Page:Japanese Physical Training (Hancock).djvu/133

 Rh No violent changes in diet are expected, but, first of all, the amount of nutriment is diminished, and then all of the oily and starchy elements of food are left out—by degrees. Dried fish, fruits, and vegetables are used in the quantities that the appetite appears to indicate. Rice, peas, and all forms of starchy foods are passed by. Eggs, too, are rather in disrepute with the one who seeks to reduce his weight. Meat, of course, is out of the question. Alcoholic beverages of all kinds are left severely alone.

It can be understood without difficulty that an excess of sleep is not conducive to slimness. The Chinese, who sleep during more of the twenty-four hours than do the Japanese, are much more obese. The average Japanese sleeps seven or eight hours in the twenty-four. The Chinese who have the time to spare are more inclined to remain nine hours in bed. The Chinese coolies, who have so much work to do in a day that they cannot spend nine hours in rest, are much more likely to show the leaner lines of the Japanese.

For the Japanese who wishes to reduce his