Based on the writings of Ellen White, here is some guidance on the principles of health and diet. ### The Foundation of a Healthful Diet Ellen White emphasizes that the original diet given to humanity is the most beneficial for health and well-being. * **God's Chosen 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) * **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 The writings stress that our dietary choices have a profound impact on our physical, mental, and spiritual health. * **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) * **Influence on Temptation**: "Our physical health is maintained by that which we eat; if our appetites are not under the control of a sanctified mind... The diet has much to do with the disposition to enter into temptation and commit sin." (CD 52.2) ### Principles of Temperance and Moderation Temperance in eating, even with healthy food, is a recurring theme. * **Avoiding Overeating**: "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) * **Intemperance with Healthful Food**: "...strict temperance in eating and in drinking is essential to a healthy preservation and vigorous exercise of all the functions of the body; for 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) ### Practical Application and Avoiding Extremes Ellen White provides practical advice for those adopting a healthier lifestyle, cautioning against extremes. * **Careful Preparation**: "Much tact and discretion should be employed in preparing nourishing food to take the place of that which has formerly constituted the diet of those who are learning to be health reformers... A diet lacking in the proper elements of nutrition brings reproach upon the cause of health reform." (9T 161.3) * **Avoiding Meager Diets**: "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 to Circumstances**: "Our diet should be suited to the season, to the climate in which we live, and to the occupation we follow... Often food that can be used with benefit by those engaged in hard physical labor is unsuitable for persons of sedentary pursuits or intense mental application." (MH 296.2) In summary, the guidance points toward a simple, plant-based diet, temperance in all things, and a thoughtful approach to food preparation and selection to maintain physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.