As in The American Woman's Home, or, Principles of Domestic Science, and sometimes in the same words, this text discusses “animal food” in relation to the vast quantities that Americans eat, its detriment to American health (especially that of children), and the benefit of eating vegetables which Beecher believes are less stimulating. Beecher does not advocate for a total “abstinence from animal food,” but suggests – based on the science of the day – that adults eat too much of it and children should not eat any because it is too stimulating. In chapter VII, "On Healthful Drinks," Beecher sets out the difference between the stimulus of animal food versus the stimulus of drinks, namely that animal food “provides nutriment to the organs which it stimulates, but stimulating drinks excite the organs to quickened action, without affording any nourishment” (112). The following chapter, " On Clothing," discusses the “evils” of women’s dressing for fashion, and the unhealthiness of bedding made of feathers.

"On the Management of Young Children" offers a discussion of the health benefits of a vegetarian or vegan diet, as found among Scottish Highlanders, South Sea Islanders, and Siberians (221). Regarding the differences in nourishment between vegetables and meat Beecher presents both sides with no definite conclusion but writes that the heart rate of vegetarian men tends to be much lower than that of men who eat a “mixed diet” (221-222). She does conclude that “These facts show that animal food is not needful, to secure the perfect development of mind or body” (222).