Food for Life – Healthful Lifestyle

As Seventh-day Adventists, we have been given special counsel from the Lord that a healthful lifestyle would improve and lengthen our lives.

“If we neglect to heed the simple laws by which we may preserve health, and fail to cultivate right habits, the Lord will not work a miracle to heal our disorders, while we continue to transgress his laws. Men are sleeping in their graves that the Lord would have had live. They destroyed themselves through lack of knowledge. On many points they were instructed, and yet failed to carry out the instruction given them; but let us become enlightened Christians, walking in the light, and overcoming every defect that we may reap reward in this life, and gain the life eternal hereafter.” Christian Education, 133.

“Is it not time for us to understand that nature will not long suffer abuse without protesting? Our heavenly Father does not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men. He is not the author of sickness and death. He is the source of life; He would have men live, and He desires them to be obedient to the laws of life and health, that they may live.” Counsels on Health, 563.

Nearly 7,000 people were studied by Drs. Nedra Belloc and Lester Breslow in regard to lifestyle and longevity. Their conclusive scientific study documents what we have been told for over 100 years. (Neil Ned-ley, M.D., Proof Positive, Nedley Publishing, Ardmore, Oklahoma, 1998, 3.) It was found that seven factors impact increased longevity. These factors are: (1) sleep seven to eight hours, (2) no eating between meals, (3) eat breakfast regularly, (4) maintain proper weight, (5) regular exercise, (6) no use of alcohol, and (7) no smoking.

In this study, it was found that there was a direct relationship between the number of health habits practiced and longevity of life. Note the study results in the box below.

I hope that you are presently practicing or will begin to practice the eight laws of health, improving your health and longevity.

The predominant ingredient in the following recipe is quinoa. Compared to other grains and vegetables, it is high in protein, calcium, and iron. It is also a relatively good source of phosphorous, calcium, iron, vitamin E, and several of the B vitamins. So, start your day with this delicious cooked cereal, which was a recipe used at the 2006 Steps to Life Camp Meeting.