How to Eat: A Cure for "Nerves"

Most nervous people are constipated. But apples are really the salvation of nervous people. If you are constipated, drink, or rather, sip, a glass of hot water half an hour before breakfast, then eat nothing for breakfast but apples; eat two big ones and chew them slowly to a cream. Go to stool regularly every morning. This habit is half the cure of constipation. [...] Apples, apples, apples! Eat them no matter what the price.

“This little book gives sensible advise in regard to eating and exercise to the many unfortunate people who suffer from mild nervous disorders. The author states that he had had two nervous breakdowns and that he had learned the secret of keeping his nerves in good condition. He advocates thorough chewing of food and light diet, chiefly vegetable. Sugar and meats he regards as harmful, and he cannot eat eggs. He admits however that they may be good for some people. The text is written for the general public and contains few technical or scientific terms. The principal ideas are repeated over and over again and emphasized in various ways. They should prove helpful to those suffering from overeating or from digestive disorders.” -The State Hospital Quarterly, Volume 7, November 1921

“Dr. Hinkle preaches the gospel that all of us eat too much and that we do not chew our food. He himself suffered with ‘nerves.’ But cutting down his food intake, he says, eliminating eggs and meat and increasing vegetables and milk, all solid food being chewed until it had the consistency of cream, he cured himself. He also recommends outdoor life, and the frequent eating of apples. His final chapter is devoted to the general commendation of the simple life. The advice given is good and the manner of giving it is earnest and simple. But a good many persons will pity the author because he cannot enjoy a nice, well-cooked juicy steak.” -JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, Volume 77, October 1, 1921

Contents

I. WHERE THE TROUBLE LIES

II. HOW TO OVERCOME THE TROUBLE

III. RIGHT AND WRONG DIET FOR NERVOUS PEOPLE

IV. VALUE OF OUTDOOR LIFE AND EXERCISE

V. EFFECT OF RIGHT LIVING ON WORRY AND UNHAPPINESS

"Whosoever wishes to eat much must eat little." Cornaro, in saying this, meant that if a man wished to eat for a great many days—that is, desired a long life—he must eat only a little each day.

“Apples, apples, apples! Eat them no matter what the price. You remember how good Adam found the apple—or at least we presume it was an apple that he found so good—and I can think of no other single thing that would tempt a man to make all the trouble he did. If he had to sin, then I'm for Adam every time, for I think had I been in his place and Eve had offered me a big juicy red apple, I should have taken it and eaten it. I don't know but that I might even have eaten it without the invitation. I think that Adam's great mistake was not so much in eating the apple as in trying to lay the blame on the woman. Nobody should ever apologize for having eaten an apple.” -The Author