NUTRITION 1 09 



about his health. He may benefit by the simpler diet, more regular living, and 

 especially through the belief that he will be helped, but this proves nothing as to 

 the theories on which the cult is based, and the same results might have been more 

 painlessly attained by other means. The food faddist represents a psychological 

 type and often drifts from one dietary cult to another; as long as we have this 

 type of people in such large numbers, diet fads and cults will persist and will be 

 profitable to their originators. 



At the risk of repeating what already may have been told, I must reiterate 

 the general principles of good nutrition; because these are the "rules of 

 the road" of the highway of nutrition. They are: 



1. Eat more liberally of what McCollum names "the protective foods," milk, 

 cream, eggs and cheese, green vegetables and the principal fruits. The American 

 diet probably is sufficiently supplied with meat, potatoes and other tubers, dried 

 beans, peas, and nuts. You probably could do with somewhat less flour and much 

 less sugar. 



2. Go in for variety in purchasing food. Not everything is known about what 

 is essential. The principal food factors have been isolated, but there are others not 

 yet identified. Safety lies in diversification of the diet, and danger attends restric- 

 tion. No one food is a perfect food. 



3. Watch your weight. Obesity shortens life expectancy and favors the devel- 

 opment of diabetes and other so-called degenerative diseases. If the body weight 

 lies above the standards set by the actuarial tables of the life insurance companies, 

 limit the intake of fats, starches and sugar, but not that of mUk or other protect- 

 tive foods. 



4. Don't expect too much, even of a perfect diet. Other things than food can 

 cause ill-health. The rules of the road are designed for community health, and 

 may need modification to meet the requirements of certain individuals. 



Truthful food advertising provides people with the information they 

 need to understand nutrition, and better nutrition unquestionably will 

 benefit our people immensely. On the other hand, incorrect or fraudulent 

 advertising works immeasurable harm. Therefore, I would like to add one 

 more rule to the "rules of the road." It is to follow the highway markers 

 placed on the package labels and advertising matter of those products 

 which have been accepted by the Council on Foods — The Seal of Ac- 

 ceptance. When purchasing foods give preference to brands that bear 

 this label. Thereby you will protect your family; also you will help to 

 convert food advertising into a socially beneficent institution carrying 

 truly educational information about foods and nutrition to the conscious- 

 ness of those less able than you are to protect themselves from prejudice, 

 fads, fancies and fallacies. 



