Diet governed by work
The man who is swinging a pick or a sledge hammer in the open air may eat or drink almost anything, because his powers of eliminating waste are aided by his work. It follows, therefore, that those whose work is of a sedentary nature must procure their nutrition from substances containing the minimum of waste, and producing the maximum of energy, and the quantity must be measured accurately by the demands of the body, or autointoxication (self-poisoning) will result.
Intestinal congestion (constipation), which is almost universal among sedentary workers, is caused in nearly all cases by consuming a quantity of food in excess of the physical demands, and which cannot be thrown off owing to the lack of exercise. It is at this point that science must lay out the dietetic regimen so as to make it conform to the occupation, or to the lack of physical activity.
The following are suggestions for a spring or summer diet for the average sedentary worker:
BREAKFAST
- Cantaloup, berries or peaches, with sugar and cream
- An egg
- One or two bananas, with nuts, cream, and raisins
- (Bananas should be baked, if not very ripe)
LUNCHEON
- Peas, beans, or asparagus
- A heaping tablespoonful of nuts
- A salad of lettuce and tomatoes, with nuts
- A baked potato, tender corn, or a very little coarse bread
DINNER