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What the Bible Says About Healthy Living
In a world infatuated with junk food and fad diets, why have we overlooked the simple instructions provided in the Bible that have guided people for thousands of years toward better health? You don't have to be Jewish or Christian to find wisdom for healthier living in this doctor's scripturally based book on eating and feeling better, and living longer. You'll learn the truth about grains and nuts, and the ins and outs of meat, fat, and sweeteners. Discover why beverages can be the elixirs of life or death. The principles here will help anyone who is sick and tired of feeling sick and tired find energy, freedom from illness, and more vibrant health.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1996
148 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
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September 18, 2021Superb. Tells the facts of a Whole Foods Plant Based Diet from a biblical perspective.
Unputdownable.
Unputdownable.
March 15, 2010
The most informative, no guilt book I've read on healthy eating. It changed the way I view what I eat and has changed it for my family as well. Dr.Russell provides a comparison between what the bible has to say about what we eat and what we know medically. Fantastic!
March 30, 2024
As someone who believes in the Creator and His holy word, I found this very enlightening and reassuring. I already followed the dietary laws, so it was refreshing to see a medical doctor advise the same if not for religious reasons then the medical proof unclean animals were toxic. There is a plethora of truth in this book biblically and medically. Worth the read.
February 8, 2018
I thought this book was pretty amazing. The author uses Biblical references and scientific studies to support his premise that we would all be healthier if we followed the Bible's guidelines on eating:
Eat the food God told us to eat.
Eat food as it was create before man corrupted it.
Don't make food an idol. (addiction)
Eat the food God told us to eat.
Eat food as it was create before man corrupted it.
Don't make food an idol. (addiction)
September 22, 2018
I LOVED this book.
The author introduces three principles to follow based on the Bible and what God teaches us about healthy living.
1. Eat Only Substances Created for Food
2. Eat Foods as They Were Created
3. Don’t Let Any Food or Drink Become Your God
Rex shows us that if you follow these three principles you will eat healthier, be healthier and honour God at the same time.
The book starts off with a intro section that covers Eating Right in a World Gone Wrong and Health With Obedience. Then he goes over the three principles with a chapter for each one.
Finally, Part 3 has separate chapters to go more in-depth on different kinds of food:
Going with the Grain (and Nuts too)
The Fat of the Land
The Meat to Eat
How Sweet It Is
Mom Was Right: Eat Your Fruits and Veggies
The Spice(s) of Life
Beverages: Elixirs of Life – or Death
I’ve read lots of books about healthy living but they all say different things and I don’t know which one to listen too. I’ve also read articles on Christian healthy living but they just say follow the Bible or take care of your body because it’s a temple which is very vague.
This is the first book to really dig into the scripture and explain what it means in a plain way. But the author doesn’t just give you the basics, he answers common questions and shows you what the scripture says about it.
I highly recommend this book if you are struggling with how to live healthily the way God wants you to.
The author introduces three principles to follow based on the Bible and what God teaches us about healthy living.
1. Eat Only Substances Created for Food
2. Eat Foods as They Were Created
3. Don’t Let Any Food or Drink Become Your God
Rex shows us that if you follow these three principles you will eat healthier, be healthier and honour God at the same time.
The book starts off with a intro section that covers Eating Right in a World Gone Wrong and Health With Obedience. Then he goes over the three principles with a chapter for each one.
Finally, Part 3 has separate chapters to go more in-depth on different kinds of food:
Going with the Grain (and Nuts too)
The Fat of the Land
The Meat to Eat
How Sweet It Is
Mom Was Right: Eat Your Fruits and Veggies
The Spice(s) of Life
Beverages: Elixirs of Life – or Death
I’ve read lots of books about healthy living but they all say different things and I don’t know which one to listen too. I’ve also read articles on Christian healthy living but they just say follow the Bible or take care of your body because it’s a temple which is very vague.
This is the first book to really dig into the scripture and explain what it means in a plain way. But the author doesn’t just give you the basics, he answers common questions and shows you what the scripture says about it.
I highly recommend this book if you are struggling with how to live healthily the way God wants you to.
January 8, 2012
Totally changed my perspective about all the rules God gave the Israelites in the Bible. Awesome book for any health nuts, or even just anyone who's interested in the amazing way that God created us and our world.
June 10, 2012
My 2nd favorite on all the books I've read on this subject... And that's a lot!!!
February 13, 2024
The book explores the premise that the answers to discovering God’s plan for feeling better and living longer are right in the Bible. It offers a definitive diet plan taken straight from God’s word. Dr. Rex Russell presents three practical principles that, when put into place, promise to help the reader improve physical and spiritual health. Despite being written in the 1990s, the book is a powerhouse of information and the forerunner of the Biblical Eating Movement.
Dr. Rex Russell’s presentation of the principles of clean eating is notable for its emphasis on the blessings for obedience rather than a legalistic requirement. However, the advocacy for clean eating may spark debate, particularly regarding the classification of all foods as clean. This debate stems from contrasting perspectives in the Old and New Testaments. While the Old Testament provides a detailed list of unclean foods, the New Testament includes references to Jesus declaring all foods clean (Mark 7:19) and Peter’s vision of unclean animals being made clean (Acts 10:11-15). Furthermore, there is disagreement among Christians regarding whether these verses pertain to the treatment of gentiles, meat offered to idols, or the manner in which food is consumed.
Following the principles, it is understood that individuals should consume foods originally designed for consumption, such as plants, herbs, and meat, in their unprocessed, whole-food state as much as possible while avoiding addictive foods. Interestingly, these principles align with modern healthy diet advice. This perspective prompts contemplation on contentious items such as bacon, shrimp, and processed foods.
Dr. Rex Russell presents a compelling case rooted in scientific evidence... Full Book Review available at Vintage Virtues:
https://vintage-virtues.com/2024/02/1...
Dr. Rex Russell’s presentation of the principles of clean eating is notable for its emphasis on the blessings for obedience rather than a legalistic requirement. However, the advocacy for clean eating may spark debate, particularly regarding the classification of all foods as clean. This debate stems from contrasting perspectives in the Old and New Testaments. While the Old Testament provides a detailed list of unclean foods, the New Testament includes references to Jesus declaring all foods clean (Mark 7:19) and Peter’s vision of unclean animals being made clean (Acts 10:11-15). Furthermore, there is disagreement among Christians regarding whether these verses pertain to the treatment of gentiles, meat offered to idols, or the manner in which food is consumed.
Following the principles, it is understood that individuals should consume foods originally designed for consumption, such as plants, herbs, and meat, in their unprocessed, whole-food state as much as possible while avoiding addictive foods. Interestingly, these principles align with modern healthy diet advice. This perspective prompts contemplation on contentious items such as bacon, shrimp, and processed foods.
Dr. Rex Russell presents a compelling case rooted in scientific evidence... Full Book Review available at Vintage Virtues:
https://vintage-virtues.com/2024/02/1...
November 26, 2017
Rex Russel’s book, What the Bible Says about Healthy Living, explores what the Bible says about healthy diet and compares it with modern science. The research upholds the wisdom of biblical advice so the author encourages us to heed the dietary laws, not in a legalistic obedience, but as a way to honor our Creator with our bodies.
I was most interested in the extensive section on fasting. Because I’m on medication, I’m not able to go without food so fasting never seemed like an option to me. The author explained four types of fasting: normal fast, absolute fast, partial fast, and rotational fast. The latter two are options that don’t require complete abstinence from food, but focus on abstaining from particular types of food or rotating abstinence from different foods. I learned a lot from his teaching, especially about the health (and mental health) benefits of fasting.
Many of his chapters go into more technical detail than I wanted about scientific names of mono-whatevers and tri-somethings. Perhaps someday I’ll be more educated on these matters, but it was more than I was prepared to take-in right now. So I’m not saying it’s a bad thing. I’m sure it’s useful information to those who can grasp the technical details. Even so, I was able to skim these portions and still get helpful information on each topic covered.
Overall, I’d say it’s worth a read, whether or not you like the science parts. I learned several things, and I’m sure you will, too.
I was most interested in the extensive section on fasting. Because I’m on medication, I’m not able to go without food so fasting never seemed like an option to me. The author explained four types of fasting: normal fast, absolute fast, partial fast, and rotational fast. The latter two are options that don’t require complete abstinence from food, but focus on abstaining from particular types of food or rotating abstinence from different foods. I learned a lot from his teaching, especially about the health (and mental health) benefits of fasting.
Many of his chapters go into more technical detail than I wanted about scientific names of mono-whatevers and tri-somethings. Perhaps someday I’ll be more educated on these matters, but it was more than I was prepared to take-in right now. So I’m not saying it’s a bad thing. I’m sure it’s useful information to those who can grasp the technical details. Even so, I was able to skim these portions and still get helpful information on each topic covered.
Overall, I’d say it’s worth a read, whether or not you like the science parts. I learned several things, and I’m sure you will, too.
January 24, 2025
This was a wild read. God’s word is authoritative and full of advice for how to live healthfully, but most of the correlation Russell made were a stretch.
He lost me on page 1 when he spent pages defending circumcision as beneficial and not identifying that biblical Jewish circumcision is not similar to modern circumcision. He made totally baseless claims on why he thinks God instituted it. Just out of his imagination.
Although the book was full of interesting data on a variety of point and nutritional benefits of various foods. I can’t trust most of the conclusions he came to, since there was a plethora of information I can see current research show to be false.
Do I agree that HIV/AIDS is horrible, of course. But he claims it can be contracted from sneezes and dry surfaces.
I am going to take the interesting bits and look a little further into what the Bible says and research.
He lost me on page 1 when he spent pages defending circumcision as beneficial and not identifying that biblical Jewish circumcision is not similar to modern circumcision. He made totally baseless claims on why he thinks God instituted it. Just out of his imagination.
Although the book was full of interesting data on a variety of point and nutritional benefits of various foods. I can’t trust most of the conclusions he came to, since there was a plethora of information I can see current research show to be false.
Do I agree that HIV/AIDS is horrible, of course. But he claims it can be contracted from sneezes and dry surfaces.
I am going to take the interesting bits and look a little further into what the Bible says and research.
May 19, 2024
The author demonstrates that they know a lot about foods but I don't think we should be totally dependent on the food laws of the OT. I take issue with some of the Bible references he quotes taking them totally out of context into a meaning that I am sure was never intended. On the whole he does quote correctly. I'm no dietitian but I'm pretty sure that if you wanted to follow the principles he outlines that there would be no detriment to your health, by the same token the OT doesn't prescribe exercise and it was unseemly for a man to run but that has been seen to show great benefits to physical and mental health. We don't follow that any more, so use your common sense and don't be too dogmatic about diet.
July 19, 2019
SO MUCH VALUABLE INFORMATION.
I may have taken a few breaks from this book, but when I did pick it up I loved every second of it. What a great and thorough combination of bible and science! So much scriptural and scientific proof to back up Russell’s claims. (Honestly didn’t even feel like he was making claims of his own, it was all just straight facts that were enjoyable to read!)
And what a wonderful Creator we have! If we just ate and lived as He intended us to we’d be so much better off!
I’ve been intrigued by health for years, but have never found a book that made more sense than this one.
Thankful for my God! He thought of everything our bodies would face and need and He provided.
I may have taken a few breaks from this book, but when I did pick it up I loved every second of it. What a great and thorough combination of bible and science! So much scriptural and scientific proof to back up Russell’s claims. (Honestly didn’t even feel like he was making claims of his own, it was all just straight facts that were enjoyable to read!)
And what a wonderful Creator we have! If we just ate and lived as He intended us to we’d be so much better off!
I’ve been intrigued by health for years, but have never found a book that made more sense than this one.
Thankful for my God! He thought of everything our bodies would face and need and He provided.
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June 13, 2024The book explores the premise that the answers to discovering God’s plan for feeling better and living longer are right in the Bible. It offers a definitive diet plan taken straight from God’s word. Dr. Rex Russell presents three practical principles that, when put into place, promise to help the reader improve physical and spiritual health. Despite being written in the 1990s, the book is a powerhouse of information and the forerunner of the Biblical Eating Movement.
Fuller Review Here: https://vintage-virtues.com/2024/02/1...
Fuller Review Here: https://vintage-virtues.com/2024/02/1...
January 4, 2021
This book was very interesting to read. It gave some insight on biblically prescribed eating and influenced some of my eating in my early twenties. I recently picked it back up and realized I don't feel so compelled to follow it and don't feel like its precepts are necessarily accurate or necessary in modern day living, but still consider it a positive read in my formative early adult/taking responsibility for healthy living years.
May 7, 2025
Finally a eating book that doesn't start with "since we came from ape relatives, we should eat like them." If we have a creator, we should see what he says we were designed to eat!
This book was full of Bible and observational science. There are a couple things where the science has changed, and not sure what I think about his objections to unclean meat, but the rest was very interesting. I wish he addressed blood sugar issues, how that relates to fasting, but I definitely enjoyed it!
This book was full of Bible and observational science. There are a couple things where the science has changed, and not sure what I think about his objections to unclean meat, but the rest was very interesting. I wish he addressed blood sugar issues, how that relates to fasting, but I definitely enjoyed it!
September 25, 2023
I liked the comparisons between the Bible and a healthy lifestyle. The writing style wasn’t my favorite. There was a ton of repetition, which does help a person remember but sometimes the repetition came across as sarcasm. If you are truly interested in learning about different ideas concerning healthy eating and lifestyle this is a good book to read.
June 9, 2025
His principles of healthy eating make sense. His writing style? Confusing structure and old man humor that doesn’t land. He references Divine Design about 1,000 times which got old - and I agree with him about it. Some of his claims didn’t seem substantiated by evidence enough to make them believable.
August 17, 2017
Excellent data and a fascinating look at how God designed boundaries for our health. May be a bit cerebral for some readers, but provides a fascinating, in-depth look at what the Bible says about food.
November 29, 2018
Creator's Design
Excellent read. Biblical verses to guide you to live a healthy lifestyle , designed by God, and scientific evidence to back up God's instructions. Anyone can benefit from reading this book.
Excellent read. Biblical verses to guide you to live a healthy lifestyle , designed by God, and scientific evidence to back up God's instructions. Anyone can benefit from reading this book.
November 29, 2022
This book wanders all over the place. To get to some good nuggets, you have to read through a lot of first-person narration, vague studies, and tangents. Was hoping for better, but will take from it what I can to live a more healthful life.
March 27, 2018
I loved this book! It really changed my life and my perspective!
July 31, 2018
Was not impressed. Was looking for the practical side of eating a Biblical diet but there was not a good deal of that. Lots of information on studies but applied in a broad and general way.
October 14, 2018
I promised my friend that if she read "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," then I would read a book of her recommendation. This is what she picked. :(
December 16, 2018
I highly recommed this book. Biblically sound on health as God ordained.
February 25, 2022
Very informative!
September 26, 2022
finally. someone stands up for truth
Interesting. A little dated but basic facts are correct. Some grids were hard to read on cell phone but was ok on desktop
Interesting. A little dated but basic facts are correct. Some grids were hard to read on cell phone but was ok on desktop
May 19, 2023
So simple
In a world with countless “nutrition influencers” it is easy to lose sight of the wisdom of our most important Influencer. Dr. Russell’s 3 principles are timeless.
In a world with countless “nutrition influencers” it is easy to lose sight of the wisdom of our most important Influencer. Dr. Russell’s 3 principles are timeless.
October 15, 2023
Good information overall, but slightly outdated and some arguments were pretty poor. Tone was arrogant at some points, which made it hard to finish.
January 4, 2025
Good information presented in a guilt free way.
February 22, 2017
It was ok with practical information, especially his three principles; but, I found him to be a little preachy with no clear diet other than the principles mentioned which is broad and vague. I enjoyed his writing style, jokes and anecdotes. The reading was easy and readily completed in two days.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews