developed so travel was much slower and hazardous. That meant you needed energy to get from point a to point b, hence the need for sugar. Sugar is a surefire, quick method to fuel your body. In a pinch, it can be the difference between successfully completing your journey and succumbing to exhaustion on the road.

There is some real truth this idea. In countries where cane sugar grows naturally, it is pretty common for laborers to chew on sugar cane while working. In a real way they are directly fueling themselves while they go. The only problem is that sugar is quick energy, it won’t keep you moving for long. You will have to resupply yourself eventually, but it makes for the perfect quick boost in the interim.