HealthY Bible Diet Foods
4 Bible Food Groups
2. Plants - edible yield is bearing seeds.
3. Field plants - herbs, roots, leafy vegetables.
4. Clean Meat
Bible Foods and the Pyramid
The Bible diet pyramid displays the relevant merit of the four Bible food groups. Although we should eat more vegetables and herbs by volume, the nobler tree foods nearer the base of the pyramid hold a greater priority when planning meals.
These three plant food groups follow the order of mention in the creation account as well as the subsequent order in which God gifted them to us for food.
Biblical Diet
The biblical diet: Not all fruit and vegetables are equal. A hierarchy is established based on how the tree, plant, or herb propagates seeds. Each group of plant food are distinctly individual and satisfy different nutritional and health needs. We sometimes use the terms fruit and vegetable loosely to describe plant foods, but the Bible makes a distinction.
The Bible health plan indicates that fruit, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and legumes are the foundation of a healthy diet. Herbs, exercise, water, and sunshine are also essential for happiness. Safe, clean meat; meat by-products, and vegetable oils are optional.
God's Diet Plan
Who is the authority on eating right? God established His diet plan at the foundation of the world, and He gave it to Adam in Eden. The ancients passed the same principles and simple guidelines down the ages to us through scripture. If we take a few minutes to understand, and if we adopt God's simple plan, God will reward us with health, happiness, vigor, and abundant life.
Food Colors
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Red Foods:
Trees: cherries, apples, cranberries, papaya, pomegranate Plants: tomatoes, strawberries, watermelon, raspberries Herbs: beets, rhubarb, radishes Nutrient: Lycopene |
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Orange Foods:
Trees: oranges, grapefruit, peaches Plants: pumpkin, squash Herbs: carrots, sweet potatoes, yams Nutrient: beta-carotene |
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Yellow Foods:
Trees : lemons, pears, apricots Plants: corn, Squash, wheat, cantaloupe Herbs: rutabagas Nutrient: vitamin C |
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Green Foods:
Trees: avocados, olives, pears, lime Plants: cucumbers, peas, green beans Herbs: broccoli, asparagus, greens, spinach, brussels sprouts, kale, celery Nutrient: lutein |
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Blue Foods:
trees: plums, grapes Plants: blueberries, blackberries, mulberries Nutrient: Anthoocyanins |
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Purple Foods:
Trees: figs, plums, prunes, grapes Plants: blackberries, elderberries Herbs: eggplants, beets, cabbage |
Food Groups
God said, "I have given you every plant with seeds on the face of the earth and every tree that has fruit with seeds. This will be your food." Genesis 1:29
There are two colorful food classes within this group:
- 1. Every tree bearing seed
Examples: apples, avocados, grapefruit, pecans, papaya, cherries, olives … - 2. Every plant bearing seed
Examples: tomatoes, beans, lentils, wheat, berries, squash, corn, rye …
Double Curse on the Land
Because thou … hast eaten of the tree … cursed is the ground for thy sake. … Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;(Genesis 3:17,18).
The concept here being that where man had reached up for his food, he will now stoop down also.
3. Field Plants and Roots
Examples: grens, spinach, onions, mushrooms, beets, asparagras, chives, parsley …
Herbs of the Field
Medicinal Foods and Herbs
He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth. Psalm 104:14
Although fruit and vegetables bearing seed are superior biblical foods, plants of the field are an invaluable addition to our diet.
For example, the benefits of herbs extend beyond nutrition to cleanse the blood and boost the immune system. Each herbal variety contributes a unique service to humanity.
Everyone should experiment and find those herbs that are useful to them. Many suffer needlessly when natural, helpful remedies are readily available.
Herbs and a healthy diet can work together to relieve and cure disease and to actually address the conditions that caused the illness in the first place.
Some herbs do provide immediate comfort. However, unlike prescription drugs, most herbs work gradually and in the "by and by" not just to mask symptoms but to actually correct the cause of the illness.
Wise Discernment
Not every plant is suitable for food. We must discriminate; some spices and drinks that we have adopted into our diet are more harmful than good. For example, overuse of black pepper, cinnamon, coffee, and some teas can irritate our system. However, many herbs that are not edible may still be beneficial used externally as a poultice. Keep a book of herbs at hand in your home and become familiar with simple, natural remedies. Get informed.
Always wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly before serving them. Rinsing removes residual pesticides, waxes, and incidental impurities if present.
It is wonderful to have exotic fruit from all over the world, but be mindful that many imported fruit and vegetables are picked well before they have ripened. Sometimes, preservatives are added to prevent spoilage during transport.
Avoid canned foods, pickled foods, refined foods, and spicy condiments. Whole grains are superior to processed flours.
If tolerable, try to eat plant foods the way they are served up by nature. Sometimes, the best vitamins and phytonutrients are found in the pod, rind, or seeds.
More Diet Tips
Choose fruit and vegetables that are locally grown and are in season when possible. Nature has a way of considering our climate and producing the foods our bodies need at the right time. For example, what season would you choose for watermelon to ripen? Of course, watermelon is a refreshing, summertime treat. Also, we do well to store up foods that ripen in late autumn to stay healthy during winter.
Agriculture is a dominant theme of the Bible. The fruits of God and bountiful harvests come from good soil. Select a grocer who deals with a reputable farm that maintains fertile soil and otherwise employs wise farming methods to produce the most colorful, vibrant, and living foods possible.
Do not always mix fruits with vegetables at the same meal. Eat fruit and vegetables that are compatible and require the same types of enzymes and digestion time.
Do not snack throughout the day. When you sit down to meals, eat freely of bible foods until you are satisfied. Then, stay away from food until your next full meal. Let your digestive system complete its cycle which takes about four or five hours.
More Diet Tips
For a balanced diet, make your plate appealing by combining fruits or vegetables from the colorful rainbow of promise. If you look down at your plate and see gray, bleached-white, dull brown or artificially colored foods, you may wish to consider dietary reforms.
Except for festive occasions, fewer courses are better than many. Not exceeding three or four colorful food items on the plate is best for digestion.
Plan your larger meal when the activities of the day are still ahead of you and your smaller meal toward the end of the day. Never skip breakfast. The purpose of food is to provide energy to prosper and flourish in the work of our hands and mind. Breakfast truly is the most important meal of the day.
It is normal to feel sleepy after a meal because the digestion process is taxing on our life forces. Try to resist napping. Take a brisk walk or engage in routine exercise after meals, which also aids digestion.
Eat at least one meal at the table with your family or loved ones. Keep the atmosphere pleasant, positive, and joyful. Dinner hour is not the best time to discuss bills, for example.
Clean Meat
You are therefore to make a distinction between the clean animal and the unclean, and between the unclean bird and the clean; and you shall not make yourselves detestable by animal or by bird or by anything that creeps on the ground, which I have separated for you as unclean.
Leviticus 20:25
Meat in Moderation
If we choose to eat meat, do so in moderation. Eat only the animals that God desinates as clean throughout the Bible. Avoid the fat and blood:
You shall eat no fat …. Moreover, you shall eat no blood whatever… (Leviticus… 7:22-26).
Conclusion
Drink copious amounts of crystal clear water between meals except about a half hour before, during and after meals. Too much fluid during meals can dilute digestive acids. A small glass of fruit juice, carrot juice, herbal tea or milk if desired is great.
Of course, give thanks together and ask God's blessing for the foods you eat because herein lies the greatest dietary supplement known to man.
Dietary Needs
The Estimated Average Requirement is the average daily nutrient intake level estimated to meet the requirement of half the healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group.
RDA = Recommended Dietary Allowance RDA Calculator
The Recommended Dietary Allowance is the average daily dietary nutrient intake level sufficient to meet the nutrient requirement of nearly all (97 to 98 percent) of healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group. See list of nutrients.