Food in War Time

In Short

This book is a concise manual on nutrition and food conservation, written during the height of the First World War. It translates complex physiological concepts—such as basal metabolism and caloric needs—into practical, domestic strategies for the American home front. By detailing how the human body converts food into energy for work, the author argues for a shift toward cheaper, more efficient dietary staples like corn, potatoes, and milk, while discouraging excessive meat consumption. It remains a fascinating historical artifact that bridges the gap between early nutritional science and the patriotic duty of civilian sacrifice.

The Story

The narrative begins by placing the American diet in a global context, contrasting the relative abundance of the United States with the sparse, traditional diets of Southern Italy. The author asserts that a "balanced diet" does not require luxuries; rather, it relies on fundamental nutritional science, such as the inclusion of "accessory food substances" or vitamins. Through an exploration of the biological needs of the human machine, the text establishes a baseline for how much energy is required to maintain life at rest, and how that requirement spikes with physical labor.

As the war effort demands the redirection of resources, the argument moves from the biological to the economic. The author posits that the American habit of consuming large quantities of meat is not only a luxury but a profound inefficiency. By citing evidence from European experiences—where food shortages forced a return to simpler, grain-based diets—the book demonstrates that health can be maintained, and even improved, by shifting away from animal proteins. The central tension is between the "roast beef" culture of the average American and the harsh reality of global starvation. The author insists that wheat must be saved for the suffering populations of France and that domestic herds should be prioritized for milk production rather than beef.

The arc of the argument concludes with a series of actionable recommendations. The author systematically breaks down the cost of various foods, calculating the "calories per dollar" of everything from fats and cereals to proteins and vegetables. He addresses the myths surrounding diet—such as the necessity of meat for strength or the dangers of corn—and provides clear, logical rules for the kitchen. The final resolution is an urgent call for national discipline: by reducing intake, eliminating alcohol, and substituting costly animal products with vegetable oils and dairy, the American citizen becomes a participant in the war effort. The book ends by framing nutrition as a moral imperative, arguing that the "sweat of thy brow" should be fueled by a deep understanding of what the body truly needs to function in a time of crisis.

How It Unfolds

The foundational science The book introduces the concept of the "human machine," defining metabolism and the caloric energy required to keep it running. It explains that the body’s basal needs are constant and predictable, regardless of one's social status.

The case for efficiency The focus shifts to the economics of food production, particularly the inefficiency of feeding grain to livestock to produce meat. The author makes a compelling argument that milk is the supreme protein source and that steers should be viewed as dairy assets rather than meat.

The arithmetic of daily life The middle section presents detailed tables and calculations regarding the energy costs of various occupations, from typing to stone masonry. This section empowers the reader to calculate their own caloric needs based on their specific daily activities.

The call to action The book concludes with a pragmatic list of "rules of saving and safety." It provides a clear, step-by-step summary for the reader to implement immediately, turning complex scientific principles into a patriotic, manageable dietary regimen.

The People

The book features a cast of voices that represent the intersection of science and society. Graham Lusk, the author, acts as the primary guide, blending the detached precision of a physiologist with the urgent, warm concern of a fellow citizen. He is joined by the work of DuBois, whose research on body surface area provides the mathematical bedrock for the author's metabolic tables. Hindhede, a researcher of diet and health, serves as an inspiration for the author’s belief in the viability of simple, plant-based nutrition. Together, these figures represent the shift toward a modern, data-driven understanding of how we sustain ourselves. They do not view food as a source of pleasure or cultural identity, but as a vital resource to be managed. The author also frequently evokes the image of the "average citizen," whose habits must be transformed. These individuals, standing at the kitchen table or the factory bench, are the true subjects of the book; they move from a state of wasteful ignorance to one of informed, scientific, and patriotic stewardship.

In Its Own Voice

"There is no doubt that under the conditions existing before the war the American people lived in a higher degree of comfort than that enjoyed in Europe."

The author begins by establishing that the relative luxury of the pre-war American lifestyle is a historical anomaly that must now be tempered by global necessity.

"The question of calories is not an academic one, but an intensely practical one."

This line encapsulates the author’s core mission to make abstract, laboratory-based nutritional science accessible and useful for the average person managing a household.

"But while the people of our country are entirely given up as they are at present, to gross and promiscuous feeding on the dead carcasses of animals and to the untiring pursuit of wealth, it is perhaps wholly vain for a single individual to raise his voice on a subject of this kind."

Quoting an earlier advocate of simple eating, the author highlights the struggle of promoting modest, healthy living in a society obsessed with excess and wealth.

What It's Really About

At its heart, this is a book about the intersection of individual biology and collective national duty. It argues that food is not merely personal fuel, but a strategic asset. The underlying question is whether a society can voluntarily restrain its appetites to serve a larger, more ethical goal. The author challenges the reader to view their dinner plate through a lens of scientific efficiency, suggesting that the "complexities of modern life" have obscured our understanding of basic survival. It is an argument for rationalism, asserting that once we understand the chemistry of our own bodies, we can no longer justify the waste of precious resources. It asks the reader to find satisfaction in necessity rather than indulgence.

Why Read It Today

Readers interested in the history of science, the origins of nutritional advice, or the social history of the Great War will find this book deeply engaging. It offers a rare window into a moment when the professional scientific community was first attempting to communicate directly with the public about caloric intake and food security. While the specific prices and food commodities belong to 1918, the core anxiety—about waste, the environmental cost of meat, and the relationship between diet and health—is strikingly modern.

The prose is precise, warm, and utterly devoid of the marketing fluff that characterizes contemporary diet books. However, the reader should be prepared for the dense, technical nature of the metabolic data and the occasional Victorian-era moralizing regarding alcohol and "the pursuit of wealth." It is not a light read for the casual dieter, but for those who enjoy rigorous, analytical thinking, it is a rewarding experience. What stays with the reader is the author's quiet conviction that understanding our own biology is a cornerstone of responsible citizenship. You will likely walk away with a newfound, almost mathematical appreciation for the energy contained in a simple meal.