The Eden Diet Plan is more than just a set of rules for eating; it's a holistic approach centered on biblical principles, viewing food as God intended and glorifying Him with how, when, and what we eat. Weight loss can be an added benefit, but it is not the primary focus. This plan aims to help people break free from bondage to food and make Christ the Lord of their lives, not food.
Core Principles of the Eden Diet
The Eden Diet is based on four biblical principles for eating, supported by Scripture and the overall narrative of the Bible. These principles guide individuals toward a healthier relationship with food, rooted in faith and mindful consumption.
Listening to Your Body's Signals
The diet advocates using our "God-given" system to tell us how to eat: hunger pangs. Readers are taught to view hunger pangs as a gift, rather than something to avoid or be anxious about. Eating "to" satisfaction (rather than "for" satisfaction) is also discussed in-depth. The mantra repeated throughout is "Jesus is Lord over me, and I am the boss of the food."
Food as Fuel, Not Fulfillment
The core concept revolves around distinguishing between physical hunger and emotional cravings. Eating should be driven by the body's need for nourishment, not emotional triggers. This involves recognizing and addressing emotional and mindless eating habits.
Moderation and Balance
The Eden Diet doesn't impose strict food restrictions. Instead, it encourages common sense and moderation in eating habits. It acknowledges that occasional indulgences are acceptable, emphasizing overall balance rather than rigid rules.
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Honoring God with Your Choices
The central theme is to do all to the glory of God, whether you eat or drink. This involves viewing food as a gift from God and making choices that honor Him.
What the Eden Diet Is and Isn't
It's essential to clarify what the Eden Diet entails and what it doesn't.
What It Is:
- A spiritual approach to eating: It focuses on the spiritual and emotional aspects of food, not just the physical.
- A lifestyle change: It promotes a sustainable, long-term approach to health and wellness.
- A common-sense guide: It emphasizes listening to your body and making mindful choices.
- A reminder: A reminder that one should be thinking about each bite and why they are eating at all.
What It Isn't:
- A restrictive diet: It doesn't impose strict food rules or limitations.
- A quick fix: It requires wisdom, self-control, and a commitment to change.
- Just about weight loss: Weight loss is a potential benefit, but not the primary goal.
The Garden of Eden and the Original Diet
The diet draws inspiration from the biblical account of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
The Initial Vegetarian Diet
In the beginning, God gave our first parents a diet of plants. Adam and Eve ate an ideal diet for their condition in the Garden of Eden. We don’t know exactly what that diet was, but we do know that it was all plant foods. God said: “I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat”.
Post-Flood Dietary Changes
In the Bible account, consuming the flesh of animals is introduced only after the flood destroyed the vegetation on the earth. Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. . . .And surely, blood shall not be shed, only for meat, to save your lives; and the blood of every beast will I require at your hands. The Hebrew word for herb means plants, and most plants bear seed (and all can produce offspring which is what this might mean), so this is not very helpful in narrowing down the type of plants.
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Modern Interpretations
Some people claim that Adam and Eve ate a diet of mainly fruit with some herbs. Some further suppose these were all raw. “Every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth,” would include fruit, vegetables, legumes, grains and other plant foods. And the Gods said: Behold, we will give them every herb bearing seed that shall come upon the face of all the earth, and every tree which shall have fruit upon it; yea, the fruit of the tree yielding seed to them we will give it; it shall be for their meat.
Practical Application of Biblical Principles
The Eden Diet provides practical ways to apply biblical principles to eating habits.
Recognizing God-Given Signals
Dr. Rita makes perfect sense (to me). She points out our God-given signals for when food is needed and how to rely on them for when to eat, not the signals from our minds (emotional and mindless eating). The main point of the book is how to eat to the glory of God and not our own emotional triggers.
The Mantra: "Jesus is Lord Over Me"
The mantra repeated throughout is “Jesus is Lord over me, and I am the boss of the food.”
The Word of Wisdom
The Word of Wisdom contains simple principles, rather than an exhaustive list of what to eat and not eat. Is a diet “adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints” (D&C 89:3). These facts suggest there is more counsel and wisdom the Lord can give us when we are prepared to receive it.
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The Eden Diet vs. Other Approaches
The guidelines for eating that are presented in the book are probably not new to most people, but reminders can be helpful. Only eat when you're hungry. If you want to lose weight, eat less. Tips you don't come across a lot - if you don't do it often, it's okay to eat foods considered unhealthy or even to have a dessert for dinner.
The Eden Diet
The Eden Diet is a solid plan for weight loss that is actually centered on biblical principles. The focus is on viewing food as God intended us to view it, and on worshipping/glorifying Him with how, when, and what we eat. Weight loss is an added bonus, but it is not the focus of our efforts, nor is it the ultimate goal. The Eden Diet is “for people who want to break free from bondage to food and eating… for those who seek to make Christ (not food) the Lord of their lives.” She repeatedly discusses four biblical principles for eating, backed up by individual Scriptures as well as the overall storyline of the Bible.
A Christian Version of Intuitive Eating
It's not really a diet; it's more like a Christian version of intuitive eating.
Spiritual and Practical Benefits
The Eden Diet offers both spiritual and practical benefits.
Spiritual Growth
It fosters a deeper relationship with God by integrating faith into daily eating habits. It encourages reliance on God for emotional fulfillment rather than turning to food.
Improved Health
It promotes mindful eating, leading to healthier food choices and better overall well-being. It can help individuals break free from unhealthy eating patterns and develop a balanced approach to food.
Potential Criticisms
The theology, while fundamentally sound, is often very pat. The gospel communicated is true, and the goal of avoiding legalism is spot-on. Additionally, the principles regarding food and eating are rock-solid. Iffy stuff included confusing sin as a “law” that works in us, and a focus on the Garden of Eden rather than our coming redeemed existence in Heaven. (I hope you get your theology from sources other than a diet book, anyway!)
Complementary Resources
If you're looking for a deeper spiritual look at your relationship to food, try Made to Crave by Lysa Terkeust.