Secret Healthy Foods in the Bible

What is the secret road map to clean eating found in God’s Word? This is the question I’ve been asking myself recently as I’ve tried to be better about eating. Let’s explore the healthy foods in the Bible that God gave us guidance on.

I had the pleasure of visiting Israel in person last year. I got to see and try the natural foods that are grown in the Holy Land. Let me tell you it was delicious and fresh! There were fresh vegetables, fruits, breads, dairy products, meats, and desserts. I was basically in food heaven!

Remember how Israel is referred to as a land flowing with milk and honey (Jeremiah 32:22)? I was more surprised to see how dry, rocky, and desert like it was in certain parts of the land. Don’t get me wrong there were still beautiful mountains and luscious pockets of land though.

There were several goats and date palm trees. Hence the milk and honey. Locals were selling fresh foods lined the streets in Jerusalem. There were a variety of fresh baked breads (as you can see below in the picture), spices, fruits, vegetables, and desserts. One of my favorite places we visited were their cafes full of tea, coffee, yogurts, and fresh pastries – so tasty!

So here is a summary list of the healthy foods you can find in the Bible.

• Breads- wheat, barley, etc. Check out Ezekiel bread in Ezekiel 4:9.
• Dairy products – milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, etc. Dairy products especially from goats.
• Fruits – pomegranates, grapes, fig, apple, raisins, melons, etc.
• Vegetables – barley, beans, lentils, corn, cucumbers, onion, garlic, cumin, dill, mint, olives, gourds, etc.
• Fish.
• Lamb.
• Healthy fats – olive oil, nuts, seeds, etc.
• Honey – primarily from dates in the Israel.
• Spices – bitter herbs such as parsley and coriander.

Foods to Avoid

• Animal fat and blood.
• Unhealthy fats.
• Pigs in the Old Testament were considered unclean. This is up for debate because we are no longer living under those rules to maintain a level of holiness. Although, this does make me wonder if it’s best not to eat bacon, pork, sausage, etc. or to eat in moderation.

The bottom line is that God made all food to be consumed but certain foods have long lasting health benefits. Last week in Clean Eating – SIMPLIFIED we talked about how natural, fresh foods are the way to go! It’s important that we balance our diet and eat foods that we know are healthy for us. Here you can find a balanced, recommended diet for active men and women.

Enjoy God’s created food and make wise choices! Remember the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and we should treat it well with what we eat and do. If you’d like a comprehensive list of every food mentioned in the Bible, here it is http://www.biblesuperfoods.com/list-of-healthy-food.html.

A Prayer For You

Lord God, thank You for all the delicious foods you created for us. Show us how to take better care of our bodies with what we eat and with the things we do. In Jesus’ name, amen.