Here is a summary of Ellen G. White's health and diet guidance, based on her writings:
1. Simplicity and Wholesomeness: Eat only plain, simple, wholesome food. Avoid stimulants and harmful articles of diet. Use wholesome, palatable food in place of what has been discarded for health reasons.
2. Nutrition and Variety: A diet should provide proper nourishment. Avoid diets lacking in essential nutrients, and ensure there is enough variety to meet the body's needs.
3. Moderation and Temperance: Those with important responsibilities, especially spiritual leaders, should be temperate in eating. Rich and luxurious foods should be avoided.
4. Adaptation to Circumstances: Health reform should be adapted to local conditions and individual needs. For example, in some places, eggs, milk, and cream may be necessary for nourishment. Extreme forms of diet should not be imposed where circumstances do not allow.
5. Fruits, Grains, and Vegetables: These, prepared simply and free from spice and grease, make the most healthful diet, sometimes with milk and cream.
6. Careful Preparation: Food should be thoroughly cooked, neatly prepared, and appetizing. Neglecting the quality and preparation of food can lead to poor health.
7. Avoiding Extremes: Health reform should not be taken to extremes. There is a danger in both indulgence and excessive restriction.
8. Individual Differences: Not everyone can eat the same foods. What is wholesome for one may be harmful to another. Dietary choices should be individualized.
9. Exercise: Along with a simple diet, daily active exercise is recommended, especially for those with sedentary or mental work.
10. Education and Common Sense: Study the effects of diet, use common sense, and do not criticize others for their dietary choices.
11. Impact on Health and Morality: Diet affects both physical and moral health.
12. Instruction Needed: Many would benefit from instruction on simple methods of treating illness and dietetic reform, as wrong eating habits contribute to many health and social problems.
These principles emphasize balance, simplicity, adaptation to individual needs, and the importance of both physical and spiritual health.
References:
- White, E. G. (1909). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, pp. 161-163.
- White, E. G. (1905). The Ministry of Healing, pp. 310, 318-319, 146.
- White, E. G. (1892). Gospel Workers, p. 229.
- White, E. G. (1890). Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, p. 58.
- White, E. G. (1897). Healthful Living, pp. 48, 76, 78.
- White, E. G. (1900). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 373.
If you have a specific health or diet question, feel free to ask!