Why? The Science of Athletics

FOOD, FADS AND FACTS 329 best to eat is toast which has not been made from bread hard before toasting. Boiled eggs and omelettes are very good. Eggs provide the best training food. Sugar should not be eaten more than is necessary. Butter, too, should not be indulged in more than is necessary. Dr. Adolphe Abrahams, as representing British opinion, and his brother, in their book Training for Athletes, give the following : While dressing, a glass of cold water, sipped. Breakfast :-Porridge (if the athlete is accustomed to it), with milk or cream and sugar (if desired). Fresh fish, eggs, bacon (there appears to be no justification for the traditional exclusion of this valuable food-stuff), toast or stale brown bread, butter, marmalade or jam. A small cup of tea. Any fresh or stewed fruit in season, but not tinned or dried fruits. At 12.15 p.m. (if morning exercise is not taken), a large glass of water or barley water. Lunch :-At least two hours before exercise, and longer if possible. Cold meat, salad, toast or bread. Half a glass of water or beer. This meal should be taken with due regard to the afternoon work, and should be the least possible. On resting days, or when a long country walk is taken, with a break in the middle for a meal, lunch may be more substantial. Tea :-If after exercise, a cup of tea and two slices of bread and butter ; if before exercise, a cup of tea only, with at least two or three lumps of sugar. Half an hour before dinner a large glass of water. Dinner :-Avoid soups. The usual routine of joints and sweets may be followed, including green vegetables and potatoes. Boiled onions, carrots and celery have special advantages, and are gratefully received as variants. As sweets, stewed fruit, milk pudding and cream are best. A glass of beer may be taken, if desired, and the meal may be concluded with a dessert of fresh fruit with dried figs, almonds, and raisins, and a glass of port, but only if the athlete is accustomed to wine.