A DIETETIC CRIME.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4985, 9 June 1926, Page 3

A DIETETIC CRIME.

breakfast OF eggs and BACON. REGULATION OF MEALS. “There are times when it. is just as well to go> without food. A man who has just had some bad news, or some unpleasant shock of any kind, is in no condition to load his digestive tract with food. Nature knows this and warns him away from the table by causing' him- to lose his appetite,” writes Dr. Cecil Webb-John-son in the “Evening News.” “This is where well-meaning friends try to interfere with Jhe workings of an all-wise Mother Nature. ‘Why, you must eat something!’ they cry. ‘Your strength must be kept up I’ It would be far better were they to allow him to heed the warning signals thrown out by his own system. To force down food when the system rebels against it is to invite serious digestive troubles.. “Anxiety, suspense, and anger are potent destroyers of appetite, and it is far better to wait till the mind is trajiquil before attempting to take a meal. There was once a wise physician, who, if any letters, arrived just before dinner, allowed them to remain unopened till he had had his meal. He did not wish his enjoyment spoiled and his digestion upset by possible ba.d tidings or worry ! Let us as far as possible copy that far-

seeing doctor. “The best opinion lays it down that work, especially mental work, should cease an hour before the principal meal of the day is taken. AU mental worry must be put on ope. side, and we must endeavour to go to> the table in a cheerful mood. Pleasa.nt company is a great appetiser. “A spotless tablecloth, flowers oil the table, and shining glass and cutlery add to the sense of well-being. “When there is anything hanging over one which causes anxiety or suspense the appetite fails,, and no attempt should be made to ’force down food a,t such times. No strenuous exiercise should be taken just before

meals. “■‘The best hour of the day at which to eat is in the early evening, when the day’s tasks are, presumably, ended, and the mind turns to lighter and more pleasant affairs. The most unsuitable hour is, equally obviously, early in the morning, when one is rested and refreshed by a good sleep, a,nd the day’s tasks are all before us. “This, though, is precisely the hour at jvhich the insensate Englishman elects to fill his unfortunate stomach with fried eggs and bacon —two of the most indigestible foods he could find. He further pours upon them scalding tea, the tannin in which inhibits digestion, and then considers himself fit to begin a day’s work I No other European nation commits this dietetic crime.”