The New Glutton or Epicure

Horace Fletcher (1849-1919) was an American health food enthusiast of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, nicknamed 'The Great Masticator' for his advocacy of chewing food until it became liquid to improve health. His ideologies and writings laid the groundwork for future nutritional philosophies and fad dieting. The core of his dietary philosophy is encapsulated in 'The New Glutton or Epicure' (1903), wherein he contrasts the term 'glutton' to an individual who overeats without appreciating food, with an 'epicure', who delights in the taste and texture of food chewed thoroughly. Fletcher's method, branded as 'Fletcherism', argued that thorough chewing would increase the nutritional value of food, control overeating, and improve overall health. Fletcher's work was a precursor to the modern chewing movement and is often referenced in discussions on mindful eating. His approach, although not scientifically substantiated by contemporary standards, reflects an early recognition of the psychological aspects of satiety and digestion. Fletcher's influence extended beyond diet, also touching upon theories of physical fitness and waste elimination, which, although unconventional, incited dialogue on the holistic approach to health during a time when processed foods were becoming commonplace.