"The Dr. Atkins Diet Plan." "The Zone." "Sugar Busters." "The Mayo Clinic Diet." "The If You Like It You Can't Eat It Diet." "The Don't Eat Anything That Tastes Good Diet."

This diet business is as prevalent today as is the walking, jogging, exercising craze that has moved even the most ardent couch potato to begin moving and flexing long-forgotten muscles. My wife is so committed to this diet business (the focus of her commitment is on me, not her) that she has informed me that this is not a new diet that she is putting me on. "This is a new way of life for you," she has declared. "It's a total lifestyle change." The only consolation I can find as I watch the hot breads, pasta, baked potatoes and ice cream pass by is that many others are out there also being bypassed by the really good stuff. And it is all in the interest of "a lifestyle change."

You may have thought, as I did, that this dieting craze was a by-product of the 1990s as the nation became acutely health conscious. United Methodists need to know, however, that this emphasis on dieting is not the creation of the manufacturers of the controversial Fen-Phen, Slim Fast (one of the most inappropriately named products on the market) or the Personal Trainers Union.

A physician named Dr. George Cheyne was a key influence on John Wesley. He had recommended a lifelong diet "for all those who would cultivate and maintain clear heads and quick senses to the last." (A "lifelong diet!" Wonder if my wife has been reading my Methodist history books?) According to John Wesley's Works (edited by Ward & Heitzenrater, Vol. 20, Journal & Diaries), Wesley used Cheyne's diet advice throughout his life.

The essence of what I will call the "Dr. Cheyne Diet" was that for most of our lives we should limit the amount of "animal food" (meat) and fermented liquors in our diets. At age 50, Dr. Cheyne recommended that one completely eliminate "animal food" suppers and fermented liquors. At age 60 he recommended a total vegetarian diet. Every 10 years thereafter, Dr. Cheyne encouraged Wesley and his other patients to reduce their vegetable intake by 25 percent.

It is important to remember that the average length of life was much less in the 18th century than it is today. Nutritionists and dieticians may well challenge the elements of Dr. Cheyne's diet plan. However, we should also remember that Wesley maintained amazingly good health even enduring the unrelenting hardships of the road as he walked and rode a horse day and night throughout the country. There may well be something to this exercise and diet planning, grapefruit juice and cottage cheese stuff. But surely someone can come up with a plan that includes ice cream.

Craven E. Williams
President
Greensboro College