Sanitarium Dietary
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abundant supply of wholesome, appetizing food. Changes must not be
made so abruptly that they will be turned from health reform, instead
of being led to it. The food served to them must be nicely prepared,
and it must be richer than either you or I would eat....
I write this because I am sure that the Lord means you to have
tact in meeting the people where they are, in their darkness and self-
indulgence. As far as I am concerned, personally, I am decidedly in
favor of a plain, simple diet. But it will not be best to put worldly,
self-indulgent patients on a diet so strict that they will be turned from
health reform. This will not convince them of the need of a change in
their habits of eating and drinking. Tell them the facts. Educate them
to see the need of a plain, simple diet, and make the change gradually.
Give them time to respond to the treatment and the instruction given
them. Work and pray, and lead them along as gently as possible.
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I remember once at-----, when at the sanitarium there, I was urged
to sit at the table with the patients, and eat with them, that we might
become acquainted. I saw then that a decided mistake was being made
in the preparation of the food. It was put together in such a way that it
was tasteless, and there was not more than two thirds enough. I found
it impossible to make a meal that would satisfy my appetite. I tried to
bring about a different order of things, and I think that matters were
helped.—
Letter 331, 1904
Education to Accompany Reforms
In dealing with the patients in our sanitariums, we must reason
from cause to effect. We must remember that the habits and practices
of a lifetime cannot be changed in a moment. With an intelligent cook,
and an abundant supply of wholesome food, reforms can be brought
about that will work well. But it may take time to bring them about.
A strenuous effort should not be made unless it is actually demanded.
We must remember that food which would be appetizing to a health
reformer might be very insipid to those who have been accustomed to
highly seasoned food. Lectures should be given, explaining why re-
forms in diet are essential, and showing that the use of highly seasoned
food causes inflammation of the delicate lining of the digestive organs.
Let it be shown why we as a people have changed our habits of eating
and drinking. Show why we discard tobacco and all intoxicating liquor.