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Chapter 25—Extremes in Diet
Not all who profess to believe in dietetic reform are really reform-
ers. With many persons the reform consists merely in discarding
certain unwholesome foods. They do not understand clearly the
principles of health, and their tables, still loaded with harmful dain-
ties, are far from being an example of Christian temperance and
moderation.
Another class, in their desire to set a right example, go to the
opposite extreme. Some are unable to obtain the most desirable
foods, and, instead of using such things as would best supply the
lack, they adopt an impoverished diet. Their food does not supply
the elements needed to make good blood. Their health suffers, their
usefulness is impaired, and their example tells against, rather than
in favor of, reform in diet.
Others think that since health requires a simple diet, there need
be little care in the selection or the preparation of food. Some restrict
themselves to a very meager diet, not having sufficient variety to
supply the needs of the system, and they suffer in consequence.
Those who have but a partial understanding of the principles of
reform are often the most rigid, not only in carrying out their views
themselves, but in urging them on their families and their neighbors.
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The effect of their mistaken reforms, as seen in their own ill-health,
and their efforts to force their views upon others, give many a false
idea of dietetic reform, and lead them to reject it altogether.
Those who understand the laws of health and who are governed
by principle, will shun the extremes, both of indulgence and of
restriction. Their diet is chosen, not for the mere gratification of
appetite, but for the upbuilding of the body. They seek to preserve
every power in the best condition for highest service to God and
man. The appetite is under the control of reason and conscience,
and they are rewarded with health of body and mind. While they
do not urge their views offensively upon others, their example is a
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