Ellen White provided extensive guidance on health and diet, emphasizing that our physical well-being is closely linked to our mental and spiritual health. The core of her counsel is a return to a simple, natural diet. ### The Original Diet The foundation of her dietary counsel is the diet originally given to humanity by God: > "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 and Preparation She advocated for simplicity in both the selection and preparation of food, warning against overly rich or stimulating articles: > "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 and Spirituality A recurring theme in her writings is that diet has a profound effect on one's spiritual life and moral choices: > "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) > > "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... Any unhealthful habit will produce an unhealthful condition in the system... The diet has much to do with the disposition to enter into temptation and commit sin." (CD 52.2) ### Temperance and Avoiding Extremes Temperance, even with healthful food, is essential. She warned that overeating is a primary cause of weakness. > "As a people, with all our profession of health reform, we eat too much. Indulgence of appetite is the greatest cause of physical and mental debility, and lies at the foundation of feebleness which is apparent everywhere." (HR August 1, 1875, par. 6) At the same time, she cautioned against going to an unhealthy extreme of deprivation: > "Others think that since health requires a simple diet, there need be little care in the selection or the preparation of food. 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) ### Adapting the Diet She also provided practical advice, noting that diet should be 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. 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)