(4.) TO GROUP HER DISHES AT EACH MEAL IN THE DAY 



as to supply, so far as possible, the right proportion of nutrients to the various 

 consumers. Further, she must seek information, if she does not already possess 

 it, as to the best way to present these nutrients, in order that they shall be suitable 

 to: 



(1.) The time of day: 



(2.) The season of the year: 



(3.) The age and state of health of the eater: 



(4.) The occupation of the eater: 



(5.) The idiosyncrasies of the eater. 



At first sight, these requirements may appear to involve 



IMPOSSIBLE AND UNHEARD-OF TROUBLE. 



What overwhelming demands are made upon time, for instance, if no one kind 

 of food or combination of foods is adapted to people of different ages, or even for 

 the same person under different circumstances. But such fears are exaggerated. 



THE MASTERY OF A FEW GUIDING PRINCIPLES, 



applied by well-sharpened wits, will render the provision of a wholesome daily 

 diet for an average family a pleasure, not a penance; and will lend new interest 

 to daily doings. 



The first demand of the learner will be for precise directions. " Please furnish 

 me with a specimen correct diet." Well, here are three examples of 



THE AMOUNT AND RIGHT PROPORTIONS OF FOOD 



for a healthy, middle-aged man to eat in one day. In each case there is about 

 one part of protein to four or five parts of fat and carbohydrate, which are the 

 proportions of body-builders and heat and energy producers shown by experience 

 to suit most people; they also yield the amount of heat (measured, as you will 

 remember, by calories) which is necessary for a good day's work. When put 

 before us in this form, these new requirements will appear less exacting and more 

 familiar : 



DIET I. 



13 oz. beef-steak. 



3 oz. butter. 



6 oz. potatoes. 

 22 oz. bread. 



DIET II. 



4 oz. sausage. 5 oz. beans. 



14 oz. codfish. 2 oz. rice. 



2 oz. butter. 16 oz. potatoes. 

 1 pint milk. 9 oz. bread. 



3 oz. sugar. 



DIET III. 



10 oz. beef. 1 pint milk. 



(J oz. ham. 12 oz. potatoes. 



2 eggs. 9 oz. flour. 



2 oz. butter. 1 O z. sugar. 

 Obviously such an amount of solid food as appears in each diet (about 3 Ib.) 



could not be eaten all at once. Hence our custom of dividing it into three meals 

 a day. 



Obviously, also, the first diet is the least attractive of the three. 



The variety offered by the second and third would be far more appetizing; 

 and, as a matter of fact, the cost in cash of these two amount only to about 

 1 cents more than No. I. ; though, of course, their choice and preparation would 

 call for more time. 



