concentrated food, and one and one-half
pounds of lettuce, a watery vegetable, each having the same caloric
value. A moderate sized chocolate cream is not only concentrated but
has considerable fat in the chocolate.

[Sidenote: _Enuf Sed_]

It is not necessary to know accurately the caloric values. In fact,
authorities differ in some of their computations. The list is not
mathematically correct, but it will give you a good idea of the relative
values, and is accurate enough for our purposes. I have purposely given
round numbers, where possible, in order to make them more easily
remembered.

In reckoning made dishes, such as puddings and sauces, you must compute
the different ingredients approximately. About how much sugar it has,
how much fat to the dish, and so on. In reckoning any food, if you are
reducing, give it the benefit of the doubt on the high count; and if
trying to gain, count it low.

It is well, if you are much overweight or underweight, to have some of
these foods that are given weighed, so that you can judge approximately
what your servings will total.

[Sidenote: _A Mixture_]

A mixture of foods should be used, in order to get the different
elements which are necessary for the human machine. It is not wholesome
to have many foods at a meal; but the menu should be varied from day to
day.

Any regimen which does not allow some carbohydrates and fats for the
fuel foods is injurious if persisted in for a length of time.

[Sidenote: _Thoroughly Masticate Everything_]

As to harmful combinations; there are not many, and if your food is
thoroughly masticated you need not concern yourself very much about
them. However, if you find a food disagrees with you, or that certain
combinations disagree, do not try to use them. Underweight individuals
sometimes have to train their digestive tracts for some of the foods
they need.

Coffee, tea and other mild stimulants are not harmful to the majority;
but, like everything else, in excess they will cause ill health.
Alcoholic drinks make the fat fatter and the thin thinner, and both more
feeble mentally.

[Sidenote: _I Love Her_]

I hope I have stimulated you to an interest in dietetics. There are many
books which go into the subject much more deeply. I recommend,
especially, "The Home Dietitian," written by my beloved colleague and
classmate, Dr. Belle Wood-Comstock.

Others I have read that are especially suitable for the home are
"Feeding the Family,