Based on the writings of Ellen White, here is some guidance on health and diet: ### The Foundation of Diet The core principle is that our dietary habits have a profound impact on both our physical and spiritual well-being. She states, "The diet affects both physical and moral health" (CTBH, 79). Our habits of eating and drinking are seen as an indicator of whether we are living in harmony with God's principles. ### The Ideal Diet Ellen White identifies the original diet chosen by the Creator as the most healthful: * **Core Foods:** "Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator. These foods, prepared in as simple and natural a manner as possible, are the most healthful and nourishing" (MH 296.1). * **Simple Preparation:** She advises that "fruits, grains, and vegetables, prepared in a simple way, free from spice and grease of all kinds, make, with milk and cream, the most healthful diet" (CTBH, 47). ### Key Principles for a Healthful Diet 1. **Simplicity and Care:** While the diet should be simple, care must be taken in preparing food. It is a primary duty to provide the body with food that is both "relishable and strengthening" (CTBH 58.1). A diet that lacks proper nutrition can bring "reproach upon the cause of health reform" (9T 161.3). 2. **Avoid Extremes:** It is important to avoid going to extremes. Some people, in an effort to reform, adopt a "very meager diet, not having sufficient variety to supply the needs of the system, and they suffer in consequence" (MH 318.3). This is described not as health reform, but "health deform" (6T 373.3). 3. **Control Appetite:** Self-control is essential. Many are "deplorably ignorant of the fact that diet exerts a powerful influence upon the health" and fail to control their appetite, eating too much or between meals (CTBH 83.1). 4. **Adapt to Circumstances:** Diet should be adapted to individual needs. Ellen White advises that our diet should be suited to the "season, to the climate in which we live, and to the occupation we follow" (MH 296.2). She also recognized that the strictest diet may not be applicable to everyone, particularly the poor, and that discretion should be used when teaching health reform to those in different circumstances (9T 163.1). In summary, the guidance emphasizes a simple, plant-based diet as the ideal for nourishing the body, strengthening the mind, and promoting spiritual health, while also calling for wisdom and balance in its application.