Seventh-Day Adventist Diet
The Seventh-Day Adventist Diet is a lifestyle that has been around for over 130 years and is seen as a way of honoring God. The diet is mainly vegetarian, with an abundance of whole grain breads, fruits, and vegetables, as well as moderate amounts of beans, nuts, seeds, and low-fat dairy.
Individuals that follow this diet have reduced rates of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, presumably due to the avoidance of foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol. Even though the Seventh-Day Adventist Diet is predominately a lacto-ovo-vegetarian approach, some followers consume lean meat on occasion, while others are completely vegan.
Self-control is seen as an important component of this diet. Caffeine, alcohol, and addictive drugs are not permitted, as they are said to interfere with the absorption of vital nutrients. Exercise, sun exposure, and daily rest are encouraged. It’s also recommended that individuals following the diet make sure they’re receiving adequate amounts of protein, zinc, iron, calcium, and vitamin B12.
Foods to include:
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Whole grains
- Meat, optional
- Poultry, optional
- Fish, optional
- Eggs, optional
- Beans
- Dairy
- Nuts and seeds
- Healthy oils
Foods to avoid:
- Meat, in most cases
- Poultry, in most cases
- Fish, in most cases
- Eggs, in most cases
- Refined grains
- Sugar
- Trans fat
- Processed foods
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Drugs
Pros:
- Emphasizes whole foods
- Can be a lifestyle rather than a diet
- May involve time for meal preparation
Cons:
- Some require more meat in the diet
- May lead to orthorexia in some cases
- Not suitable for those with dairy allergies
Source:
Seventh-Day Adventist Position Statement www.sdada (Links to an external site.)
