| In selecting foods for St. Elizabeths Hospital we aim to have meats, milk, eggs, cheese, sufficient to furnish | 20% | of the energy needed. | |
| Cereal foods | 〃 | 30% | 〃 |
| Vegetables and fruits | 〃 | 20% | 〃 |
| Fats | 〃 | 20% | 〃 |
| Sugars, sirups | 〃 | 10% | 〃 |
A diet made up of foods in this proportion will be sufficiently bulky, and will furnish the right proportion of protein, fats, carbohydrates, mineral matter, and vitamines.
As the report of the daily average per capita consumption of foods used will show we use slightly more than the amounts considered sufficient according to the standard dietary tables, because of the mental condition of many of our patients there is apt to be a considerable amount of food unavoidably wasted; also approximately three-fourths of the population are male adults, and for this reason they require more food than would be needed for an evenly mixed population.
From the investigations carried on in the office of experimental stations, the conclusion has been drawn that the total amount of protein needed every day is estimated to be 100 grams; one-half or 50 grams is taken in the form of animal foods, the remainder is taken from the cereals and vegetable foods.
It is well to encourage the use of cereal foods, especially where economy is to be considered, and they should be used as freely as can be without making the diet one-sided.
The use of cereals and vegetables increase the wholesomeness of the diet, by providing the minerals, and the bulk necessary for the normal digestion of the more concentrated food materials, and makes the diet more varied and attractive.
In the use of the cereal foods, bread should have the first consideration; the best bread that can be obtained should be provided; bread that is well flavored, light, of good texture, and well baked.
It is also well to remember that large quantities of cereal foods may not seem attractive if served alone; they may be made very appetizing if combined with small amounts of the more highly flavored or seasoned foods. A well seasoned soup may lead to the eating of a large quantity of bread. A little savory meat or fish, or a small quantity of cheese, may be used to flavor a fairly large dish of rice or macaroni.”
MISS FLORENCE D. HANKS of the U.S. Naval Hospital at Annapolis: She stated that cooperation is the big thing, that without it the dietitian is helpless. She said she has received the most hearty cooperation from the Chief Nurse and Commanding Officer, and stated further that in different hospitals liquid, soft and regular diets are different, and that it must be immediately understood just what the doctors mean.
MISS GENEVIEVE FIELD, Head Dietitian of the Walter Reed General Hospital: