Flesh Foods
161
The Ministry of Healing, 316-317
It is a mistake to suppose that muscular strength depends on the
use of animal food. The needs of the system can be better supplied,
and more vigorous health can be enjoyed, without its use. The grains,
with fruits, nuts, and vegetables, contain all the nutritive properties
necessary to make good blood. These elements are not so well or so
fully supplied by a flesh diet. Had the use of flesh been essential to
health and strength, animal food would have been included in the diet
appointed man in the beginning.
When the use of flesh food is discontinued, there is often a sense
of weakness, a lack of vigor. Many urge this as evidence that flesh
food is essential; but it is because foods of this class are stimulating,
because they fever the blood and excite the nerves, that they are so
missed. Some will find it as difficult to leave off flesh-eating, as it is
for the drunkard to give up his dram; but they will be the better for the
change.
When flesh food is discarded, its place should be supplied with a
variety of grains, nuts, vegetables, and fruits, that will be both nour-
ishing and appetizing. This is especially necessary in the case of
those who are weak, or who are taxed with continuous labor. In some
countries, where poverty abounds, flesh is the cheapest food. Under
these circumstances the change will be made with greater difficulty;
but it can be effected. We should, however, consider the situation of
the people and the power of life-long habit, and should be careful not
to urge even right ideas unduly. None should be urged to make the
change abruptly The place of meat should be supplied with wholesome
foods that are inexpensive.... In this matter very much depends on the
cook. With care and skill, dishes may be prepared that will be both
nutritious and appetizing, and will, to a great degree, take the place of
flesh food.
In all cases, educate the conscience, enlist the will, supply good,
wholesome food, and the change will be readily made, and the demand
for flesh will soon cease.
Is it not time that all should aim to dispense with flesh foods? How
can those who are seeking to become pure, refined and holy, that they
may have the companionship of heavenly angels, continue to use as
food anything that has so harmful an effect on soul and body? How can