Regularity in Eating
137
The work of digestion should not be carried on through any period
of the sleeping hours. After the stomach, which has been overtaxed,
has performed its task, it becomes exhausted, which causes faintness.
Here many are deceived, and think that it is the want of food which
produces such feelings, and without giving the stomach time to rest,
they take more food, which for the time removes the faintness. And
the more the appetite is indulged, the more will be its clamors for
gratification. This faintness is generally the result of meat eating,
and eating frequently, and too much. The stomach becomes weary by
being kept constantly at work, disposing of food not the most healthful.
Having no time for rest, the digestive organs become enfeebled, hence
the sense of “goneness,” and desire for frequent eating. The remedy
such require, is to eat less frequently and less liberally, and be satisfied
with plain, simple food, eating twice, or, at most, three times a day.
The stomach must have its regular periods for labor and rest; hence
eating irregularly and between meals, is a most pernicious violation of
the laws of health. With regular habits, and proper food, the stomach
will gradually recover.
271. The stomach may be so educated as to desire food eight times
a day, and feel faint if it is not supplied. But this is no argument in
favor of so frequent eating.—
The Review and Herald, May 8, 1883
[
Awaking with Impure Breath and Furred Tongue—245
]
[176]
The Two-Meal Plan
272. In most cases, two meals a day are preferable to three. Sup-
per, when taken at an early hour, interferes with the digestion of the
previous meal. When taken later, it is not itself digested before bed-
time. Thus the stomach fails of securing proper rest. The sleep is
disturbed, the brain and nerves are wearied, the appetite for breakfast
is impaired, the whole system is unrefreshed, and is unready for the
day’s duties.—
Education, 205, 1903
[
Two-Meal Plan for Children—343, 344
]
273. The practice of eating but two meals a day is generally found
a benefit to health; yet under some circumstances, persons may require
a third meal. This should, however, if taken at all, be very light,
and of food most easily digested. Crackers—the English biscuit—or