Read Ebook: A Comprehensive Guide-Book to Natural Hygienic and Humane Diet by Beard Sidney Hartnoll

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The True Ideal in Diet 13 A Plea for the Simple Life 22 A Plea for Moderation 26 Artistic Cookery 28 What to do when Travelling 32 Advice for Beginners 36 Commercial Dietetic Inventions 38 How to Regulate our Diet 41 A Simple Food-Chart 45 A Table of Food Values 46 Vegetarian Soups 48 Substitutes for Fish 55 Substitutes for Meat Dishes 58 Simple Savoury Dishes 69 Cold Luncheon Dishes 86 Gravies and Sauces 94 Puddings and Sweets 99 Bread and Cakes 112 Summer and Winter Drinks 117 How to Feed Invalids 119 What to do at Christmas 126 Breakfast, Luncheon and Dinner Menus 128 Hints to Housekeepers 131 Unfired and Vital Foods 133 Some Suggestive Menus 135 Useful Domestic Information 137 Scientific Cooking of Vegetables 140 Labour-Saving Appliances 144 Medicinal and Dietetic Qualities of Foods 146 Hygienic Information 152 How to accumulate Physical Vitality 155

For Synopsis of Recipes, see next page.

SYNOPSIS OF RECIPES.

Dietetic Reform is now being considered seriously by thoughtful people in all parts of the world and interest in this important though long neglected subject is increasing every day.

The fact that our physical, mental, and spiritual conditions are greatly influenced by the nature and quality of our daily food, and that, consequently, our welfare depends upon a wise selection of the same, is becoming generally recognized.

Popular illusions concerning the value of flesh-food have been much dispelled during recent years by revelations concerning the physical deterioration of the flesh-consuming nations, and the comparative immunity from disease of people who live on purer and more natural food; also by a succession of remarkable victories won by fruitarians who have secured numerous athletic Championships and long distance Records.

Demonstration has been provided by the Japanese, that a non-carnivorous and hygienic Race can out-march and out-fight the numerically superior forces of a colossal Empire; and that its national and social life can be characterized by conspicuous efficiency, sobriety, health, and vitality.

In addition to such influences, an ever-increasing consciousness that the emancipation of the animal world from systematic massacre and ruthless cruelty awaits the abandonment of the carnivorous habit by the Western races of mankind, is exercising a powerful effect upon the lives of multitudes of men and women. In consequence of having reached a comparatively advanced stage of evolution, they realise the solidarity of sentient life and feel humanely disposed towards all fellow-creatures; and they cannot avoid the conviction that Man was never intended to play the part of a remorseless and bloodthirsty oppressor of the sub-human races.

Those who are labouring to bring about the adoption of dietetic customs that neither violate the physical laws of our being, nor outrage the humane sentiments of the higher part of our nature, are consequently now met by serious requests for information concerning some way of escape from bondage to ancestral barbaric custom, and the safest path to a more rational and harmonious existence. "How may we live out our full length of days in health and vigour, instead of dying of disease?" "How may we avoid the painful maladies that are prevalent, and escape the surgeon's knife?" "How may we be delivered from further participation in all this needless shedding of innocent blood?" "How may we in a scientific way feed ourselves with simple and hygienic food--with the kindly fruits of the earth instead of the flesh of murdered creatures who love life just as we do?" Such questions as these are being asked by thousands of earnest souls, and it is to help such enquirers that this Guide-Book is published.

A system of living that is earnestly recommended by thousands of disinterested advocates who have personally tried it, that comes to us full of promise both for ourselves and others, that bids fair to humanize and transform mankind and to solve many of the world's social problems, and that is now endorsed by so many progressive medical authorities, merits such attention, and is worthy of trial.

With the earnest desire that all who read this book will make some sincere endeavour to seek emancipation from the barbaric habits that are prevalent in Western lands, and to cease from that physical transgression in the matter of diet into which our forefathers, at some period of the world's history, appear to have fallen with such disastrous consequences to themselves and their posterity, it is sent forth upon its humble but beneficent mission. And I trust that many, when they have proved that such a way of living is both possible and advantageous, will strive to persuade others to live as Children of God, rather than as the beasts of prey.

Those who have reached that spiritual plane where the sacredness of all sentient life becomes recognised, and who find it painful to contemplate the wanton and cruel slaughter which at present takes place throughout Christendom--involving the death of at least a million large animals every day--must instinctively experience a longing to apprehend some way by which this butchery can be brought to an end. Such will be able to perceive the real significance of, and necessity for, the twentieth-century crusade against human carnivoracity--the Moloch idol of these modern days. They will also feel individually constrained to co-operate in the great work of bringing about this practical and beneficent Reformation, and of giving to mankind the blessings that will result from it.

As in the case of all previous editions of this book, any financial profit derived from its sale will be devoted to the exaltation of these humane and philanthropic ideals--hence its presentation to The Order of the Golden Age. My readers, therefore, who feel that its circulation will tend to lessen the sum total of human and sub-human suffering, are invited to assist in securing for it a large circulation, by lending or presenting copies to their friends, and making it widely known. And to attain this end, the sympathetic aid of journalists and other leaders of public thought will be especially appreciated.

See "The Testimony of Science in Favour of Natural and Humane Diet."

The accepted scientific classification places Man with the anthropoid apes, at the head of the highest order of mammals. These animals bear the closest resemblance to human beings, their teeth and internal organs being practically identical, and in a natural state they subsist upon nuts, seeds, grains, and other fruits. Hence those who have studied this subject thoroughly can hardly entertain any doubt that the more largely our diet consists of these simple products of nature, the more likely we shall be to enjoy health and to secure longevity.

The number and variety of such fruits and seeds is very great ; and the Science of Dietetics has made such rapid progress in recent years that nuts and grains are, for the benefit of those who possess weakened digestive organs, now prepared in various ways which make them easily digestible and very savoury when cooked. To such foods may be added, for the sake of convenience and variety, vegetables of various kinds and dairy produce, such as milk, butter, cheese and eggs.

In most cases where there is a desire to adopt this purer and better way, it will be found that the policy of proceeding slowly but surely, a step at a time, is the wisest in the end.

The first step must be total abstinence from the flesh and blood of animals, and the substitution of less objectionable food containing an equal amount of proteid; this will soon lead to a distaste for fowl, but the use of fish should be retained by those commencing to reform their ways until some experience has been gained, and any serious domestic difficulties which may exist have been removed. Then this partial vegetarian diet can be still further purified, until it is more entirely "fruitarian" in its nature. Circumstances, and individual sentiment and taste, must regulate the rate of this progress towards what may be termed Edenic living; I can but show the way and give helpful information.

A few of the reasons which lead me to advocate a fruitarian dietary as the ideal one, are as follows:--

Fruitarians thus lessen the amount of work put upon the digestive organs, and consequently have more energy to expend upon mental or physical labour. The grape sugar contained in sweet fruits--such as dates, figs, raisins and bananas--is assimilated almost without effort and very quickly.

The juices of ripe fruits help to eliminate urates, waste products, and other harmful deposits from the blood and tissues, as they act as solvents. Fruit, therefore, tends to prevent ossification of the arteries, premature old age, gouty and rheumatic disorders, sickness and untimely death.

Fruitarian diet--if scientifically chosen and containing all the elements required by the body--prevents the development of the "drink crave," and it will cure nearly all cases if properly and wisely adopted. Dipsomania is induced by malnutrition, by eating stimulating food, such as flesh, or by eating to excess; a fruitarian drunkard has not yet, so far as I am aware, been discovered in this country.

Such a diet does not necessitate the horrible cruelties of the cattle-boat and the slaughter-house--therefore it must commend itself to every genuine humanitarian.

It does not contain the germs of disease that are found in the dead bodies of animals--frequently afflicted with tuberculosis, cancer, foot-and-mouth-disease, incipient anthrax, swine-fever and parasites of various kinds.

It is free from that potent cause of physical malady, uric acid--which is contained in all flesh; and from "ptomaines,"--which develop in corpses quickly after death and often prove fatal to consumers of meat. And it will be found, if wisely chosen, to produce a stronger body, a clearer brain, and a purer mind.

The testimony of thousands of living advocates, both in cold and warm climates--many of whom are medical men, or athletes who have accomplished record performances which demanded prolonged endurance and unusual stamina--bears evidence to this fact; therefore those who are desirous of commencing this more excellent way of living need not fear they are making any reckless or dangerous experiment.

These penalties are being lavishly dealt out with inexorable impartiality in the civilized lands of the Western world, where, in spite of the rapid increase of our medical men, and the 'wonderful discoveries' of panaceas by the representatives of unscrupulous pathological search, such maladies as appendicitis, consumption, cancer, lunacy, gout, neurasthenia and other evidences of physical deterioration are still prevalent or steadily increasing.

It is natural for every man and woman to live at least a century. The fact that thousands have done so, proves that the majority might attain this age if they would cease from transgressing Nature's laws. Seneca truly said, "Man does not die, he kills himself."

Those who decide to adopt this reformed system of diet will be fortified in their resolve if they are actuated by loyalty to the Divine Will and regard for Humane Principle, in addition to reasons which are based merely upon self-interest. The desire to lessen suffering, and to live in accordance with God's laws, furnishes a stronger incentive than the wish to escape disease and to secure longevity.

A philanthropist or humanitarian who embraces the sublime ideal of helping to lift mankind to a higher plane of experience, to deliver our degenerate Race from some of the worst evils which afflict us, and, at the same time, to prevent the infliction of pain and death in most revolting forms upon countless millions of innocent animals, will either conquer the initial difficulties which confront those who thus make practical protest against the flesh traffic, or will cheerfully endure temporary inconvenience and self-denial "for Righteousness' sake."

A deaf ear will then be turned to the warnings of any well-disposed friends who, being under the spell of ancient fallacies, or ignorant concerning the nutritive advantages which the fruits of the earth possess over the products of the shambles, would seek to deter him from the path of self-reform by prophesying physical shipwreck and disaster.

Popular illusions concerning the necessity for animal food are rapidly being swept away, and public opinion has already changed to such an extent that leaders of thought in every land are now impressed with the full import and beneficence of this Reformation. And so many forces are now converging and combining to influence and impel mankind in this direction, that the 'signs of the times' indicate a rapidly approaching Era in which Man will return to his original food, and, by so doing, enter upon a happier and more peaceful period of existence upon this planet.

Simple meals and simple dishes are easily prepared, they lessen domestic care, are less likely to cause indigestion, and soon become appreciated and preferred.

Young green peas, or new potatoes steamed in their skins and dried off in the oven so as to be "floury," will, if eaten with a little salt and butter, have a delicacy of flavour which is scarcely noticeable if they are served with a plate of beef or mutton and other vegetables. A few chestnuts carefully cooked in a similar manner, make a dish that an overfed alderman might enjoy; and the same remark will apply to many simple and easily prepared fruitarian dishes.

An excellent lunch can be made with some well chosen cheese and brown bread and butter, and a delicate lettuce , followed by fresh and dried fruits such as bananas, almonds, raisins, figs, etc. Such a repast is inexpensive, nutritious, and easily digestible. A large variety of foreign and fancy cheeses are now obtainable, so that even such a simple meal as this can be varied constantly. The best lettuces are produced by our French neighbours, but our own market gardeners are beginning to learn that it is easy to get them tender by growing them under glass.

In most fruitarian households the cooking for breakfast soon becomes simplified and lessened. Eggs served in different ways on alternate mornings, fresh and dried fruits, nuts, brown bread, super cooked cereals such as granose biscuit, butter and preserves, are found to be quite sufficient as accompaniments to the morning beverage. French plums, figs and other dried fruits, when carefully stewed in the oven for some hours, and served with cream, are very nutritious. A small plate of 'Manhu' wheat, rye, barley, or oat flakes, served with hot milk or cream, can be added so as to make a more solid meal for growing children or hard workers. And those who are accustomed to a more elaborate breakfast, because of the difficulty of obtaining a mid-day substantial meal, can select one of the items which are mentioned in the list of recipes under the heading of "Breakfast Dishes."

Abstainers from flesh should begin to live to some extent in picnic style, and the practice will soon become more habitual. A picnic luncheon which is considered enjoyable in the woods or on the moors will be found to be just as nice at home if the articles provided are well chosen and tastefully prepared. Variety can be obtained by introducing daintily cut sandwiches made with mustard and cress, tomato paste, potted haricots, or lentils, scrambled eggs, fancy cheese cut thinly, flaked nuts and honey, etc. Fresh and dried fruit, nuts, almonds, raisins and sultanas, fruit cakes, and custard or rice puddings, provide useful additions; and it will soon be found that the old-fashioned three or four-course meal which involves such laborious preparation is a needless addition to life's many cares.

It is important to bear in mind that our daily food must contain a sufficient quantity of certain necessary elements:

PROTEIN. To be found in nuts and nut foods , eggs, cheese, brown bread, oatmeal, haricots, lentils and peas.

FAT. To be obtained in nuts, nut-butters, olive oil, cheese, milk, cream, butter, and oatmeal.

PHOSPHATES AND MINERAL SALTS. Contained in the husk of wheat, barley, oats, and rye , cheese, bananas and apples.

SUGAR. To be obtained from all starch foods, but most easily and in the best and most readily assimilable form from sweet fruits and honey.

One of the most frequent mistakes made by those who commence to live upon a fleshless diet is that of eating too much--an error, also committed by the general public. Often, through ignorance of the fact that lean beef consists of water to the extent of about 75%, and through having been brought up under the spell of the popular delusion that meat is a great source of strength and stamina, they jump to the conclusion that they must consume large plates of cereals and vegetables in order to make up for their abstinence from animal food. They bring upon themselves severe attacks of dyspepsia--either by eating excessive quantities of starch in the form of porridge, bread and potatoes, or of such concentrated foods as haricots, lentils or nuts .

See Table of Food Values on page 45.

In every household where reformed diet is adopted, effort should be made to prepare the meals in an artistic manner. If a dish is skilfully cooked and tastefully served it is not only more enjoyable but more easily digested.

The general custom in English homes is to serve vegetables in a rather slovenly style. To see how nicely such things as legumes, vegetables, salads and fruits can be prepared, one requires to go to a good French or Italian restaurant. But it is quite easy for us to learn the ways of our friends abroad, and to make our dishes look tempting and appetising.

The temperature of the fat or oil must be past boiling point, and should reach about 380 degrees. When it is hot enough it will quickly turn a small piece of white bread quite brown, if a finger of it is dipped in the fat. Unless this temperature is reached the articles to be fried may turn out greasy and unbearable. If the fat is heated very much beyond 400 degrees it may take fire. Haricots, lentils, and many other legumes are more tasty if made into cutlets or rissoles and fried in this manner, after being mixed with breadcrumbs and seasoning, than if merely boiled or stewed in the usual crude style.

Cooking by gas appliances is more easily controlled and regulated than when the old-fashioned fire is employed, and much labour for stoking and cleaning is avoided. Those who can do so, should obtain a gas hot-plate, consisting of two or three spiral burners, and a moderate-sized gas oven. If they cannot afford the ordinary gas cooking oven, a smaller substitute can be obtained, which can be placed upon any gas jet; this is very economical for cooking single dishes, and for warming plates, etc. A gas cooking jet can be obtained for eighteenpence, and two or three of these will take the place of a hot-plate if economy is necessary. In summer-time the kitchen range is quite a superfluity unless it is required for heating bath water.

The ordinary public know very little of the variety and delicacy of a well chosen fruitarian dietary when thoughtfully prepared; ignorance and prejudice consequently cause thousands to turn a deaf ear to the evangel of Food-Reform. All women who desire to bring about the abolition of Butchery, and to hasten the Humane Era, should therefore educate themselves in artistic fruitarian cookery, and then help to instruct others.

To illustrate the truth of these remarks I may mention that at a banquet given by the Arcadian Lodge of Freemasons, at the Hotel Cecil, in London--the first Masonic Lodge which passed a resolution to banish animal-flesh from all its banquets--one of the Chief Officers of the Grand Lodge of England attended. He came filled with prejudice against the innovation and prepared to criticise the repast most unfavourably. In his after-dinner speech, however, he admitted that it was one of the best Masonic banquets he had ever attended, and said that if what if he had enjoyed was "vegetarian diet," he was prepared to adopt it if he found it possible to get it provided at home.

Every woman should resolve to learn how to feed her children with pure and harmless food. Every mother should make her daughters study this art and thus educate them to worthily fulfil their domestic responsibilities. Here is a new profession for women--for teachers of high-class fruitarian and hygienic cookery will soon be greatly in demand.

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