Based on the writings of Ellen White, here is guidance on the principles of health and diet. ### The Foundation of a Healthful Diet Ellen White emphasizes that our dietary choices have a profound impact on our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The ideal diet, she states, was chosen for us by our Creator. * **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" (CTBH 47). ### The Connection Between Diet and Spirituality Diet is presented not merely as a health issue but as a spiritual one, affecting our character and relationship with God. * **A Reflection of Faith:** "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 Moral Health:** "The diet affects both physical and moral health" (CTBH 79). It is also noted that "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). ### Principles of Health Reform Making changes to one's diet should be done thoughtfully and with care, avoiding extremes. * **Avoid Extremes:** Some who adopt health reform make the mistake of going to an extreme, "reducing the quantity and quality of the food to a low standard. Instead of health reform this is health deform" (6T 373.3). It is important to avoid a "meager diet" and ensure the body receives proper nourishment. "A diet lacking in the proper elements of nutrition brings reproach upon the cause of health reform" (9T 161.3). * **Temperance is Essential:** Temperance should be practiced in all things. "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). * **Individual Needs:** Dietary needs can vary based on 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" (MH 296.2). ### Guidance on Specific Foods * **Flesh Diet (Meat):** While the original diet did not include meat, Ellen White provides nuanced counsel. She states, "It is a mistake to suppose that muscular strength depends on the use of animal food. The needs of the system can be better supplied, and more vigorous health can be enjoyed, without its use" (PHJ September 1, 1905, par. 13). However, she also recognized that it should not be universally condemned: "A meat diet is not the most wholesome of diets, and yet I would take the position that meat should not be discarded by every one. Those who have feeble digestive organs can often use meat, when they cannot eat vegetables, fruit, or porridge" (YI May 31, 1894, par. 7). * **Practicality in Ministry:** When teaching health reform, especially to the poor, she advised against prescribing the strictest diet immediately, stating, "I cannot say to them: ‘You must not eat eggs, or milk, or cream. You must use no butter in the preparation of food.’ 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 emphasizes a simple, plant-based diet as the ideal for physical, mental, and spiritual health, while calling for temperance, wisdom, and a practical approach that avoids harmful extremes.