I myself play at first on 2x and I try to go for my science points first.If your off for more than 3 or 4 hours I"d pause the game. When I know my villagers can survive easier on what I have as far as food goes. I work on putting my people on the science table to get more points. I put most all of them on the table except maybe 1 farmer.
As much as building is important. I think farming is more important.
The food is the most important part of the game.