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Chapter XI: About Food.1819
grease; whether they are eating enough fruit; whether whole wheat bread
would not be a good addition to their bill of fare; whether they are not
indulging in too much pastry and “made dishes.” If we were asked to give
them a general rule regarding eating we would be apt to say “eat a variety
of foods; avoid ‘rich’ dishes; do not eat too much fat; beware of the fryingpan;
do not eat too much meat; avoid, especially, pig meat and veal; let
your general habit of eating tend toward the simple, plain fare, rather than
towards the elaborate dishes; go slow on pastry; cut out hot cakes from
your list; masticate thoroughly and slowly, according to the plan we have
given you; don’t be afraid of food, if you eat it properly it will not hurt you,
providing you do not fear it.”
We think it better to make the first meal of the day a light one, as there
is very little waste to repair in the morning, as the body has been at rest all
night. If possible, take a little exercise before breakfast.
If you once return to the natural habit of proper mastication, and
experience the sensation that comes from proper eating, the abnormal
appetites which have been acquired, will fall from you, and natural hunger
will return. When natural hunger is with you, the instinct will be very keen
in picking out nutritious food for you, and you will feel inclined toward that
which will give you just the nourishment you need at any particular time.
Man’s instinct is a good guide, providing it has not been spoiled by the
indulgence in the absurd dishes so common in these days, which create false
appetite.
If you feel “out of sorts,” do not be afraid to “cut out” a meal, and give the
stomach a chance to get rid of what it has on hand. One can go without eating
for a number of days without danger, although we do not advise prolonged
fasts. We feel, however, that in sickness it is wise to give the stomach a rest,
in order that the recuperative energy may be directed toward the casting
out of the waste matter which has been causing the trouble. You will notice
that the animals stop eating while they are sick, and lie around until health