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Testimony Studies on Diet and Foods
That which we eat can not be converted into good blood unless it
is of a proper quality, simple and nutritious. The stomach can never
convert sour bread into sweet. Food poorly prepared is not nutritious,
and can not make good blood. These things which fret and derange
the stomach will have a benumbing influence upon the finer feelings
of the heart. Many who adopt the health reform complain that it does
not agree with them; but, after sitting at their tables, I come to the
decision that it is not the health reform that is at fault, but the poorly
prepared food. Health reformers, above all others, should be careful
to shun extremes. The body must have sufficient nourishment. We
can not subsist upon air merely; neither can we retain health unless
we have nourishing food. Food should be prepared in good order, so
that it is palatable. Mothers should be practical physiologists, that
they may teach their children to know themselves, and to possess
moral courage to carry out correct principles in defiance of the health-
and-life-destroying fashions. To needlessly transgress the laws of our
being, is a violation of the law of God.
Poor cookery is slowly wearing away the life energies of thousands.
It is dangerous to health and life to eat at some tables the heavy, sour
bread, and the other food prepared in keeping with it. Mothers, instead
of seeking to give your daughters a musical education, instruct them
in these useful branches which have the closest connection with life
and health. Teach them all the mysteries of cooking. Show them
that this is a part of their education, and essential for them in order
to become Christians. Unless the food is prepared in a wholesome,
palatable manner, it can not be converted into good blood, to build up
the wasting tissues. Your daughters may love music, and this may be
all right; it may add to the happiness of the family; but the knowledge
of music without the knowledge of cookery, is not worth much. When
your daughters have families of their own, an understanding of music
and fancy work will not provide for the table a well-cooked dinner,
prepared with nicety, so that they will not blush to place it before
their most esteemed friends. Mothers, yours is a sacred work. May
God help you to take it up with His glory in view, and work earnestly,
patiently, and lovingly, for the present and future good of your children,
having an eye single to the glory of God.