Number of Meals
283
But since the Lord presented before me, in June, 1863, the subject
of meat-eating in relation to health, I have left the use of meat. For a
while it was rather difficult to bring my appetite to bread, for which,
formerly, I have had but little relish. But by persevering, I have been
able to do this, I have lived for nearly one year without meat. For about
six months most of the bread upon our table has been unleavened cakes,
made of unbolted wheat-meal and water, and a very little salt. We use
fruits and vegetables liberally. I have lived for eight months upon two
meals a day. I have applied myself to writing the most of the time for
above a year. For eight months have been confined closely to writing.
My brain has been constantly taxed, and I have had but little exercise.
Yet my health has never been better than for the past six months. My
former faint and dizzy feelings have left me. I have been troubled
every spring with loss of appetite. The last spring I had no trouble in
this respect. Our plain food, eaten twice a day, is enjoyed with a keen
relish. We have no meat, cake, or any rich food upon our table. We
use no lard but in its place, milk, cream, and some butter. We have our
food prepared with but little salt, and have dispensed with spices of all
kinds. We breakfast at seven, and take our dinner at one. It is seldom I
have a faint feeling. My appetite is satisfied. My food is eaten with a
greater relish than ever before.
Unpublished Testimonies, August 30, 1896 (Healthful Living, 164)
After the stomach has done its work for one meal, do not crowd
more work upon it before it has had a chance to rest, and to provide
a sufficient supply of gastric juice for the next meal. Five hours at
least should be given between each meal, and always bear in mind that
if you would give it a trial, you would find that two meals would be
better than three.
[123]
The Review and Herald, May 8, 1883No. 19 (Healthful Living, 85)
The stomach may be educated to desire food eight times a day, and
feel faint if it is not supplied. But this is no argument in favor of so
frequent eating.