142
Counsels on Diet and Foods
287. And the dyspeptic,—what has made him dyspeptic is taking
this course. Instead of observing regularity, he has let appetite control
him, and has eaten between meals.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:374,
1869
288. Children are generally untaught in regard to the importance
of when, how, and what they should eat. They are permitted to indulge
their tastes freely, to eat at all hours, to help themselves to fruit when
it tempts their eyes, and this, with the pie, cake, bread and butter,
and sweetmeats eaten almost constantly, makes them gormands and
dyspeptics. The digestive organs, like a mill which is continually kept
running, become enfeebled, vital force is called from the brain to aid
the stomach in its overwork, and thus the mental powers are weakened.
The unnatural stimulation and wear of the vital forces make them
nervous, impatient of restraint, self-willed, and irritable.—
The Health
Reformer, May, 1877
[
Importance to Children of Regularity in Diet—343, 344, 345, 346,
348
]
289. Many parents, to avoid the task of patiently educating their
children to habits of self-denial, and teaching them how to make
a right use of all the blessings of God, indulge them in eating and
drinking whenever they please. Appetite and selfish indulgence, unless
positively restrained, grow with the growth and strengthen with the
strength.—
Testimonies for the Church 3:564, 1875
[
For context see 347
]
290. It is quite a common custom with people of the world to eat
three times a day, beside eating at irregular intervals between meals;
and the last meal is generally the most hearty, and is often taken just
before retiring. This is reversing the natural order; a hearty meal
should never be taken so late in the day. Should these persons change
[182]
their practice, and eat but two meals a day, and nothing between meals,
not even an apple, a nut, or any kind of fruit, the result would be seen
in a good appetite and greatly improved health.—
The Review and
Herald, July 29, 1884
291. When traveling, some are almost constantly nibbling, if there
is anything within their reach. This is a most pernicious practice.
Animals that do not have reason, and that know nothing of mental
taxation, may do this without injury, but they are no criterion for