Diet and Health

Lulu Hunt Peters’ "Diet and Health: With Key to the Calories," first published in 1918, is a landmark work in the history of diet and nutrition literature. As one of the earliest books to popularize the concept of calorie counting, it offered a new way of thinking about food and weight management. This book was groundbreaking at its time and remains a significant reference for understanding the evolution of dieting practices in the 20th century.

A Revolutionary Approach to Dieting

Peters, a physician, brought her medical expertise to the public in an accessible and engaging manner. The book is written in a conversational tone, almost like a chat with a concerned friend, which made it approachable for the average reader. What sets this book apart from its contemporaries is its focus on calories as the fundamental unit of energy in food. Peters introduced the idea that by managing calorie intake, one could control their weight. This was a novel idea at the time, and it resonated with the public, leading to widespread adoption of calorie counting.

Content and Structure

The book is divided into several sections, each focusing on different aspects of diet and health. Peters discusses the importance of understanding what calories are, how they function in the body, and how different foods contribute to one's daily caloric intake. She also addresses the psychological aspects of dieting, recognizing that emotional and psychological factors play a significant role in eating habits.

One of the book's strengths is Peters’ emphasis on personal responsibility and empowerment in weight management. She encourages readers to take control of their diets by making informed choices about what they eat. Her approach is practical and rooted in the belief that anyone can achieve their desired weight if they are disciplined and informed.

We spend thousands of dollars a year on weight loss books and remedies, and here in this little book published in 1918 we have the plain and simple truth--

"For harken, food and only food (sometimes plus alcohol) makes fat. Not water--not air--verlily nothing but food makes fat!"

Though some of the advice given like "it is okay to skip breakfast," is questionable, on the whole, this is a well written guide providing caloric tables, menus, formulas for determining daily caloric needs and discussions on the importance of being active. It is also midly humourous and reminds us that to be thin is "patriotic" for "FOOD WILL WIN THE WAR!" An excellent read.