In another post Terrijayne wrote: The bit about great food got me to thinking: I don't remember reading about an overweight elf. Do they have a different metabolism than Mankind, or have they got better will power, or is their food so horrible that they don't wish to pig-out?

That Rivendel is frequented by hobbits, Dwarves, and Men as well as by Elves, I assume the food there is less than bland; however, I doubt that that of Lorien is much more than nourishing. But what do I know; does anyone have any ideas on this?

Elves seem to enjoy the ability to have a greater control over their physical bodies than humans do. I assume that this includes an ability to maintain whatever weight they wish. They also seem to have better muscle tone and energy levels.(just not fair, is it?).

I have often wondered if diet and exercise were a problem for half-elves or Dunedain?

This thread strangely reminds me of another, familiar thread...

well, considering that they dont have cars in Middle Earth, they would have to walk everywhere or ride a horse which is faster but just as physically demanding.

Haldir looked a tad on the chubby side though in the films...

Elves do eat meat, though.
From the Hobbit - Flies and Spiders



It later mentions that when the Dwarves are imprisoned in the Elvenking's Halls, Bilbo is able to slip out by following the hunting parties. Likewise, the Silmarillion frequently mentions the sons of Feanor having a great love for hunting. I imagine they ate venison, boar, gamebirds and rabbits.

I certainly can. Haven't you seen Arwen's large gob in the movies?

Only when they were in Valinor, under the blessing of the Valar, where no one and nothing ever decays. Not in Middle-Earth, however. After Elves had lived a long time in Middle-Earth, and once they grew weary of it, their bodies would age, or become slightly "transparent" : this is how Frodo sees Galadriel after they have that lil pic-nic just before they part (i can't give the exact quote now). Another example is Círdan the shipwraight who even had a beard, and hence probably appeared as an old man.


They certainly did. There's that nice part in LOTR where Frodo has dinner with Gildor Inglorion. There it already becomes clear that Elvish food and drinks are something very special and cannot be compared to human food : miruvor, lembas, ...

I for me think that Elves are not vegetarians - it is described for instance that some sons of Fëanor were great hunters, and i presume they hunted for animals to eat, not just for fun (killing for fun would not be in the spirit of Elves, even not in the spirit of Caranthir the Dark).

I think that maybe Elves are thin because they dont need to eat as much as mortal races. Just like how they dont need to sleep much which they dont even do, they 'sleep' with their eyes open or sing or something. If they eat lembas bread alot its no wonder theyre always thin, you only need to eat one loaf of lembas to keep you on your feet all day.

In Lorien, especially, I suppose maintaining weight was easy from climbing up and down those talan steps. And climbing ropes. Some of the Mirkwood elves lived in trees too. I see them doing yoga stretches to keep fit, rather than running laps. I guess they got enough running in trying to keep ahead of those spiders!

Maybe those Elfies should have had their eight meals a day like the Hobbits and the Wookiees. Would've made 'em less scrawny and pale.

But I guess neither a Hobbit nor a Wookiee would be able to mount a bantha in full gallop.

Ah the soothing honeyed words of our Vir, makes me think of Frank Sinatra somehow.
The thing is Vir, many particularly thin people do in fact eat several small meals per day instead of three large ones and a snack or two-keeps the fires burning so to speak.
If you haven't had your hug for the day, may I please have the honor?