Horace Fletcher

Horace Fletcher (1849–1919), also known as "The Great Masticator", was an American health enthusiast and diet reformer. He gained prominence for his unique philosophy of thorough chewing, which he termed "Fletcherizing".

Early Life

Born in 1849, Horace Fletcher spent his early years in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Little is known about his early life, but it is believed that he had a keen interest in health and wellness from a young age.

Career

Fletcher began his career in the business sector, but his interest in health and wellness led him to develop his unique dietary philosophy. He believed that thorough chewing, or "Fletcherizing", was the key to optimal health. This involved chewing each mouthful of food until it was completely liquefied before swallowing. Fletcher claimed that this method of eating could prevent overeating, improve digestion, and lead to better overall health.

Fletcher's ideas gained significant attention, and he became a popular figure in the health and wellness community. He wrote several books on the subject, including "The A.B.-Z. of Our Own Nutrition" and "Fletcherism: What It Is". His ideas were adopted by many, including notable figures such as Henry James and Franz Kafka.

Legacy

Despite his popularity during his lifetime, Fletcher's ideas have largely fallen out of favor in modern times. However, his emphasis on mindful eating and the importance of thoroughly chewing food have had a lasting impact on the field of nutrition. His ideas have also been cited as a precursor to modern diet trends such as Slow Food and mindful eating.

See Also

• Chewing
• Slow Food
• Mindful Eating

References

• The A.B.-Z. of Our Own Nutrition by Horace Fletcher
• Fletcherism: What It Is by Horace Fletcher

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