Based on the writings of Ellen White, here is some guidance on health and diet: ### The Foundation of a Healthful Diet Ellen White's counsel consistently points to a simple, natural diet as the ideal. The foundation of this diet was established by God from the beginning. * **God's Original Plan:** "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). * **Simplicity is Key:** "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" (HL 78.6). ### The Connection Between Diet, Health, and Spirituality A recurring theme is that our dietary choices have a profound impact not only on our physical health but also on our mental and spiritual well-being. * **Physical and Moral Health:** "The diet affects both physical and moral health" (HL 76.3). * **A Spiritual Matter:** "Our habits of eating and drinking show whether we are of the world or among the number whom the Lord by His mighty cleaver of truth has separated from the world" (6T 372). * **Mental Clarity:** For those with important responsibilities, especially spiritual leaders, she advised, "More than others, they need to be temperate in eating. Rich and luxurious food should have no place upon their tables" (GW 229). She also noted that dull minds and "feeble" religious aspirations can often be traced to improper diet (CTBH 83.1). ### Practical Guidance and Avoiding Extremes Ellen White also provided practical advice, emphasizing balance and avoiding extremes that could bring reproach on the principles of health reform. * **Proper Preparation:** It is a "duty" to care for the body by providing "food which is relishable and strengthening" (CTBH 58.1). She warned that "unhealthful habits of eating are injuring thousands and tens of thousands. Food should be thoroughly cooked, neatly prepared, and appetizing" (HL 48). * **Adaptability:** Diet should be sensible and adapted to individual circumstances. "Our diet should be suited to the season, to the climate in which we live, and to the occupation we follow... God has given us an ample variety of healthful foods, and each person should choose from it the things that experience and sound judgment prove to be best suited to his own necessities" (MH 296.2). * **Avoiding Extremism:** She cautioned against diets that are insufficient to sustain the body. "A diet lacking in the proper elements of nutrition brings reproach upon the cause of health reform" (9T 161.3). She described reducing the quality and quantity of food to a low standard not as health reform, but as "health deform" (6T 373.3). * **Context in Ministry:** When teaching health principles, especially to the poor, she advised against being overly prescriptive. "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, plant-based diet of foods prepared naturally. This approach is presented as essential for physical vitality, mental clarity, and spiritual growth, while also cautioning against rigid extremism.