Overeating and Control of Appetite
371
allowing no time for physical exercise. As a consequence, the free
flow of thought and words is checked. They can not write or speak
with the force and intensity necessary in order to reach the heart; their
efforts are tame and fruitless.
Those upon whom rest important responsibilities, those, above all,
who are guardians of spiritual interests, should be men of keen feeling
and quick perception. More than others, they need to be temperate
in eating. Rich and luxurious food should have no place upon their
tables.
Every day men in positions of trust have decisions to make upon
which depend results of great importance.... Often they have to think
rapidly, and this can be done successfully by those only who practice
strict temperance. Here is a suggestion for all whose work is sedentary
or chiefly mental; let those who have sufficient moral courage and
self-control try it: At each meal take only two or three kinds of simple
[158]
food, and eat no more than is required to satisfy hunger. Take active
exercise every day, and see if you do not receive benefit.
Strong men who are engaged in active physical labor are not com-
pelled to be as careful as to the quantity or quality of their food as are
persons of sedentary habits; but even these would have better health if
they would practice self-control in eating and drinking.
Some wish that an exact rule could be prescribed for their diet.
They overeat, and then regret it, and so they keep thinking about what
they eat and drink. This is not as it should be. One person can not lay
down an exact rule for another. Every one should exercise reason and
self-control and should act from principle.
The Ministry of Healing, 323
Carefully consider your diet. Study from cause to effect. Cultivate
self-control. Keep appetite under the control of reason. Never abuse the
stomach by overeating, but do not deprive yourself of the wholesome,
palatable food that health demands.
The Facts of Faith 2:15-16
God continued to feed the Hebrew host with the bread rained from
heaven; but they were not satisfied. Their depraved appetites craved
meat, which God in His wisdom had withheld, in a great measure, from