Christian Diet

The Christian Diet is based on certain passages of the New Testament that outline which types of foods you should eat based on two categories: Clean and unclean. Clean foods are said to be those put on earth by God in their organic state, unprocessed and unrefined. It’s a myth that all Christian-influenced diets are vegetarian – devotees can choose whether or not they wish to be vegetarian.

There are very specific characteristics that dictate whether or not a particular food is considered clean or unclean. For a fish to be considered clean it must have scales and fins – shellfish are not considered clean. According to the Bible, clean animals both have split hooves and chew their cud. This means that those following this diet do not eat pork since pigs do have cloven hooves, but do not chew their cud. Cows are an example of an animal that is considered clean since cows have split hooves and chew their cud. In addition to these meat rules, high-sugar and high-fat foods are excluded.

Giving thanks and praying before meals is an important part of the diet. A primary focus is to encourage individuals to become more in touch with their spirituality to fill them up on an emotional level rather than resorting to emotional eating to fill a void. The Seventh Day Adventist Church and the Christian Vegetarian Society are two popular backers of the Christian Diet.

Foods to include:

  • Vegetables

  • Fruits

  • Whole grains

  • Beef

  • Poultry

  • Some fish

  • Eggs

  • Beans

  • Some dairy

  • Nuts and seeds

  • Healthy oils

Foods to avoid:

  • Shellfish

  • Pork

  • Processed food

  • Sugar

  • Trans fats

Pros:

  • Can be a lifestyle rather than a diet

  • Spiritual approach and considers primary food

  • May promote long-term success through gradual lifestyle changes

  • Encourages healthy balance of food, regular exercise, and relaxation

Cons:

  • May not appeal to people who don’t follow the Christian faith

  • Food guidelines may be restrictive for some physical and emotional types

  • May not be specific enough to see results

  • Difficult to find specific information about this approach

Sources:

Christian Diet Program www.christianet.com 
What Would Jesus Eat? www.godweb.org