History of The Sabbatical Diet

"The pursuit of science in the absence of sound philosophy is an exercise in futility"

The Beginning - In 1989, I recognized that I had lost control over maintenance of my ideal weight. Being knowledgeable of the complications associated with this state, I launched out in a valiant attempt to regain this control. This included applying conventionally accepted measures of reduced caloric and fat intake and the use of prescribed drugs. Despite losing weight, like most persons, I was not able to comfortably maintain this state. I feared at this time, that I would be among the statistics that formed the global threat of chronic non-communicable diseases, such as Obesity, Diabetes and Heart Diseases etc.

After viewing a television program of a success story, I concluded that the answer to obesity and overweight must be found in the Bible. I examined the suggestions given by the participant in the program, in the context of the Scriptures. I concluded that the practice of eating a full meal early in the day was important, as seen in Exodus 16, and I adopted this dietary habit. The other recommendation by the participant had no Scriptural basis and was not implemented.

This practice halted my progressive increase in weight but only allowed me to maintain ideal weight with significant exercise activity.

The Set Back - In 1996, after completing my post graduate studies in Internal Medicine, I proceeded to do a Doctorate in Nutrition, examining more closely, the Biblical teachings on diet. This was discontinued because of financial pressure, but I was determined at some point to pursue this endeavor. It was my firm belief that the Scriptures held the answer to our dietary problems and the solution to the global threat of chronic non-communicable diseases.

The Revelation - Fourteen years later in April 2003, I was divinely led to recognize a significant point of Scripture that I had overlooked. This was the principle of the Sabbath or Rest. Re-examining Exodus 16 I recognized the practice of the Jews to observe a Sabbath, or a period away from food, weekly. I immediately adopted this practice in my dietary program and was amazed how easy it became to lose weight and maintain it despite high intake and low activity level.

The Science - Reviewing current scientific knowledge and the biochemistry of human metabolism, to my amazement, all the scientific evidence for the soundness of this diet has already been well documented and are outlined in the book. This includes the scientific basis for the prevention and control of obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. How this diet slows the aging process and how to maximize the use of conventional and alternative treatments to cure these diseases are also discussed.

The Sharing - This diet regime was recommended to family, friends and patients who also experienced the amazing success as long as they were compliant with this formula. Through this book it is my intention to make this knowledge of God's provision for healthy and pleasurable living available to the world. Current scientific knowledge clearly substantiates the reason for the success of this diet and it is my intent over the next 2 years to scientifically demonstrate this in a controlled study.