Nikola Tesla's Dietary Philosophy
Nikola Tesla's eccentricities are as legendary as his inventions, and his eating habits were no exception. He viewed the human body as a machine and believed that giving it the proper fuel was essential for longevity and mental performance. This philosophy led him to create a highly structured, two-meal-a-day diet, which he followed for decades. Tesla deliberately skipped lunch, believing it to be a wasteful meal that diverted blood flow from the brain to the stomach, hindering his mental activities. He also championed the practice of eating for the sole purpose of providing energy, not for indulgence, a notion far removed from the lavish dining trends of his era.
The Role of Eggs in Tesla's Diet
While he embraced a largely vegetarian diet, especially later in life, Tesla included eggs in his morning routine. The inventor stated that his typical breakfast consisted of warm milk and a couple of eggs that he prepared himself. However, he made a specific distinction, preferring to consume only the egg whites. His reasoning was driven by a concern over uric acid, which he associated with meat and egg yolks and believed led to health problems like rheumatic conditions and high blood pressure.
Transition to a More Restrictive Diet
Tesla's dietary practices evolved over his long life. Initially, he was not a strict vegetarian and did consume some meat, such as poultry, fish, and even beef on occasion. As he got older, his diet became more restrictive. He progressively eliminated meat, then fish, until he subsisted primarily on vegetarian fare. He was an ardent advocate for vegetarianism, citing ethical, economical, and health reasons. He believed the "barbarous habit" of consuming meat was detrimental to human morality and that a plant-based diet was superior for physical and mental health.
A Typical Tesla Meal
Tesla's meals were simple and easily digested. His dinner, consumed around 7 or 8 p.m., often included vegetable soup, potatoes, and other vegetables. He also famously enjoyed a cooked mixture of chopped onions and celery prepared with plenty of butter. For dessert, he would opt for an apple or a piece of cheese, avoiding sugary sweets. His focus was always on consuming foods he believed would provide energy and aid in his work, rather than burdening his system.
Comparing Tesla's Diet to Modern Trends
Tesla's dietary habits, while unusual for his time, align surprisingly well with certain modern wellness trends. For instance, his practice of skipping lunch and eating only two meals a day is a form of intermittent fasting. His focus on high protein and healthy fats, such as butter and milk, and avoidance of processed foods and excessive sugar, also echoes some contemporary dietary advice.
| Feature | Nikola Tesla's Diet | Modern Diet Trends |
|---|---|---|
| Eating Frequency | Two meals per day (breakfast and dinner) | Intermittent fasting, 16:8 or other variations |
| Protein Source | Eggs (whites), milk, occasional fowl/fish (early on), legumes | Lean meats, fish, plant-based proteins, eggs |
| Fat Source | Milk, butter, oil | Healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, and seeds |
| Meat Consumption | Eliminated in later life due to ethical/health concerns | Varies widely; emphasis on quality and moderation for omnivores |
| Carbohydrate Source | Vegetables, potatoes, some bread, honey, fruit | Whole grains, vegetables, fruits |
| Sugar | Minimal; mostly from fruit and honey | Avoids added sugars and processed sweets |
| Stimulants | Avoided coffee and tea; believed alcohol in moderation was beneficial | Discourages excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption |
Conclusion
Nikola Tesla's diet was a complex and evolving system, reflective of his idiosyncratic nature and his commitment to optimizing his physical and mental performance. He did, in fact, consume eggs, but with a specific preference for the whites over the yolks, based on his beliefs about uric acid. His transition towards a predominantly vegetarian diet, his practice of intermittent fasting, and his focus on specific macronutrients for fuel were all components of his lifelong quest for enhanced health and longevity. While some of his beliefs were not based on today's scientific understanding, his general principles of mindful, moderate eating focused on whole foods are surprisingly prescient and continue to fascinate those interested in his genius.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Nikola Tesla only eat egg whites? A: Tesla avoided egg yolks due to his belief that they contained uric acid, which he claimed could lead to health issues.
Q: Was Nikola Tesla a vegetarian? A: Yes, in his later years, Tesla became a committed vegetarian, though he initially consumed meat and fish.
Q: What was a typical breakfast for Nikola Tesla? A: His breakfast usually consisted of a couple of eggs and warm milk.
Q: Did Nikola Tesla practice intermittent fasting? A: Yes, Tesla ate only two meals a day, effectively practicing an early form of intermittent fasting by skipping lunch.
Q: What did Tesla think about coffee and alcohol? A: Tesla eschewed coffee and tea, believing they were harmful stimulants, but he did consume a moderate amount of alcohol, considering it an "elixir of life".
Q: What was Tesla's reasoning for his specific diet? A: Tesla treated his body like a machine, believing a simple, specific diet would maximize his mental and physical performance and extend his lifespan.
Q: Is there any evidence that Tesla's diet contributed to his longevity? A: While he lived to 86, there's no conclusive evidence that his diet directly caused his long life. Biographers note his overall healthy and disciplined lifestyle probably played a role.
