Vitamin B12 and Vegans

With micro-nutrients that are as controversial as B12, there is A LOT of material to wade through. MOST of the information on the internet is opinion and propaganda so one must be selective in their sources. Just type in B12 deficiency in a search engine and you would think every vegan has a problem, but in reality, there are VERY FEW actual studies of documented deficiencies along with symptoms in people who have adequate nutrition and are under 65.

So, the information complied here was from as unbiased sources (as much as possible with humans involved). Basically there are 3 camps:
1. We must get B12 from external sources.
2. We can make our own B12
3. Both, not sure, maybe, what it, it could be, unsure......

And whether you are Christian or an evolutionist there are some fundamental flaws in “you must use supplements if you are vegan”. For the Christian, it is a lack of faith that God made everything “good” in Eden. For evolutionist, how did herbivores survive? While it is true some animals eat contaminated plants, not all do. Tree dwellers, and so. So, philosophically I see a problem, on the other hand this world is waxing old, and it could be we have not been good stewards of the land, thus our food is lacking in nutrients. Many studies have found more nutrients in foods grown in rich soil. In fact, they have even found B12 in certain root crops, like beets, grown organically in rich soil.

Even in animal populations, there is cause for concern in lack of B12. That's right even animals are getting supplements. One study added cobalt supplements to the feed for cattle grazing on pasture low in cobalt and it improved their B12 levels. Interesting, they gave the cattle cobalt NOT B12 supplements. I have not been able to find anyone who has done a study on humans in this regard because cattle and sheep are rudiments and their digestion is different from humans, there is assumed to be no correlation to humans.

Without proper research it is wise to supplement until we know if it is poor soil, improper absorption, or direct lack of B12 that causes deficiency. I personally use fortified soy milk and eat some fortified soy meats a couple times a week. I was tested this month and my B12 levels are fine, (I've been vegan for over 10 years, but on rare occasions, have had dairy and egg products.)

God bless and trust Him!

For an info sheet on B12, Vitamin D and Trace Minerals click here

Cream of Potato Soup

I love soup in the winter.

Here’s one of my favourites:

Cream of Potato Soup
(from a friend in Eureka, Donna S.)
From the cookbook Healthy Home Cookin’ Vol. 5 – Breakfast, Brunch, Soup & Salad

3 cups soy milk (or nut milk - cashew works well!)
1 cup water
2 to 4 Tbsp nutritional yeast flakes
3 cloves of garlic, or more to taste
1 large onion, sauteed in water if desired
2 to 3 Tbsp Golden Seasoning, Vol. 5 pg. 139 (or 2 tsp sea salt) (recipe on my website)
5 cups thinly sliced potatoes
2 to 3 Tbsp non-hydrogenated margarine, optional
1 cup Tofu Cottage Cheeze, Vol. 5 pg. 117 (OR 1 pkg of silken tofu plus 1/3 cup to 1/2 cup Vegenaise to taste.)

Combine all ingredients (except Tofu Cottage Cheeze) in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 10 to 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Stir in Tofu Cottage Cheeze and serve.

Serves 6
Preparation time: 15 to 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Ready in: about 45 minutes

Nutrition (per serving): 266.6 calories; 5.1g total fat; 0mg cholesterol; 384.6mg sodium; 1277mg potassium; 44.5g carbs; 4.8g fiber; 2.2g sugar; 14.5g protein.


Angela Poch, Director
http://www.thevegetariancookingschool.com — LEARN to cook Vegan ONLINE!

Bread Tips

Question: "I'm starting to eat yeast containing products again after a long time of avoiding them. And, I make my own. OH1 another question, what do you think of soughdough bread. Back in EGW and Jesus days that is what they ate, but many people say it's not good." Gen

Answer: I like to rise bread only once so the yeast does not build up to much in the bread. It can create a yeasty or sour taste no matter how long you bake it.

I also use Lemon juice. It is used as a stabilizer which helps it rise but not rise too much. (As recommended on my store bought Whole Wheat Flour bag.) Many bakeries use vinegar in the same way.

Salt is another essential ingredient in quality bread production. It has several functions. It regulates fermentation. Too little salt causes the dough to ferment too fast and wild, while too much salt slows down the fermentation process. In the proper amount, salt produces good grain and texture, because it strengthens the gluten allowing it to fully mature during fermentation. It also prevents the growth of wild yeast and bacteria.

Hope that helps,
Angela Poch

Cooking Shows a Success!

Well,
I can't reduce the file size of the cooking show so I can post it online in a manageable size. But you can purchase a copy at Sette Publishing - click here

You can also view our mini-video cooking lessons on YouTube - Sette Studio Channel.

Enjoy!
AP

Tofu Turkey

Well it is the holiday season so here is a tofu turkey recipe for all those vegans that just got RAVE REVIEWS!

"Hi Angela, Would it be possible to get the recipe for the tofu dish you brought to yesterday's fellowship meal? Everyone raved about it and I'm thinking I would like to try to make it. Thanks"

From the deaconess in charge of the Thanksgiving meal (PS: our church is mostly vegetarian).

Tofu Turkey Recipe: www.veganvegetariancookingschool.com

This vegan turkey is a GREAT Christmas turkey vegan substitute!

Enjoy!

Vegetarian Cooking Shows about to air.

Hello Friends,

Many people have been asking when will my cooking shows be on T.V.

Well, I are pleased to inform you that my program on 3ABN today will be aired on Wednesday December 3, 2008. The hours are for Wednesday: USA CST 8:00am; 3:00pm; & 9:00pm


I believe you can view it online at:
http://www.3abn.org

If you like to learn about healthy vegetarian cooking you won't want to miss out on our NEW Vegetarian Cooking School - ONLINE! We are only accepting a limited number of students so have a look at signing up with NO OBLIGATION to register! Click here to go to http://www.thevegetariancookingschool.com


Hope you enjoy it,
Angela Poch, Director
Sette Publishing

Learning to Cook Vegetarian

There are a lot of new vegetarians out there who simply don't know how to get started cooking healthy in their new vegetarian diet. Those becoming vegan have an even harder time with the diet change. And there are a lot of people in general who can't cook. I mean really cook. Start from scratch and make a meal. Many people even have trouble following a recipe. I have gotten many a phone call from those trying to do a recipe, only to repeat what the recipe says and have to explain it in detail.

Mothers just aren't teaching their children how to cook any more. Not enough time, you say? Well it is true making bread is slowing than buying it, but there are also ways to multitask so as to get a lot more done in the kitchen than you may think.

So, to address this problem I've decided to start an online cooking school. That's right a virtual school where you can learn to cook vegetarian/vegan and learn about vegan health and nutrition. So whether you are just getting started as a vegan or becoming vegan, or are an old pro, I think you will benefit from this new project.

We will be up and running by January 2009. If you would like more information please go to www.thevegetariancookingschool.com.

Blessings,
AP

What is Inulin Fiber?

What is Inulin fiber (FOS) ?? It is the first ingredient and then the
Stevia extract in the "Sweet Leaf product - Stevia Plus- Dietary
Suppplement?"

Usually made from Chicory, it is a soluable fiber.

“Inulin fiber stimulates the growth of friendly and healthy intestinal bacteria which supports good colon health. Since it also has a very low glycemic index, it is suitable for many people who are on restricted diets. Add it to your favorite beverage or food. Its taste is comparable to sugar and can be used as a sugar replacer.” by Ray Sahelian, M.D. (Keep in mind he sells Insulin fiber as a product.)

PS: to Question on Acts Chapter 10.

"I come away after reading Acts 10 that every kind of food is
ok with Jesus"

There are poisonous plants and toxic plants, as well as poisonous and toxic animals. Do you read Acts 10 to say Tobacco chewing is ok? Marijuana? Toxins are stored in pig flesh, unlike in beef and chicken where toxins are primarily stored in the fat. (Which is probably why God said not to eat the fat or the blood. And this is NEVER done away with in the new testament!)

Just a point to ponder.

AP

Acts Chapter 10 and Vegetarians

I’ve been asked about Acts chapter 10 in regards to a healthful diet, or more specifically vegetarian diets. This is the chapter in the Bible where Peter gets a vision from God about clean and unclean things.

The first thing I’d like to point out is verse 28. Peter says God showed him “I should not call ANY MAN common or unclean.” You see God knew Cornelius was coming to visit Peter, and God also knew what racial tension there was between the Jews and all others.

That being said, and that should be enough, I would also like to point out a couple other points about eating and living a healthy lifestyle.

Just because it is not a sin to eat milk or eggs or beef or chicken or ice cream or …. well you get my point, does not mean these are the most healthful foods. We certainly can't just eat anything, some of the unclean animals mentioned in scripture are actually poisonous.

There are progressions to a healthy diet and each person should adopt a set of goals they can manage while still stretching themselves to do better. The Bible does not say “Thou Shalt Exercise” and yet we know exercise done properly prevents a host of disease and enables people to live a longer more productive life.

God has provided the book of nature and expects us to read it. Which animals live longer? Typically Herbivores. Which animals are more aggressive and have less self control? Typically Carnivores. Granted this is an OVER simplification, but you can see the resemblance. Before the flood people lived long lives, after the flood the life span dropped significantly. Difference??? God allowed meat eating as ok. (By the way, He did not pronounce it was GOOD as He did when He created the herbs for “man’s meat” Garden of Eden) And many creation scientists believe the oxygen and atmosphere was better (HINT: country living). I’m not going to go on about this, but there is plenty of evidence for the health principles we promote.

So, it is your choice. I’m not hear to harass or push a vain philosophy. I do want to motivate you to make healthful changes to better your quality of life!

God Bless,
AP

PS: Click on “Subscribe to Posts” on the bottom right to stay up-to-date on this topic and many others!

Taping at 3ABN done!

Hi everyone,

We are all finished the taping for the cooking shows on 3ABN and had a really good time. The DVD's are available at Sette Publishing. Click here.

We did many recipes that were loved by the crew. The special favourite: Golden Nuggets.

I am still on the road, so catch you later,
AP

Let's Cook on 3ABN

Hi Friends,

I am getting ready to go down to Illinois for the 3ABN "Let's Cook" program. The taping will be on Tuesday Sept 30th and the Today program will be Sept 29th (my late mother's birthday). I am getting quite excited, and nervous at the same time, about the project.

We will be offering the DVD's for sale.


We hope this to be a blessing,
Angela Poch

PS: I will try to get internet once in a while to keep this updated.

What is Serotonin and Melatonin?

Hi Angela!
So is serotonin the happy hormone? But your body makes serotonin by combining melatonin and tryptophan?
HT


Yes, Serotonin is the happy hormone. It is a brain neurotransmitter used particullarly in the frontal lobe - your will and reason center. It is produced in the pineal gland.

No, Your body makes melatonin from the serotonin, which is made from tryptophan (over simplified, but you get the idea.)

The process is as follows:
The pineal gland takes tryptophan from the blood and converts it to serotonin. The serotonin is converted to melatonin using an enzyme call NAT. But, we get melatonin from other sources as well. The retina can produce melatonin, under darkness, without the pineal gland. In addition there are foods, like oats and corn, that have melatonin in them. We get tryptophan from foods like tofu, roasted pumpkin seeds, gluten flour, and almonds.

So to increase melatonin & serotonin: Sleep in complete darkness so the retina can do it's job, eat foods rich in melatonin, tryptophan and vit B6, fast in the early evening, and get SUNLIGHT!! We may NOT get enough in Canada for some people. A light box is recommended if you are low in serotonin.

For more info on Nutrition and the Mind, see our info sheet.

Organic Foods

Hi,

Let's look at both sides of the issue. As vegetarians, we want all the nutrition and avoid all the chemicals.

On the con side: First of all, it is rather expensive depending on where you live. Secondly organic farmers can (it is their choice) use just as much pesticides as traditional farmers, they have to use "organic" fertilizers like rotenone - "a toxic crystalline substance obtained from the roots of derris and related plants" dictionary. In fact some new studies are showing, organic farmers may in some cases use more pesticides. The GOOD NEWS is MOST pesticides are washed before you get them, and you can wash almost all the remaining off. What I do avoid is GMO. And organic does NOT mean GMO free, but usually organic producers avoid GMO's.

Pro side: One thing in favor of organic is some food seem to have a bit more nutrients. Tests are showing more vitamin B12 and other nutrients in organic foods. Many people attest to the fact there is more flavor in organic produce. AND as for free range organic dairy and eggs (for those that eat those products) there is a significant difference. In addition, organic farmers tend to be more careful. Careful with the environment, careful with their animals/gardens. They have invested a lot into their farms.

So do what you can, if you want organic that is fine, but don't get stressed over it. There are bigger fish to fry!

Take care,
Angela.

PS: Home grown, if you can get your hands on it is the very best. Gardening reduces stress and you're guaranteed GREAT nutrition and no chemicals. I HIGHLY recommend growing your own produce. It can be done even in the city. Just look for an old Italian part of town and you'll see what I mean. My uncle has a small garden that produces pounds of tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, and much more most of the summer down in Vancouver on a small city lot.

Getting started as a new vegetarian!

Just how do you get started becoming a vegetarian?

I mean how do you know if you are getting enough nutrition? What about protein, calcium, and other nutrients, aren't vegetarians deficient in those things? Doesn't a vegetarian diet omit nutrients?

Common misconceptions about the vegetarian diet for sure.

Vegetarians don't have anymore trouble getting good nutrition than meat-eaters. In fact, is it more common to see deficiencies in those eating a typical America diet. Anemia plagues more meat eaters than vegetarians. So, why the myths? Why are so many people so sure vegetarians are missing something?

Propaganda. That's right the agriculture industry has decided meat and dairy are food groups and so vegetarians are missing out on two of the four food groups. They are eating an "unnatural" diet and are unhealthy because they are leaving out recommended food groups.

The trouble with that logic is, who came up with the food groups? The agricultural industry. The science and research shows there are more than just food groups to worry about. Fat, protein, carbohydrates, and the micro-nutrients are what really is important and each of these can be found in the vegetable kingdom.

So if you want more information on getting started eating a vegetarian diet and the true food groups check out our new e-book on the Higher Path Print & Production Website and leave the worry to those who are brain washed by marketing.

Enjoy your food,
AP

Stress Management

STRESSSSS!!!

It affects us all. Many people are feeling pushed, rushed, hustled, and under too much responsibility. So, how do we cope with all this?

First of all, a stressor is not in and of itself stress. When you get a flat tire and it appears you will be late for a meeting, that is called a stressor. How you react to it, mentally and physically is stress. Our mental attitude and physical condition have much to do with how we react to stress. Even our diet, yes I said diet, has an effect on our stress reaction. If we lack B vitamins, eat too much sugar, or drink caffeine, we will have a reduced ability to cope with stress.

So eat right and accept the things you cannot change,
AP

PS: More on stress at www.TheVegetarianCookingSchool.com

Staying Fit

Well,

Just got done a 3 day swift water technician's course. What a blast!! You know for being scared of white water, I have to say I did have a lot of fun. What has any of this to do with health? Plenty!

Most of the people at the course were very fit. I realized the better shape I am in the more things I can accomplish. Because, I have been swimming daily for two weeks prior I was ready and able to do things I would not have been able to do before. BUT, I was sore. I tried to get fit too fast, and my muscles are letting me know about it.

Exercise needs to be consistent! Daily, Weekly, Monthly, each has it's place, but the daily aerobic exercise it was gives you endurance to go farther, faster.

So KEEP it UP!

Stay fit and you can get more done with less energy and less pain after.

Experience the Power of Nutrition,
AP

Fasting and Cleanses

Excerpts from Health Quotes 'n' Notes: Fasting

Introduction

Fasting is both for the body and the mind. And below is a compilation from different sources on Why we should Fast, How to Fast, etc. from the physical and the spiritual aspects.

Why Should We Fast

For General Health: Fasting promotes detoxification. As the body breaks down its fat reserves, it mobilizes and eliminates stored toxins. Fasting gives the digestive system a much-needed rest. After fasting, both digestion and elimination are invigorated and helps to actually shrinks the stomach- not in a harmful way, but restoring it to its normal size. People tend to be satisfied with less food after fasting. Fasting promotes the resolving of inflammatory processes, including painful inflammatory syndromes such as rheumatoid arthritis. Fasting quiets allergic reactions, including asthma and hay fever.
Fasting makes it easy to overcome bad habits and addictions. Many people have overcome tobacco and alcohol addictions by fasting, and even drug addictions. Fasting rapidly dissipates the craving for nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, and other drugs. Fasting is the perfect gateway to a healthful diet and lifestyle. Going on a fast gives you the motivation and enthusiasm to make a fresh start and commit yourself to a new and better way of life. (Several scientific resources available - do a search for yourself.)

For Healing: There are some who would be benefited more by abstinence from food for a day or two every week than by any amount of treatment or medical advice. To fast one day a week would be of incalculable benefit to them. CD 189 The sufferers in such cases can do for themselves that which others cannot do as well for them. They should commence to relieve nature of the load they have forced upon her. They should remove the cause. Fast a short time, and give the stomach a chance for rest. CD 190 In cases of severe fever, abstinence from food for a short time will lessen the fever, and make the use of water more effectual. But…not allow him to be restricted in diet for a great length of time until his system becomes enfeebled. While the fever is raging, food may irritate and excite the blood; but as soon as the strength of the fever is broken, nourishment should be given in a careful, judicious manner. If food is withheld too long, the stomach's craving for it will create fever, which will be relieved by a proper allowance of food of a right quality…If there is a great desire expressed for food, even during the fever, to gratify that desire with a moderate amount of simple food would be less injurious than for the patient to be denied. CD 190

For Faith: “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” Mt 17:21 Instead of strengthening their faith by prayer and meditation on the words of Christ, they had been dwelling on their discouragements and personal grievances...In order to succeed in such a conflict they must come to the work in a different spirit. Their faith must be strengthened by fervent prayer and fasting, and humiliation of heart. They must be emptied of self, and be filled with the Spirit and power of God. Earnest, persevering supplication to God in faith--faith that leads to entire dependence upon God, and unreserved consecration to His work--can alone avail to bring men the Holy Spirit's aid in the battle against principalities & powers. DA 431


When Fasting is not Appropriate

When We do not choose right: The only hope for those who practice vile habits is to forever leave them if they place any value upon health here, and salvation hereafter. When these habits have been indulged in for quite a length of time, it requires a determined effort to resist temptation, and refuse the corrupt indulgence. The Mr. -, mentioned, had practiced these habits so long he seemed to have lost the control of himself… This man had gone so far he seemed to be left of God. He would go into the woods and spend days and nights in fasting and prayer that he might overcome this great sin, and then would return to his old habits. God did not hear his prayers. He asked God to do for him what had been in his power to do for himself. He had vowed to God, time and again, and had as often broken his vows, and given himself up to his own corrupt lust, until God had left him to work his own ruin. ApM 27

Those who have an impoverished diet: I have been informed that you have taken but one meal a day for a period of time; but I know it to be wrong in your case, for I have been shown that you needed a nutritious diet, and that you were in danger of being too abstemious. Your strength would not admit of your severe discipline ...I think that you have erred in fasting two days. God did not require it of you. I beg of you to be cautious and eat freely good, wholesome food twice a day. You will surely decrease in strength and your mind become unbalanced unless you change your course of abstemious diet. CD 191

Too Long or improper: It is true that there are unbalanced minds that impose upon themselves fasting which the Scriptures do not teach, and prayers and privation of rest and sleep which God has never required. Such are not prospered and sustained in their voluntary acts of righteousness…These are almost sure to become sickly. But Christ and true godliness are health to the body and strength to the soul. 1T 556 You are not called upon to fast forty days. The Lord bore that fast for you in the wilderness of temptation. CD 189



How to Fast

Eat sparingly of simple food: The true fasting which should be recommended to all, is abstinence from every stimulating kind of food, and the proper use of wholesome, simple food, which God has provided in abundance. Men need to think less about what they shall eat and drink of temporal food, and much more in regard to the food from heaven, that will give tone and vitality to the whole religious experience...Now and onward till the close of time the people of God should be more earnest, more wide-awake, not trusting in their own wisdom, but in the wisdom of their Leader. They should set aside days for fasting and prayer. Entire abstinence from food may not be required, but they should eat sparingly of the most simple food. CD

Abstinence from food: When Christ was the most fiercely beset by temptation, He ate nothing. He committed Himself to God, and through earnest prayer, and perfect submission to the will of His Father, came off conqueror. Those who profess the truth for these last days, above every other class of professed Christians, should imitate the great Exemplar in prayer. CD 186

Yield the Mind: The spirit of true fasting and prayer is the spirit which yields mind, heart, and will to God. CD 189

Need Sincere Repentance: “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” Isaiah 58:6, 7 …seasons of fasting and prayer are indeed necessary; but they must be accompanied with sincere repentance and decided reformation. Without such contrition of soul, these seasons only increase the guilt of the wrong-doer. The Lord has specified the fast He has chosen, the one He will accept. It is that which bears fruit to His glory, in repentance, in devotion, in true piety. 4BC 1150

All references used with permission.

For other resources on fasting please check out The Ultimate Lemon Cleanse Book

Pauline's Favourite Dessert

Got an email from a newsletter subscriber sharing the following recipe.

Bridge Delight

Dissolve, any flavor of jello powder (yes, you can get VEGAN jello) in one and a half cups boiling water.

Let stand in fridge until partly set, then beat.

Whip cream (or vanilla pudding) with 2 Tbsp sugar

Add, (fold) in to jello, blend well, set aside,

Mix:
2 cups crushed graham wafer crumbs
1 Tbsp sugar
2 Tbsps melted butter


Put half of the crumb mixture into a pie plate or 9" by 13 "cake pan, and spread jello mixture evenly over the crust.

Top with the remaining crumbs. Chill in fridge until firm.

ENJOY!!

From Pauline.

Updated website - NEW recipes.

We've updated our website!

Two new recipes: Carob Chip Cookies and Squirrels.

Check it out at our recipe page.

Optimal, Acceptable, Avoid & Omit

So many times we wonder if it is okay to have that cookie the neighbour offered, or should I let my son stay up late to visit a relative passing through. General questions relating to our lifestyle and what should or shouldn’t we do comes up often. Well as Jim and I discussed and studied the matter, it comes down to four categories: optimal, acceptable, avoid, and omit.

The optimum lifestyle is what we all should be aiming for on a regular basis. This is where the Maker of our bodies would have us to have full health both body and mind. Such things as be in bed by 9:00pm each night, eat a completely vegetarian diet, eat simple foods as close to natural as possible, avoid sugar, and so on. I will not give an exhaustive list, because I think each person must search it out for themselves. Albeit to say one should consider all the natural laws and find the underlining principles and apply those as best as possible. Some of which are as follows: Avoiding harmful things, drink lots of water, eat proper diet, get good rest, exercise, proper stress management, sunlight, fresh air, scheduled day, and so on. Each one is vital to good health.

So what about those circumstances that happen to most of use. Desiring not to offend a new neighbor or wishing a little treat for our children. Where do we draw the line?

Lets talk about the acceptable, avoid, and omit categories. A definition of acceptable would be: that which is satisfactory. I remember in grade school our marks were not A, B, C but I for incomplete, G for Good, F for fail, and S for satisfactory -- in other words you can do better. (Incidentally these words were often attached to my report card with the S.)

So what things would you include in this category? Again the circumstances may determine this. Example: You are visiting some relatives who offer you some cookies ‘they baked just for you’. You don’t see these relatives more than one or twice a year and they don’t know much about your new health principles. Well there are several choices - two of which are:
1. Say no, and explain you’ve learnt certain foods can lead to health problems . . . .
2. Say sure, just one because you made it simply for me.
Both of these choices can be right and wrong. Am I making it complicated? Not really. Perhaps it is in the attitude. It is not a sin to eat a little sugar or in between meals on occasion. (By the way it is a sin to overeat -- potluck anyone?) But what if you are fighting the flu? Now you may want to think twice about eating that cookie. The main point I want to make is we need to use prayer and reasoning when unsure. There are things you can be sure of, we’ll get to those. Another example: Your church is holding evangelistic meetings and you are up till 10 or 11 pm every night to help with cleanup. While not ideal, it is certainly not going to cause you major health problems. Perhaps you need to ‘take it easy’ the next day, though.

Now the avoid category. I am sure we would all like a list of the ‘acceptable’ things. But it is well known that one food can be hurtful to someone and helpful to another - such as whole wheat bread and celiacs. But as we get closer to the ‘omit’ category, the grey gets darker and we are able to see more clearly what health principles are ‘set in stone’. Avoid includes those foods which are not as beneficial as their possible risks. In this day and age that would be milk, eggs, and so on. If you have allergies it is important you avoid those things to prevent your body from damage. It would also mean avoiding smoke filled rooms, but does that mean you never visit the uncle Charlie because he smokes? NO, of course not. (Although you may politely request a window open very politely especially if you have children with you.) It is also important to realize some things are not as awful as they may seem. Who would thing holding a live scorpion would be safe? As you can see Donna and several others found out at the Victoria Bug Zoo, some things are over dramatized.

The last category is the easiest of all to describe -- those things which we should omit from our lifestyle completely. Smoking, drinking, breaking the commandments, and so on. These things are not acceptable at any time. I have heard it said “It’s ok to eat a little pork or drink a little coffee to not offend a poor suffering family whom you are doing Bible studies with. How then can you ask them to give it up when you come to those principles in the scripture? It quenches the witness. “It is as truly a sin to violate the laws of our being as it is to break the ten commandments. To do either is to break God’s laws. Those who transgress the law of God in their physical organism will be inclined to violate the law of God spoken from Sinai.” 2

Again I wish to reiterate that when it comes to the avoid and acceptable list we should error on the side of humanity. It is better to be a sweet and amiable person and treat others better than ourselves, than to live by ‘rules and regulations’ that are not in ‘stone’. Christ met humanity where they were at. So many people make issues out of mole hills that we are afraid of standing on the mountains. Let us not get off on either side but find the balance God requires of us.

AP


References:
1. 3 Selected Messeges, pg. 287
2. Counsels on Diet and Foods, pg. 17

Welcome to Healthy Home Cookin'

Glad you stopped in! Check back each month for information on vegan health and wellness, or better yet click the subscribe button on the top right hand corner!

Plus visit our website where you can click here to sign up for our View my complete profile