Madeleine Hull
The Bible Diet is a health plan that is said to deliver all the nutrients necessary to live a full life. It is based on the idea that God has provided a bountiful supply of delicious and healthy foods, and that the Bible lays out clear instructions on how to eat. The Bible Diet focuses on eating real food the way God made it, including plants, meat, dairy, eggs, and seasonal and regional foods. It also emphasizes the importance of thankfulness, generosity, enjoyment, and obedience to God's commands. While there are differing opinions on the specifics of the diet, it generally promotes a well-rounded and nutritious approach to eating.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Clean foods | Fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, meat, fish |
| Unclean foods | Unspecified |
| Healing foods | Olive oil, kale, broccoli, cabbage, collards, radish, manganese |
| Avoid | Gluttony, greed, excess |
| Enjoy | Thankfulness, generosity |
| Food as fuel | Energy, health, healing |
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What You'll Learn
Clean and unclean meats
The Bible provides specific principles on clean and unclean meats, which are detailed in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. These passages outline which animals are considered clean and can be eaten, and which are unclean and should be avoided. For example, God specifically mentions that the camel, hyrax (rock badger), hare, and swine are unclean (Leviticus 11:4-8). When it comes to fish, God instructs followers to eat only those with fins and scales (Leviticus 11:9).
The distinction between clean and unclean meats is not a new concept introduced by Moses or the Israelites. In the account of the Noachian Flood in Genesis 7:2, God commands Noah to take "seven each of every clean animal" onto the ark, suggesting that these laws were known and practised even before the existence of Jews, Israelites, or Hebrews. This indicates that the laws of clean and unclean meats are intended for all humankind.
In addition to the specific instructions on clean and unclean meats, the Bible also provides general guidelines on dietary moderation and gratitude. For instance, Proverbs 25:16 advises, "Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, lest you be filled with it and vomit." Other verses encourage followers to enjoy and be thankful for the food and drink God has provided (1 Timothy 4:4; Proverbs 24:13; Ecclesiastes 8:15) and to generously share these good things with others (Deuteronomy 14:26-27; 16:13-15; Nehemiah 8:12).
While some may question the health benefits of avoiding unclean meats, Bible believers base their dietary decisions on God's Word rather than the opinions of health professionals. The Bible is clear that God has set apart certain foods for His people to eat, and false teachers should not be heeded when they claim that anything is permissible to eat.
In conclusion, the biblical diet provides specific instructions on clean and unclean meats, with additional guidelines on moderation and gratitude. By following these principles, believers can honour God and make informed choices about their health and well-being.
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Fruits and vegetables
The Bible also mentions vegetables, herbs, and seeds. In Genesis 1:29, God says, "Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed... and every tree... which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you, it shall be for meat." This indicates that God intended for people to consume a plant-based diet, including seeds, herbs, and fruits.
Other vegetables mentioned in the Bible include wheat, barley, beans, lentils, and millet. These were used to make bread, as described in Ezekiel 4:9: "Take thou also unto thee wheat, and barley, and beans, and lentils, and millet, and put them in one vessel, and make thee bread thereof."
Today, some people follow a biblical diet for health and spiritual reasons, believing that it is a way to honour God and make good dietary choices. This includes consuming the fruits and vegetables mentioned in the Bible and avoiding those considered unclean.
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Dairy and eggs
Dairy products were a significant part of the biblical diet, providing a variety of nutrients. Fresh, raw dairy products from grass-fed cows, sheep, and goats were consumed in the ancient world. Goat milk is specifically mentioned as being part of the biblical diet.
Today, some people follow a biblical diet for health reasons, or to feel closer to God. For those who are interested in eating only "biblically clean" foods, dairy products are allowed. However, those adhering to kosher law, which is similar to a biblical diet, must separate milk and meat products, even in the refrigerator, and wait several hours after eating meat before consuming dairy.
Eggs are also considered "biblically clean" and can be consumed as part of a biblical diet. However, they are not mentioned as frequently as other foods in the Bible, such as bread, wine, olive oil, fish, and honey.
While the Bible provides guidelines on which foods are considered clean and unclean, it is important to note that the dietary instructions are quite general. The Bible emphasizes the importance of thankfulness, generosity, enjoyment, and obedience when it comes to food. Christians are instructed to share their food with others and avoid gluttony and excess.
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Olive oil
The process of making olive oil began with harvesting the olives, usually around September. The olives were then crushed with an oil press, and the juice was collected. The juice contained water and oil, so the lighter oil was left to float above the water and was then collected and stored in jars. This process is over 5,000 years old, and olive oil production was a major source of income in Israel.
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Regional and seasonal eating
The Bible provides some guidance on what foods are considered "clean" and "unclean". For example, Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 describe which animals, birds, fish, and insects are suitable for consumption, while other scriptures address certain parts of an animal that should not be eaten. In addition, the Bible encourages moderation, with several passages advising Christians to avoid gluttony.
However, it is important to note that the concept of a "Biblical diet" is complex and subject to differing interpretations. While some people advocate for a plant-based diet based on the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, others point out that God also provided humans with meat to eat after they were expelled from the Garden. Additionally, the dietary habits of Biblical people were influenced by their regional and seasonal availability of foods, which may differ from modern circumstances.
In modern times, we have access to a diverse range of foods from all over the world at any time of the year. This abundance of choices can make it challenging to determine which foods align with a Biblical diet. However, by focusing on regional and seasonal eating, we can make more informed decisions that honour the principles outlined in the Bible.
Regional eating involves consuming foods that are locally sourced and reflective of the culinary traditions of a specific geographic area. In the context of a Biblical diet, this may mean prioritising foods that were commonly consumed by Biblical people in the Middle East. For example, dairy products such as milk, cheese, butter, and yoghurt were a staple in the Biblical diet, and pasture-raised eggs provided additional nutrients. Additionally, the inclusion of olive oil, a staple in the region, is supported by its presence throughout Scripture and its well-known health benefits.
Seasonal eating involves consuming foods that are typically available during a particular time of year. God designed different foods to grow during specific seasons, and this natural rhythm can guide our dietary choices. For instance, in coastal regions, fish and other seafood may be more abundant, while landlocked areas may rely more on animal sources such as deer, goat, bison, or cattle. By aligning our diets with the seasonal availability of foods, we can not only honour Biblical principles but also ensure we are consuming fresh and nutrient-dense options.
In conclusion, adopting a Biblical diet involves more than just choosing "clean" and "unclean" foods. It requires a thoughtful approach that considers regional and seasonal availability, honouring the culinary traditions and natural rhythms established by God. By embracing this mindset, we can make informed dietary choices that promote physical and spiritual well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
A biblical diet is a health plan that delivers all the necessary nutrients to live a healthy life. It is based on God's word and includes all the food groups that God has provided.
The Bible mentions certain restrictions on foods that are considered "unclean". These include specific types of meats, blood, and fat. It also emphasizes avoiding greed, excess, and gluttony.
A biblical diet promotes physical and spiritual health. It provides clear guidelines on what and how to eat, encouraging the consumption of healing foods and a well-rounded diet. It also aligns with God's instructions and promotes obedience.
