Health and diet guidance
Ellen G. White's health and diet guidance emphasizes a balanced, simple, and nourishing approach to eating. She encourages the use of plain, wholesome foods—such as fruits, grains, and vegetables—prepared simply and free from excess spice and grease. Meals should be appetizing, thoroughly cooked, and neatly prepared. She warns against both indulgence and unnecessary restriction, highlighting the importance of proper nutrition and variety in the diet. Moderation is key: eat only enough to satisfy hunger, and avoid rich, luxurious foods, especially for those with significant responsibilities. White also stresses that health reform should be practical and adapted to individual needs and circumstances. Not everyone can eat the same foods, and the most nourishing available options should be chosen, especially for those in different countries or with limited means. She cautions against extremes in diet and advocates for education, common sense, and careful study of personal dietary habits. The impact of diet extends beyond physical health to moral and spiritual well-being, making simplicity in diet beneficial for overall advancement. References: - White, E. G. (1909). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, pp. 153, 161-163. - White, E. G. (1890). Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, p. 58. - White, E. G. (1905). The Ministry of Healing, pp. 146, 310, 318-319. - White, E. G. (1900). Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 78. - White, E. G. (1892). Healthful Living, pp. 48, 76, 78. - White, E. G. (1900). Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 163. - White, E. G. (1901). Gospel Workers, p. 229. - White, E. G. (1900). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 373.
How many times a day should I eat and what time?
Ellen G. White’s health guidance on meal frequency and timing can be summarized as follows: 1. Number of Meals: - Most people enjoy better health eating two meals a day rather than three. (HL 84.2; MH 304.1; HL 83) - Some, due to their circumstances, may require a third meal, but it should be very light and easily digested. (HL 84.3; MH 321.1) - Three meals a day should be the utmost limit, and nothing should be eaten between meals—not even fruit or nuts. (HL 86.1; HL 85) 2. Timing and Spacing: - At least five hours should be given between each meal to allow the digestive organs to rest. (MH 304.1; HL 164.6; HL 83) - The last meal should not be hearty or taken late in the day; if a third meal is eaten, it should be several hours before bedtime and very light. (HL 84.2; HL 84.4; Ed 205.3) - Regularity is vital: meals should be eaten at specified times, and nothing should be consumed between meals. (MH 303.2; 2T 373.2) 3. Practical Application: - The practice of eating between meals is discouraged, as it is injurious to health. (HL 85) - Each meal should consist of only two or three kinds of simple food, and only enough to satisfy hunger. (MH 310.1; HL 81.5) In summary: Ellen G. White recommends two meals a day for most people, with at least five hours between meals, and no eating between meals. If a third meal is needed, it should be light and eaten several hours before bedtime. Regularity and simplicity in eating are emphasized for optimal health. References: - White, E. G. (1897). Healthful Living, pp. 83, 84.2, 84.3, 84.4, 85, 86.1, 164.6. - White, E. G. (1905). The Ministry of Healing, pp. 303.2, 304.1, 310.1, 321.1. - White, E. G. (1870). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, p. 373.2. - White, E. G. (1903). Education, p. 205.3.
Best time to eat 2 meals
Ellen G. White does not specify exact clock times for eating two meals a day, but her guidance provides clear principles: - The first meal (breakfast) should be in the morning, after rising and before beginning the day’s work. - The second meal (dinner) should be taken at least five to six hours after the first meal, allowing the digestive organs to rest between meals. - No food should be eaten between meals, and the last meal should not be late in the day or heavy. She cautions that supper, if taken, should be very light and several hours before bedtime, but for most people, two meals a day—morning and mid-afternoon—are preferable. Key references: - “Five hours at least should be given between each meal, and always bear in mind that if you would give it a trial, you would find that two meals would be better than three.” (HL 164.6; MH 304.1) - “A hearty meal should never be taken so late in the day.” (HL 84.2) - “In most cases two meals a day are preferable to three. Supper, when taken at an early hour, interferes with the digestion of the previous meal. When taken later, it is not itself digested before bedtime.” (Ed 205.3) In summary: The best times to eat two meals are in the morning (breakfast) and again five to six hours later (dinner/afternoon), with nothing eaten between meals and the last meal not late in the day. References: - White, E. G. (1897). Healthful Living, pp. 84.2, 164.6. - White, E. G. (1905). The Ministry of Healing, p. 304.1. - White, E. G. (1903). Education, p. 205.3.
Can I eat my first meal at 12?
Ellen G. White does not give a specific prohibition against eating your first meal at 12 (noon), but her guidance is that the first meal should be in the morning, after rising and before beginning the day’s work. The general principle is to eat breakfast in the morning, not late in the day, and to allow at least five hours between meals. Key points from her writings: - “The first meal (breakfast) should be in the morning, after rising and before beginning the day’s work.” - “A hearty meal should never be taken so late in the day.” (HL 84.2) - “Five hours at least should be given between each meal.” (HL 164.6; MH 304.1) - “In most cases two meals a day are preferable to three. Supper, when taken at an early hour, interferes with the digestion of the previous meal. When taken later, it is not itself digested before bedtime.” (Ed 205.3) If you eat your first meal at 12, it may not align with her counsel to eat in the morning before work begins. However, if your daily schedule starts later (for example, if you rise late due to night work), the principle is to eat after rising and before your main activities, not necessarily by the clock. The key is regularity, simplicity, and not eating late in the day. References: - White, E. G. (1897). Healthful Living, pp. 84.2, 164.6. - White, E. G. (1905). The Ministry of Healing, p. 304.1. - White, E. G. (1903). Education, p. 205.3.
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