The Ministry of Health and Healing

Eat Well to Keep Well

God is not honored when the body is neglected or abused and is thus unfitted for His service. To care for the body by providing for it food that is relishable and strengthening is one of the first duties of the householder. It is far better to have less expensive clothing and furniture than to stint on the supply of food. MHH 180.2

Some householders stint the family table in order to entertain visitors lavishly. This is unwise. In the entertainment of guests there should be greater simplicity. Let the needs of the family have first attention. MHH 180.3

Unwise economy and artificial customs often prevent the exercise of hospitality where it is needed and would be a blessing. The regular supply of food for our tables should be such that the unexpected guest can be made welcome without burdening the housewife to make extra preparation. MHH 180.4

All should learn what to eat and how to cook. Men, as well as women, need to understand the simple, healthful preparation of food. If they have a knowledge of cookery, they can use it to good purpose when their business calls them where they cannot obtain wholesome food. MHH 180.5

Carefully consider your diet. Study from cause to effect. Cultivate self-control. Keep appetite under the control of reason. Never abuse the stomach by overeating, but do not deprive yourself of the wholesome, palatable food that health demands. MHH 180.6

The narrow ideas of some would-be health reformers have been a great injury to the cause of healthful living. Those who advocate the principles of healthful living should remember that reform in diet will be judged, to a great degree, by the provision they make for their tables; and they should so exemplify its principles as to commend them to candid minds. There is a large class who will oppose any reform movement, however reasonable, if it places a restriction on the appetite. They consult taste instead of reason or the laws of health. This class will consider as radical all who advocate reform, no matter how consistent their course. That these persons may have no ground for criticism, health reformers should not try to see how different they can be from others, but should come as near to them as possible without sacrificing principle. MHH 180.7

When those who advocate reform in health practices go to extremes, it is no wonder that many who regard these persons as representing health principles reject the reform altogether. These extremes frequently do more harm in a short time than could be undone by a lifetime of consistent living. MHH 181.1

True health reform is based upon principles that are broad and far-reaching, and we should not discredit it by narrow views and practices. Nor should we permit opposition or ridicule, or a desire to please or influence others, to turn us from true principles or cause us lightly to regard them. Those who are governed by principle will be firm and decided in standing for the right, yet in all their associations they will manifest a generous, Christlike spirit and true moderation. MHH 181.2