Health Message (April 12, 2025)

Blessed Sabbath Church!

Twenty-five years ago, the average American consumed about 1,850 calories each day. Since then, our daily diet has grown by 304 calories (roughly the equivalent of two cans of soda). That's theoretically enough to add an extra 31 pounds to each person every year. More than 68% of all Americans are considered overweight or obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Ellen White gave this counsel: Intemperate eating is often the cause of sickness, and what nature most needs is to be relieved of the undue burden that has been placed upon her. In many cases of sickness, the very best remedy is for the patient to fast for a meal or two, that the overworked organs of digestion may have an opportunity to rest. A fruit diet for a few days has often bought great relief to brain workers. Many times a short period of entire abstinence from food, followed by simple, moderate eating, has led to recovery through nature's own recuperative effort. An abstemious diet for a month or two would convince many sufferers that the path of self-denial is the path to health. - The Ministry of Healing, 235, 1905.

So, here we see that fasting can restore our health. Fasting can also restore our spiritual life by drawing us closer to God and strengthening our faith. With the beautiful spring weather upon us, there is no better time than to think about improving our diet to improve our health and ask God to give us the self-control to bring us victory!

May God bless your journey to good health!

Sister Sandra Torres