Fletcherism (flĕch’ə-rĭz′əm), a system of chewing food advocated by Horace Fletcher in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Fletcherism involved the thorough mastication of each bite until it was liquid, with a minimum of thirty seconds per bite. The word is spelled with the sound /fl/ at the beginning and the sound /r/ both in the middle and the end. The schwa sound /ə/ appears twice in this word, and it is followed by a long /i/ sound. The final sound is the voiceless /z/ sound.
Fletcherism, coined after its proponent Horace Fletcher in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, refers to a dietary practice and philosophy that emphasizes thorough mastication or chewing of food. This movement gained popularity during the era of the progressive health and hygiene movement, aiming to promote overall wellness and efficient digestion.
The core principle of Fletcherism revolves around chewing each bite of food until it becomes liquefied, often recommending chewing each mouthful at least 32 times or more. Advocates of Fletcherism believe that by doing so, they can extract maximum nutrients from the food while increasing salivary secretion, which is thought to enhance the digestive process. Furthermore, they propose that adequate mastication leads to better appetite control, weight management, and prevention of various digestive ailments.
While predominantly focused on chewing, Fletcherism also extends to mindful eating habits, encouraging individuals to consume smaller, regular meals and avoid overeating. Fletcher himself regarded his method as a way to achieve maximum health benefits, including increased energy levels, better assimilation of nutrients, and overall vitality.
Although Fletcherism gathered considerable attention during its prime, it eventually waned in popularity as scientific advancements uncovered a more comprehensive understanding of human nutrition and digestion. Modern dietary practices now emphasize a balanced diet, incorporating a variety of foods, portion control, and overall healthy eating patterns rather than solely focusing on chewing techniques.
The word "Fletcherism" is derived from the name Horace Fletcher, an American health-food advocate who popularized a particular eating technique in the early 20th century. Horace Fletcher insisted that people should chew their food thoroughly to improve digestion and overall health. His method of eating became known as "Fletcherism" and gained significant popularity during the time.