The first chapters in the book of Genesis offer us a glimpse as to what the original, ideal lifestyle was like. 

Chapter 1 verse 29 gives the diet the Designer originally intended for humans: And God said, "See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food."  There is no mention of man-made chemicals we so often think good for our health like fake fat, sweeteners and synthetic vitamins often put in foods.  It is even exclusive of animal products such as meat, cheese and milk.  (After the catastrophic flood, animal products would be added, but in a very minimalistic way compared to today's standard diet.)

Other details about the original diet are not so obvious.  The food was grown on nutrient-rich soil and eaten without cooking or processing.  Their food was fresh, organic and raw.  They did not destroy the enzymes and many of the nutrients in the food through cooking.  They did not fertilize with synthetic minerals expecting to get real nutrition as a result.  They did not eat wilted food that had lost much of its enzymes and nutrients by sitting on the shelf or in the refrigerator for a long time.

Can such a radical diet be good for the health?  Would it not cause us to become weak and susceptible to disease?  Perhaps you should ask the rhino, the elephant, the cow and the horse... Actually people get stronger and healthier.  They have more energy, more vibrancy.  It seems the only things that don't do well on a whole foods, vegan diet is cancer and many parasites, bacterias and yeasts that thrive on the excess protein, sugar and acidic environment.

The rest of the Eden lifestyle is largely implied.  It says Adam was put to work, implying exercise.  He had plenty of fresh air (I doubt they built a high rise office building), sunshine and pure water.  So a healthy lifestyle is also important to adopt.

The third component of Eden's health example is the relationship Adam and Eve had with God and each other before they decided to rebel, running from one and blaming the other.  Genesis says God came walking in the garden looking for Adam.  It seems that it was a habit of God's to spend time walking and talking with Adam and Eve.  Before Adam and Eve rebelled and everything fell apart, they apparently had a very good relationship.  Adam cherished Eve and called her his helpmate, which in the original language means wise counselor, practical helper and insightful friend.  But it was man who had to first answer to God, implying his role of leader and protector in the marriage.

God was grieved even more than Adam and Eve were grieved at the separation that He suffered when they rebelled against His loving authority.  We know that because he immediately started making promises and setting the stage to dissolve that rift.  Isaiah 53 says "Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows... He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our sins; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all."

2000 years ago He fulfilled His promise by making the ultimate sin sacrifice -- offering himself.  Being omnipresent He could be both in the form of a man on earth and in the form of the heavenly Father on the throne.  So He humbled himself, suffered and died to pay the price.  Then, raising back to life, He reclaimed the health, joy, peace and eternal destiny that had been robbed by the enemy when humans allowed evil to enter the world.  Because the price has been paid, we are able to accept forgiveness and relationship with God if we choose.  We can again walk and talk with God. 

Since God has done this so that we can be forgiven our rebellion (sins), we are asked by Him to forgive and bless each other.  The scriptures say to love others just as much as we love ourselves.  This means we must also accept ourselves and recognize our own value so that we are kind to others with pure motives.

For more information, contact Eden Health Ministries and browse our resources on the products page.  We also suggest these websites:

On diet: www.hacres.com www.rawfoods.com

Information and programs on improving relationships & emotional/spiritual connection to disease: www.akwellspring.com www.heartchange.org