Although most of Dr Thomas Allinson’s advice is now taken as somewhat of a given, A Victorian Guide to Healthy Eating projects a wonderful illustration of how the Victorians lived their daily lives. Paying particular attention to their lifestyles, Allinson appears to be somewhat of a man before his time in that he had already realized that smoking can damage your health; wholefoods are more beneficial than that which is processed, as well as being particularly critical of Victorian ‘fad’ diets – the modern day version being similar to the Atkins diet. Additionally, being such a critic of the prescriptions of his own day, Allinson was eventually dismissed by the General Medical Council! A thoroughly interesting and eye-opening read - and a real credit to the healthy eating ‘you are what you eat’ slogan.

EJH

This book brings together the best of his advice and gives an insight into how the Victorians lived their lives. Allison's life was centred around healthy living and he advocated the kind of lifestyle that is taken for granted today: a whole food diet, plenty of exercise and avoidance of tobacco, caffeine and alcohol.

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