Based on the writings of Ellen G. White, the guidance on health and diet emphasizes a deep connection between physical well-being, mental clarity, and spiritual life. The core principles revolve around simplicity, temperance, and a return to a natural way of eating. ### The Foundation: A God-Given Diet The ideal diet, as appointed by the Creator, consists of natural, plant-based foods. These are considered the most nourishing and healthful for human beings. * **The Original Diet:** "Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator. These foods, prepared in as simple and natural a manner as possible, are the most healthful and nourishing. They impart a strength, a power of endurance, and a vigor of intellect that are not afforded by a more complex and stimulating diet." (MH 296.1) * **Healthful and Simple:** "Fruits, grains, and vegetables, prepared in a simple way, free from spice and grease of all kinds, make, with milk and cream, the most healthful diet. They impart nourishment to the body, and give a power of endurance and vigor of intellect that are not produced by a stimulating diet." (CTBH 47) ### The Connection Between Diet, Mind, and Spirit A recurring theme is that our dietary choices have a profound impact not just on our physical health, but also on our moral and spiritual condition. * **Physical and Moral Health:** "The diet affects both physical and moral health." (CTBH 79) * **Spiritual Soundness:** "Our physical health is maintained by that which we eat; if our appetites are not under the control of a sanctified mind, if we are not temperate in all our eating and drinking, we shall not be in a state of mental and physical soundness to study the word with a purpose to learn what saith the Scripture... The diet has much to do with the disposition to enter into temptation and commit sin." (CD 52.2) * **Influence on the Mind:** For those with important responsibilities, especially spiritual leaders, temperance in eating is crucial. "Rich and luxurious food should have no place upon their tables." (GW 229) ### Principles of a Healthful Diet Beyond just the types of food, the way we eat and prepare our meals is of primary importance. * **Simplicity and Preparation:** "Investigate your habits of diet. Study from cause to effect... To care for the body by providing for it food which is relishable and strengthening, is one of the first duties of the householder." (CTBH 58.1) It is noted that food should be "thoroughly cooked, neatly prepared, and appetizing." (Unpublished Testimonies, November 5, 1896) * **Temperance:** Temperance is essential, even with healthful food. "Intemperance in eating, even of healthful food, will have an injurious effect upon the system, and will blunt the mental and moral faculties." (HR December 1, 1887, par. 7) * **Avoiding Extremes:** While promoting reform, it is cautioned not to go to extremes that would be detrimental to health. "Some restrict themselves to a very meager diet, not having sufficient variety to supply the needs of the system, and they suffer in consequence." (MH 318.3) A diet lacking proper nutrition can bring "reproach upon the cause of health reform." (9T 161.3) ### Practical Guidance and Adaptation The principles of health reform should be applied with wisdom and consideration for individual circumstances. * **Adapting to Conditions:** Diet should be suited to the season, climate, and occupation. "Some foods that are adapted for use at one season or in one climate are not suited to another. So there are different foods best suited for persons in different occupations." (MH 296.2) * **A Gradual Approach:** For those new to health reform, "Much tact and discretion should be employed in preparing nourishing food to take the place of that which has formerly constituted the diet." (9T 161.3) * **Preaching to the Poor:** When teaching health principles, circumstances must be considered. "As I preach the gospel to the poor, I am instructed to tell them to eat that food which is most nourishing. I cannot say to them: ‘You must not eat eggs, or milk, or cream. You must use no butter in the preparation of food.’ The gospel must be preached to the poor, but the time has not yet come to prescribe the strictest diet." (9T 163.1) In summary, the guidance points toward a simple, nourishing diet of natural foods as the foundation for physical, mental, and spiritual health, practiced with temperance, wisdom, and a reliance on God.