The Vintage Reader

From The Housewife's Year Book of Health and Homemaking, a pamphlet published by Kellogg's in 1937 (my copy was mailed to "Boxholder, R.F.D. Local." It cost one cent to mail):

6 RULES FOR SAFE REDUCING

1. Consult your physician. Find out your daily calorie requirement.


2. Decide on a sound plan and adhere to it.


3. Select foods low in calories and rich in "bulk." Especially avoid foods of high fat content.


4. Drink plenty of water.


5. Get some exercise in the open air every day.


6. Check frequently not only your weight but your general feeling of well-being.

Still sound advice, I'd say.

The pamphlet is basically a 36-page ad for All-Bran, and includes some tasty-sounding recipes such as "All-Bran Waffles Supreme" and "All-Bran Gingerbread." Of course, I kind of like All-Bran, so I might be a little biased as to tastiness. However, some of the recommendations seem a little bizarre, even to me:

"ALL-BRAN should be used, too, to add 'bulk' to many delicious dishes that are low in cellulose. When you cook macaroni or spaghetti, for instance, add ALL-BRAN just before serving. Use it to replace nut meats in certain recipes, if there is little or no liquid called for. Sprinkle it into soups, over salads or cooked cereals. ALL-BRAN adds a rich flavor and health building qualities."