Christians seeking to lose weight often wonder if there is a biblical way to do so. Does the Bible mention foods that promote weight loss? Are these foods still relevant to weight loss today? Are there additional health benefits to following a biblical weight loss diet plan? It can be helpful to explore dietary aspects of the Bible and how these culinary tips can be incorporated into an effective biblical weight-loss plan for the modern individual.
Does the Bible Really Mention Weight Loss?
While the Bible does not directly mention weight loss, it does provide us with a large amount of information regarding the common foods and beverages of the time. In fact, the entire 11th chapter of the book of Leviticus is instructions to the Israelite people regarding the foods that were permissible under the Mosaic law. Several other passages of the Bible also refer to various foods as "clean," meaning acceptable, or "unclean," meaning that they were not to be eaten by the followers of the Mosaic law.
What Science Says About the Biblical Diet
Scientific research by Columbia University has shown that many of the foods approved of in scripture provide health benefits, including lowered cholesterol and reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease, in a study of 1,880 individuals. The study was based on how closely individuals followed the Mediterranean diet, which includes many of the foods found in biblical passages. It is to be noted that while the study was not directly about weight loss, successfully following the Mediterranean diet results in a lower saturated and trans-fat intake, while increasing the consumption of monounsaturated fats, which is conducive to weight loss and lowered cholesterol.
Researcher and author of "Daily Life in Biblical Times" Oded Borowski looked deep into the archeological records of the ancient Israelite people to find information for his book. When he discusses their diet, he concludes that it consisted more of agricultural products, such as whole grains, than of red meat. He also describes the typical ancient Israelite as "slim and trim." He determined this was a product of their diet and daily exercise routines---in this case, the physical labor of farming.
Biblical Foods That Promote Weight Loss
The biblical people ate a primarily vegetarian diet, including a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, which are proven to contain enzymes that assist with weight loss by boosting the metabolism. Apricots, figs, dates, pomegranates and grapes are listed in the Bible. Leeks, onions and garlic also find their way into the scriptural record.
Spices and condiments added flavor to the food and have since been shown to suppress the appetite. Flavorful additions, such as mustard seed, mint, dill, olive oil and honey, were all included in the healthy diet of biblical peoples and are believed to still promote weight loss today.
Much of their protein was consumed in the form of legumes, such as lentils and peas, or whole grains, such as barley and wheat. Additional protein was supplied by nuts, such as almonds and pistachios. Certain meats were allowed by Mosaic law, but these were rarely used in daily cooking. Most references to red meat in scriptural passage are associated with celebrations or special events. Such instances include the religious celebration of Passover, where a lamb was slaughtered and eaten in one night, or the Parable of the Prodigal Son, where Jesus relates that the father rejoiced over the return of his lost son and ordered his servants to slaughter "the fattened calf" so that they could celebrate his son's return. Modern science has demonstrated that health benefits, including weight loss, are related to reducing red-meat consumption.
Tags: weight loss, health benefits, weight loss, ancient Israelite, benefits including