170
Counsels on Diet and Foods
harm cannot be estimated. If ever there is need of simplicity of diet
and special care as to the quality of food eaten, it is in this important
period.
Women who possess principle, and who are well instructed, will
not depart from simplicity of diet at this time of all others. They will
consider that another life is dependent upon them, and will be careful
in all their habits, and especially in diet. They should not eat that which
is innutritious and exciting, simply because it tastes good. There are
too many counselors ready to persuade them to do things which reason
would tell them they ought not to do.
Diseased children are born because of the gratification of appetite
by the parents. The system did not demand the variety of food upon
which the mind dwelt. Because once in the mind it must be in the
stomach, is a great error which Christian women should reject. Imagi-
nation should not be allowed to control the wants of the system. Those
who allow the taste to rule, will suffer the penalty of transgressing the
laws of their being. And the matter does not end here; their innocent
offspring also will be sufferers.
The blood-making organs cannot convert spices, mince pies, pick-
les, and diseased flesh meats into good blood. And if so much food
is taken into the stomach that the digestive organs are compelled to
overwork in order to dispose of it, and to free the system from irri-
[221]
tating substances, the mother does injustice to herself, and lays the
foundation of disease in her offspring. If she chooses to eat as she
pleases, and what she may fancy, irrespective of consequences, she
will bear the penalty, but not alone. Her innocent child must suffer
because of her indiscretion.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:381-383,
1870
Effects of Overwork and Impoverished Diet
337. The mother, in many cases previous to the birth of her chil-
dren, is permitted to toil early and late, heating her blood....Her strength
should have been tenderly cherished.... Her burdens and cares are sel-
dom lessened, and that period, which should be to her of all others
a time of rest, is one of fatigue, sadness, and gloom. By too great
exertion on her part, she deprives her offspring of that nutrition which
nature has provided for it, and by heating her own blood, she imparts