The protein balance is important as this substance is the basis for growth and repair of the tissues of the body.
When the protein balance of the family meal is provided by meat, if for any reason one member of the family does not care for meat, the protein may be supplied by eggs, or by the legumes as shown on pages [232-234].
Let me repeat that everyone should watch his likes and dislikes in the matter of food and guard against allowing himself to become finicky; he should not cultivate a dislike for a food which may disagree with him at a certain time or the taste of which he does not like, if that food is wholesome.
Remember that the likes and dislikes for food are largely matters of cultivation and one misses much enjoyment and much of health which comes from a well-nourished body by habitually sitting down to a table in a pessimistic frame of mind because the food served does not suit the fancy.
It is very difficult for a mother to provide a meal which suits each member of her family and consideration for her as well as for self should teach one to guard against a critical attitude.
The following is an example of a badly balanced menu. It was given a family, including a child, by a mother who “had no time to study foods. She gave her folks what was the easiest to get and filled them up the quickest.” This mother may have wasted hours in gossip with the neighbors, or on “fancy work.”
| Breakfast |
| Rolls with butter |
| 2 cups coffee |
| Luncheon |
| Fried sweet potato |
| Bread and butter |
| Prunes |
| Tea |
| Dinner |
| Macaroni with cheese |
| Bread and butter |
| Boiled potato |
| Boiled rice with milk |
| Tea with milk and sugar |
The cardinal sin of such a diet is in the lack of protein, the great predominance of starch, and the inadequate supply of fat. An excessive amount of sugar, however, was taken in the tea. This was taken to satisfy the taste, not realizing that the system demanded it for energy.
The child was given one egg and one slice of bread for breakfast. Being a light eater it asked for no more, but her mother wondered why the child was so pale and suffered from constipation.
No water was given with any meal.