Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

article of food it calls for, they find no pleasure in eating. If condiments
and spiced foods are placed before them, they make the stomach work
by applying this fiery whip; for it has been so treated that it will not
acknowledge unstimulating food.
Spices at first irritate the tender coating of the stomach, but finally
destroy the natural sensitiveness of this delicate membrane. The blood
becomes fevered, the animal propensities are aroused, while the moral
and intellectual powers are weakened and become servants to the baser
passions. The mother should study to set a simple yet nutritious diet
before her family.
Regularity in Eating
After the regular meal is eaten, the stomach should be allowed to
rest for five hours. Not a particle of food should be introduced into the
stomach till the next meal. In this interval the stomach will perform its
work, and will then be in a condition to receive more food.
Regularity in eating should be carefully observed. Nothing should
be eaten between meals, no confectionery, nuts, fruits, or food of any
kind. Irregularities in eating destroy the healthful tone of the digestive
organs, to the detriment of health and cheerfulness. And when the
children come to the table, they do not relish wholesome food; their
appetites crave that which is hurtful for them.
When we lie down to rest, the stomach should have its work all
done, that it, as well as the other organs of the body, may enjoy rest. For
persons of sedentary habits, late suppers are particularly harmful.
In many cases the faintness that leads to a desire for food is felt
because the digestive organs have been too severely taxed during the
285