Part 18

CHOICE OF MENUS

Wherever two menus are given, choice may be exercised, but whichever menu is chosen, it should be taken in its entirety. In other words, do not select articles from one menu and combine them with articles mentioned in another menu. Neither should any article of food be eaten with a particular menu, other than that which is mentioned therein. By observing these suggestions, the proper combinations of food are observed, which is equally as important as the selections.

NOTE: In this volume there are some menus which contain combinations of food classed as No. 3 in Lesson XII, "Tables of Digestive Harmonies and Disharmonies," pp. 609 to 617 inclusive. This is explained by the fact that said "tables" are laid out for the normal person, while the menus were prescribed for the treatment of some special disorder, or for the purpose of removing some offending causes.

NORMAL MENUS

The following menus are intended for those possessing normal digestion and assimilation of food; that is, for those having no digestive disorders.

INTRODUCTION TO NORMAL MENUS

While a majority of the menus composing this volume were prescribed for the purpose of removing the causes of some specific disorder, a vast number of those treated remained under the care of the author long after they had become normal or cured, as the transition from dis-ease to health is usually termed.

Another large number of comparatively healthy persons, recognizing the relation between diet and health, came under the care of the writer for the purpose of having their diet selected, proportioned, and balanced according to age, occupation, and the season of the year.

The excellent results that were obtained, in nearly all such cases, emphasized the importance of giving a set of normal menus for normal people. All the following menus have been tested, under the direction of the author, and have been chosen because they gave the desired results.

SPRING MENU FOR THE NORMAL CHILD

From 2 to 5 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

A few soaked prunes, with cream A small portion of coarse cereal, thoroughly cooked From one to two glasses of milk

LUNCHEON

A baked potato Onions or carrots, well cooked Milk

DINNER

Home-made vegetable soup or cream soup Green peas or asparagus tips A baked potato Milk

SUMMER MENU FOR THE NORMAL CHILD

From 2 to 5 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

One very ripe peach A small portion of coarse cereal A baked sweet potato Milk

LUNCHEON

Cream of rice, bean, or pea soup--home-made Whole wheat crackers, with butter Milk

DINNER

A baked potato Peas or lima beans Whole wheat crackers or bran biscuits Milk

FALL MENU FOR THE NORMAL CHILD

From 2 to 5 Years of Age

BREAKFAST