The Influence of Correct Food Quantities Upon Human Life

and the somewhat indefinite "food portion." Values given in most tables are in calories per pound, which, for purposes of general comparison, are as useful as any. For the purpose of universal application of the principles involved, it is necessary to make use of factors, knowledge concerning which can be easily acquired; figures concerning which can be easily remembered, of which the one for each food must be for a quantity approaching as closely as possible to quantities most commonly handled. These conditions are best met by the use of the metric system, because it is a decimal system, and, therefore, easy to divide or multiply mentally. For the same reason the expression of food values for quantities of 100 grams is best adapted to the purpose. It is as easy to remember the figure value of 100 grammes of food as it is to remember the figure of values for one pound, or one ounce. It is found easier to estimate, without scales, after a little practice, the weight of portions of food, if the metric system is used, and if the value is calculated in quantities of 100 grams. To utilize the available knowledge of the subject, one has only to practice weighing food as supplied at the table for a brief period?two weeks is usually ample? when it will be found easy to estimate, with sufficient accuracy for the purpose, the weight of any given quantity of food without the use of scales, or weights; in the course of this experience, one will have automatically memor...