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Many Christians strive to be as close to the Lord as possible. This is reflected in the way of life, the main component of which is nutrition. The question most believers ask is how to determine the most appropriate food and diet for a Christian?
Today, there are several theories regarding Christian nutrition, but most of them come more from man than from God. In this regard, there are two main opinions: the first is that man by nature, and therefore at the behest of the Lord, must adhere to a system based on principles; and the second opinion is that all living things given to us by God should be eaten, because animals eat their own kind, and why should a person abstain.
What the Bible Says About Christian Nutrition
If you follow biblical directions, the Bible supports both opinions in some way, but they do not contradict each other. Namely, in the Old Testament it is indicated that all deeds, as well as what a person eats or does not eat, are carried out for the Lord.
Initially, even during the creation of all living things and, in particular, man, God intended separate products for each type: seeds, cereals, trees and their fruits, grass and other fruits of the earth for man, as well as grass and trees for animals and birds (it is indicated in Genesis 1:29 -thirty). As you can see, at first, a person really ate exclusively food of plant origin and, apparently, in its raw form.
Later, after the flood, the climate changed dramatically and in such harsh conditions a person could not survive if he did not eat meat and other animal products. The Bible says that God himself allowed to change the way of eating, to use as food everything that grows and moves (Genesis 9: 3).
Therefore, most Christians are of the opinion that everything created by God is closely related, necessary and intended for use in life. Consequently, there is nothing sinful either in the way of eating exclusively plant foods, or in the omnivorous way, the main thing is that what is consumed does not harm health.
Basic rules for eating a Christian
Special strict rules for a Christian’s diet apply during periods of fasting and on major church holidays. There are few general rules for the believer, only three, although they are simple at first glance, but very important. If you follow and support them, they will become the key to a healthy diet.
- 1 Prevent obesity. This is not only an external defect, but also a disease that gradually harms health more and more and reduces life expectancy.
- 2 Avoid overeating, because gluttony is sinful. Food is given to us by the Lord in order to maintain the normal functioning of the body, and not for pleasure and abuse. According to Christian principles, you need to eat exactly as much as the body requires.
- 3 With a large assortment of products, you need to choose those that really benefit the body, and do not lead to obesity and other diseases.
All these rules are interrelated and complementary, not maintaining at least one will lead to the violation of others. The Bible calls it a sin to ignore these rules.
Common misconceptions
The Bible does not allow for extremes in any food system or lifestyle in general. Every Christian knows that the ancient apostles, prophets and priests often refused food or good nutrition. Today, many servants of God, missionaries or simply believers, also strive to go through this, hoping for the help of the Lord. This is wrong, all the examples of sufferers and saints support some kind of heavenly purpose, they pursue the idea that God helped to cope with difficulties and sacrifices. Doing it just like that or out of your own discretion is not something that is not necessary, but it is not recommended, because it is only causeless harm to health.
The wrong opinion is that Jesus took human diseases to the cross, so you can not maintain a healthy lifestyle and eat somehow. Firstly, Christ took away our sins, and secondly, it is important not only not to get sick, but also to take care of our health.
Meals during Lent
Many fasting periods are accrued throughout the year, but the most important for every Christian is Great Lent. The period of Lent is the longest and most significant. The main goal of fasting is to strengthen love for God and everything around him created by him, as well as to atone for sins, and to be cleansed spiritually. Every Christian during fasting should confess and receive communion, and also refrain from solemn holidays like a birthday or a wedding.
Nutrition takes an important place during any fasting period. Several basic rules of nutrition during fasting are calculated:
- 1 The first and last day of fasting is desirable without food, if health allows it, age category (children and the elderly are prohibited from starving) and other special circumstances (pregnancy, breastfeeding, hard work, etc.). Abstinence during the day will in no way harm an adult, but on the contrary will contribute to health, because this is the so-called. The rest of the time you need to eat in moderation, exclusively lean food.
- 2 it is desirable to exclude from the diet. Vegetable oil and is allowed to be consumed only on holidays, Saturdays and Sundays.
- 3 The first and last week of fasting is the strictest.
- 4 During the fast, the use of spices is also prohibited.
- 5 In order to fast without any particular difficulties, it is recommended on the eve of the fast to prepare the necessary, permitted foods and refrain from buying prohibited ones.
- 6 In no case is it allowed to refuse food for the entire fasting period.
- 7 At the end of the first week of Great Lent, Christians prepare kolevo (wheat porridge with), bless it and eat it with the whole family.
The most suitable foods for fasting are:
- various cereals on water, lean, without oil;
- seeded bread;
- ;
- ;
- ;
- .
Of course, other foods are also suitable, the main thing is that they are lean and do not harm your health.