Food

Food for Life – Animal Meats and Animal Products

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Health reform, like other lifestyle changes, needs to come as a result of a desire in our hearts to serve God. The following quotations are a brief representation of the issue of use of animal meats and animal products. Be sure to look for the upcoming issues that will continue to look at this subject.

“The time has come when we must carry in our lives the influence that the Saviour carried in his life. We are to instruct and educate the suffering ones how to resist disease, by teaching them how to eat and drink and live healthfully, and how to love and fear God. By reading and studying the Word of God, those who in their hearts desire to serve God will learn to discard the habits that are ruining the health of body and soul.” Review and Herald, January 21, 1909.

“In order to know what are the best foods, we must study God’s original plan for man’s diet. He who created man and who understands his needs appointed Adam his food. . . . Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator.” Child Guidance, 380.

“Therefore light must be given to the best methods of introducing health reform. Meat is the greatest disease breeder that can be introduced into the human system. But you can not touch health reform unless you present the most inexpensive methods of living. The enemy must have no advantage in any line. The Lord can only bless those who are keeping every precept he has given in relation to this life.” Spalding and Magan Collection, 136, 137.

“When flesh food is discarded, its place should be supplied with a variety of grains, nuts, vegetables, and fruits, that will be both nourishing and appetizing. This is especially necessary in the case of those who are weak, or who are taxed with continuous labor.” Child Guidance, 384.

“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. The grains, with fruits, nuts, and vegetables, contain all the nutritive properties necessary to make good blood. These elements are not so well or so fully supplied by a flesh diet. Had the use of flesh been essential to health and strength, animal food would have been included in the diet appointed man in the beginning.” Ibid.

Food for Life – Granola Bars

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The following quotes are from the pen of Ellen G. White. The date given after the book reference is the date the statement was said or written.

“We do not mark out any precise line to be followed in diet; but we do say that in countries where there are fruits, grains, and nuts in abundance, flesh food is not the right food for God’s people. . . .

“We are not to make the use of flesh food a test of fellowship, but we should consider the influence that professed believers who use flesh foods have over others. . . . Will any who are ministers of the gospel, proclaiming the most solemn truth ever given to mortals, set an example in returning to the fleshpots of Egypt? Will those who are supported by the tithe from God’s storehouse permit themselves by self-indulgence to poison the life-giving current flowing through their veins?” Testimonies, vol. 9, 159, 160. (May 31, 1909)

“Milk, eggs, and butter should not be classed with flesh meat. In some cases the use of eggs is beneficial. The time has not come to say that the use of milk and eggs should be wholly discarded. There are poor families whose diet consists largely of bread and milk. They have little fruit and cannot afford to purchase the nut foods. In teaching health reform, as in all other gospel work, we are to meet the people where they are. Until we can teach them how to prepare health reform foods that are palatable, nourishing, and yet inexpensive, we are not at liberty to present the most advanced propositions regarding health reform diet.

“Let the diet reform be progressive. Let the people be taught how to prepare food without the use of milk or butter. Tell them that the time will soon come when there will be no safety in using eggs, milk, cream, or butter, because disease in animals is increasing in proportion to the increase of wickedness among men. The time is near when, because of the iniquity of the fallen race, the whole animal creation will groan under the diseases that curse our earth.

“God will give His people ability and tact to prepare wholesome food without these things. Let our people discard all unwholesome recipes.” Ibid., vol. 7, 135. (August 20, 1902)

Granola Bars

Mix together:

6 cups rolled oats

3/4 cup raw sunflower seeds, hulled

1/2 cup sesame seeds

1 cup almonds

3/4 cup pumpkin seeds

1/2 cup flaxseeds

1 1/4 teaspoons salt

In another bowl, mix together:

1 cup honey

1/2 cup olive oil

1 Tablespoon vanilla or 1/2 cup natural cane sugar

vanilla bean equivalent crystals (optional)

Combine moist ingredients with dry ingredients and mix well. Press onto sprayed cookie sheet (should be about 1/2 inch thick). Bake at 250 degrees for 1 hour. Cut into squares while warm or break apart into chunks after cooling.

Adapted from a recipe from Bill Humeniuk who lives with his wife, Becky, in Carrollton, Kentucky. Bill is director of Advent Hope Ministries, Inc., a ministry to supply Bibles and Spirit of Prophecy books to Africa. He may be contacted by e-mail at: adventhope@bellsouth.net.

Recipe – Country Style Gravy

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3 cups water

1/2 cup cashews

2 Tablespoons cornstarch

2 Tablespoons chicken-like seasoning

2 teaspoons onion powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

2 Tablespoons Bragg Aminos

1 Tablespoon parsley

Blend 1/2 cup hot water with the cashews until smooth. Add the rest of the ingredients, except parsley. Pour into a saucepan and stir while cooking over a medium heat until thickened. You may add vegetarian “bacon/sausage” to the gravy if desired. Add parsley just before serving.

Do you have a favorite vegan recipe you are willing to share with LandMarks’ readers? Send it to us with a photo of you, if available, and a two or three line bio. We will consider all submissions. Send to the address below or by e-mail at: landmarks@stepstolife.org.

LandMarks Recipes

Steps to Life Ministry

  1. O. Box 782828

Wichita, KS 67278

Food for Life – Transitioning to a Vegetarian or Vegan Diet

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Change to a vegan diet should be done with study, care, and thought. If people change too quickly, before they know how to cook nutritional, tasteful food, there is a danger that the change may be short lived. It is also important that diet reform be ongoing as more information is learned. It may be very difficult if too much information is given all at once and the person cannot incorporate the knowledge into healthful living. Ellen White made the following comments in regard to diet reform and change:

“Let the diet reform be progressive.” Testimonies, vol. 7, 135.

“When flesh food is discarded, its place should be supplied with a variety of grains, nuts, vegetables, and fruits, that will be both nourishing and appetizing.” Child Guidance, 384.

“Some, after adopting a vegetarian diet, return to the use of flesh meat. This is foolish, indeed, and reveals a lack of knowledge of how to provide proper food in the place of meat.

“Cooking schools, conducted by wise instructors, are to be held in America and in other lands.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 469.

“Nuts and nut foods are coming largely into use to take the place of flesh meats. With nuts may be combined grains, fruits, and some roots, to make foods that are healthful and nourishing. Care should be taken, however, not to use too large a portion of nuts. Those who realize ill effects from the use of nut foods may find the difficulty removed by attending to this precaution.” Ibid., 363, 364.

“Three years ago a letter came to me, saying, ‘I cannot eat the nut foods; my stomach cannot take care of them.’ Then there were several recipes presented before me; one was that there must be other ingredients combined with the nuts, which would harmonize with them, and not use such a large proportion. One-tenth to one-sixth part of nuts would be sufficient, according to combination. We tried this, and with success.” Ibid., 273.

“Olives may be so prepared as to be eaten with good results at every meal. . . . When properly prepared, olives, like nuts, supply the place of butter and flesh meats. The oil, as eaten in the olive, is far preferable to animal oil or fat. It serves as a laxative. Its use will be found beneficial to consumptives, and it is healing to an inflamed, irritated stomach.” Ibid., 349, 350.

Food for Life – Carob Cream Pie

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This month we will look at a principle regarding sweetness in our diets. Although this will not be an exhaustive study, a broad principle will be included. Please know that it is important for you to study this subject in detail for yourself. Be a Berean.

In the Bible, we find what is often called the “honey principle.” The Bible records three statements regarding the eating of honey that should be considered for an overall temperance principle. “My son, eat thou honey, because [it is] good; and the honeycomb, [which is] sweet to thy taste.” “Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.” “[It is] not good to eat much honey.” Proverbs 24:13; 25:16, 27.

Using these verses, we can identify a temperance principle that is applicable to many areas of life besides the eating of honey. The principle is this: Even good things should be taken in moderation. In other words, honey is good for us, but we should consume it in moderation—only as much as is sufficient for us, and never in excess, as that is not good.

Temperance Principle: If the item is bad for you, abstain from it. If it is good, partake to sufficiency and in moderation, not excess.

Carob Cream Pie

3 cups soy or almond milk

1 Tablespoon vanilla

2 Tablespoons Emes Kosher-Jel (unflavored)

1 teaspoon cereal coffee substitute such as Roma or Postum

1 cup pitted dates or 5 Tablespoons honey

2 drops mint flavoring (optional)

3 Tablespoons carob powder

1 Tablespoon molasses

1 pre-baked pie shell

Heat 1 cup of the milk with Emes Kosher-Jel and stir until the jel is dissolved. Combine with remaining filling ingredients and process in a blender until very smooth. Pour into a bowl and chill until firm. When firm, stir with wire whip or spoon (add more milk if necessary), and then pour into pre-baked pie shell. Chill again until firm. If desired, garnish with lightly toasted coconut.

Food for Life – Nature’s Penicillin

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During February 2006, Dr. Thomas Jackson, from Missionary Education and Evangelistic Training (M.E.E.T.) Ministry in Huntingdon, Tennessee, led in a health and nutrition community outreach in Wichita, Kansas.

Thirty plus years ago, Dr. Jackson discovered the secret of health through his study of the Bible. He confirmed his findings scientifically as well as through his own personal experience. For ten years, beginning at the age of 17 years, he waged a seemingly hopeless battle against the number one crippling disease—arthritis. He was told that medically there was no cure for his condition and that he would just have to live with it for the rest of his life. However, he began to apply the Bible’s secret of health to his own life, and, by God’s grace, he was freed from the devastating effects of arthritis. Although his condition kept him from pursuing his career as a professional basketball player, God had something better for him to do!

Dr. Jackson is the Director of M.E.E.T. Ministry and has a Ph.D. in Naturopathy (Natural Medicine). He is a Christian Hygienic Practitioner, a Gospel-Health Evangelist, Christian Health Educator, Lecturer, and Lifestyle Consultant. His wife, Dr. LaVerne Jackson, is the Associate Director of M.E.E.T. Ministry and has a Ph.D. in Nutritional Science. They have been involved with Christian health education for over 25 years. From a small beginning in their home, M.E.E.T., a full time health ministry, has grown until it is now located on 30 acres of land and is staffed by committed men and women.

This month’s featured recipe, Nature’s Penicillin, is a recipe from Dr. Jackson’s book, God’s Farmacy. Nature’s Penicillin can be used as a general immune system strengthener as well as to effectively combat colds, flu, sore throat, infections, and respiratory problems. It is simple and inexpensive to make.

If you are interested in hosting a community outreach in your area, would like any of the material Dr. Jackson has available, or are interested in medical missionary training, you may contact M.E.E.T. Ministry by telephone at: 731-986-3518, or via e-mail at: godsplan@meetministry.org.

Nature’s Penicillin

1 grapefruit

1 orange

2 lemons

3 cloves of garlic

1/2 large onion

3 drops peppermint oil

Cut fruit and onion into pieces. Place in a blender with enough water so the mixture turns in the blender. You may need to add more water, but do so just a little at a time. Mix well. Add peppermint oil at the last. For an adult, drink a total of 1 cup a day. For a child, drink a total of 1/2 cup a day. This amount should not be consumed all at once, but taken a spoonful at a time periodically throughout the day. Pour remaining mixture into a glass jar, cover with a lid, and keep refrigerated. When ready to use, warm to room temperature in a saucepan or in hot water before serving. This is not recommended for children under 5 years of age.

Do you have a favorite vegan recipe you are willing to share with LandMarks’ readers? Send it to us with a photo of you, if available, and a two or three line bio. We will consider all submissions. Send to the address below or by e-mail at: landmarks@stepstolife.org.

LandMarks Recipes
Steps to Life Ministry
PO. Box 782828
Wichita, KS 67278

Recipe – Toasted Millet Breakfast Slices

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1 cup hulled millet

1/2 cup ground flax seed

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 cups water

1/2 cup macaroon coconut

1/2 cup chopped dates

In a slow cooker, place millet, flax seed, salt, and water. Cook until water is gone. Add coconut and dates to taste. Place in a square container and cool. Cut in 1/2 inch slices and toast on both sides under broiler. Serve with fresh fruit and thickened coconut cream or fruit sauce.

Food for Life – Grains

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I am not sure who actually originated the saying, “the rest of the story,” but it is interesting that we search, dig, and go to many extremes to find “the rest of the story.” It is equally interesting that when “the rest of the story” is known in regard to nutrition, we often ignore it.

Many western countries, America included, have adopted the practice of refining many of the grains. It is a well-known nutritional fact that we need to eat whole-grain foods to receive the maximum benefits from our food. With the refining of grains, much of the fiber, vitamins, and minerals are lost. Often this refined food is then fortified or enriched by putting vitamins and minerals back into it. The principle that “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts” applies here. Clearly our Creator has the knowledge and ability to give us whole foods that will meet our needs, if we will just follow His plan.

If we really want optimum health, we must eat whole grains, not processed and refined grains. “In the study of hygiene, students should be taught the nutrient value of different foods. . . . Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables, in proper combination, contain all the elements of nutrition; and when properly prepared, they constitute the diet that best promotes both physical and mental strength.” Education, 204, 205.

The recipe this month features whole grains.

Recipe – Carrot Rice Loaf

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1/2 cup peanut butter

1 cup soy milk

1 small onion, grated

3 Tablespoons oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon sage

1/2 cup whole wheat bread crumbs

2 cups grated carrots

1 cup cooked brown rice

Combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly. Bake in a lightly oiled pan at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. May serve alone or with gravy or marinara sauce.

Do you have a favorite vegan recipe you are willing to share with LandMarks’ readers? Send it to us with a photo of you, if available, and a two or three line bio. We will consider all submissions. Send to the address below or by e-mail at: landmarks@stepstolife.org.

LandMarks Recipes
Steps to Life Ministry
PO Box 782828
Wichita, KS 67278

Food for Life – Grains

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This month we continue our look at grains, a primary source of carbohydrates in the diet. Unrefined and complex carbohydrates are the best and should make up 55 to 70 percent of our dietary consumption. Grains, legumes, and nuts provide the richest dietary source of magnesium.

To be the most healthful and beneficial, grains should have a long, slow cooking period, preferably one to three hours. The phytic acid found in grains ties up certain minerals necessary for health, and this acid is destroyed by long cook-ing. Long cooking also softens the physical units of the grain and prepares them for better digestion. It is likely that much of the food sensitivity manifested in adults to grains could be avoided by attention to cooking time.

The Joslin Diabetes Center’s textbook states: “The most common and important cause of insulin resistance is obesity.” Neil Nedley, M.D., Proof Positive, Nedley Publishing, Ardmore, Oklahoma, 1998, 186.

So not only is exercise important for overweight individuals, but weight loss seems to be even more important, at least in preventing many health problems. Complex, unrefined carbohydrates should be a part of a weight reduction program.

Grains are also a good source of fiber. There are many benefits to a high fiber diet, including: reduced levels of serum cholesterol and triglycerides, reduced blood pressure in those with hypertension, discontinuation of insulin therapy for non-insulin dependent diabetics is promoted, reduced risk of death from heart disease, improved gastrointestinal function, reduced body weight in the obese, reduced risk of kidney damage, reduced insulin requirements, and improvement in the glycemic control.

If we were to subsist wholly on fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, legumes, and whole, unrefined grains, we could prevent a whole host of diseases, improve both our quality and quantity of life, and make a huge difference in the health of the entire Western World.