Daily Dietary of the Soldier Detail from October 2, 1903, to April 4, 1904.
For the first two weeks of their stay in New Haven, the soldiers were given their ordinary army ration, which is rich in meat and consequently had a high content of proteid or nitrogen. The detachment had their own cook and helper, and their food was prepared for them as they had always been accustomed to it. Further, they had at this time perfect freedom as to the quantity of food to be eaten, the figures given in the earlier days representing their own choice of quantity. Later, by the beginning of the third week, the diet was modified somewhat by the introduction of other articles in place of meat, especially at breakfast, so that the total nitrogen intake was diminished in some degree, but the men were still allowed freedom as to quantity. From November to the close of the experiment in April, both the character and quantity of the food for each meal were prescribed, but great care was exercised to see that the men were fully satisfied. Changes were made gradually and no discomfort was felt, or at least no complaint was made, although the men were frequently questioned and encouraged to comment upon the dietary and to make suggestions.
The dietary, however, speaks for itself, and a careful perusal of the daily record, with reference both to the character of the food and the quantities employed, will give clearer and more exact information as to the changes introduced than any verbal description. The only statement that need be made is that the heavier proteid foods were greatly reduced in amount, and replaced in a measure by the lighter carbohydrate foods. Finally, it may be said that while vegetable foods eventually predominated, there was at no time a complete change to a vegetable diet.
Friday, October 2, 1903.
Breakfast.—Beefsteak 222 grams, fried potatoes 234 grams, onions 34 grams, gravy 68 grams, bread 144 grams, coffee 679 grams, sugar 18 grams.
Dinner.—Beef 171 grams, boiled potatoes 350 grams, onions 55 grams, bread 234 grams, coffee 916 grams, sugar 27 grams.
Supper.—Corned beef 195 grams, potatoes 170 grams, onions 21 grams, bread 158 grams, coffee 450 grams, sugar 21 grams, fruit jelly 107 grams.
Saturday, October 3, 1903.
Breakfast.—Bacon 162 grams, fried cake 215 grams, bread 72 grams, sugar 21 grams, coffee 550 grams.
Dinner.—Roast beef 250 grams, gravy 133 grams, bread 234 grams, sugar 21 grams, coffee 667.