From Chaos to Calm: Day Thirty-Nine
The Creation Diet
Scripture Memory: “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.” Genesis 1:29
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In the beginning when God created man, He intended for His people to eat a diet of fruits and vegetables. Since nutrition plays such an important role in our health and our overall health often determines how we feel during the day which in turn can either make or break the daily tasks. When we feel good and have lots of energy we work diligently and accomplish more than when we feel sluggish and sickly.
A diet full of healthy fruits, vegetables, beans, seeds, and nuts will help you to prevent disease and illness. Living foods are always better than dead foods.
A vegetarian diet has been proven over and over again to promote long life. Concerns that a vegetarian does not meet nutritional requirements are raised by some, however, by eating a balanced diet and a wide variety of foods, a vegetarian meets the nutritional requirements suggested by ADA and provides numerous health benefits:
“It is the position of the American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada that appropriately planned vegetarian diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate and provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Vegetarian diets offer a number of nutritional benefits, including lower levels of saturated fat, cholesterol, and animal protein as well as higher levels of carbohydrates, fiber, magnesium, potassium, folate, and antioxidants such as vitamins C and E and phytochemicals. Vegetarians have been reported to have lower body mass indices than nonvegetarians, as well as lower rates of death from ischemic heart disease; vegetarians also show lower blood cholesterol levels; lower blood pressure; and lower rates of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and prostate and colon cancer.” (1)
I’ve been a vegetarian since 1998 and I can attest to the many ways I and my family is healthier and feels better ever since.
“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.
“And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.
“Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse (2) to eat, and water to drink.
“Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.
“And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat.” Daniel 1:8-15
Here are five health benefits of a vegetarian diet:
- Reduce or Prevent Heart Disease, America’s #1 Killer.
- Prevent Cancer.
- Lose Weight and Keep it Off
- Live longer – up to 10 years {with a better quality of life}
- Reduce your risk of other diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, gout, and more.
It is not a sin to eat meat, however, you will feel healthier, look better, and will live longer by eating a vegetarian diet(3). If you can’t see yourself giving up meat entirely, I encourage you to plan meatless meals into your diet or incorporate Meatless Mondays (4) into your meal plans for your family’s health.
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Footnotes:
1. American Dietetic Association, Vegetarian Diets June 2003 (Vol. 103, Issue 6, Pages 748-765), http://www.eatright.org
2. Pulse: n. The edible seeds of certain pod-bearing plants, such as peas and beans.
3. Forks Over Knives: http://www.forksoverknives.com
4. For more information about Meatless Mondays visit: http://www.meatlessmonday.com
More Resources
- 5 Tips for Transitioning to a Healthier Diet
- 10 Meal Planning Resources for Busy Moms
- A Healthy Breakfast
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Meal Planning and the Grocery Store {Day 38}
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