5 Things You Need to Know About the Hallelujah Diet

1. Bible-Based Diet

The Hallelujah Diet, also called Hallelujah Acres, is based on Biblical principles, and advocates the consumption of 85 percent dense, unprocessed and raw foods, and 15 percent cooked foods. The 85% portion is made up of such foods as grains, fresh, preferably organic fruits and vegetables, and nuts. The goal is to eat these foods as close to their original state as you can. The 15 percent portion includes things like steamed vegetables, cooked fruits and grains and beverages such as herbal teas and organic juices. Carrot juice is a strong component of the recommended daily diet. The diet is strictly vegan, so there is no meat or dairy; only rice milk and non-dairy cheeses.

2. The Good News

There's no doubt that, for most of us, including more fruits and vegetables in our diets would certainly make us healthier. In addition to weight loss, people on the Hallelujah Diet report they have more energy and a better ability to concentrate. Exercise is also a vital recommended component to the diet, and many have found they have more energy to exercise while eating this way. Some people have found that adopting this diet has helped to cure them from diseases such as cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome. A good nutritional diet is certainly paramount in treating disease, but should only be done under the guidance of a doctor who has a background in nutrition.

3. Seek Support From the Local Health Minister

There are several books available that outline the Hallelujah diet and also include recipes. Many churches have also formed support groups that use the diet as their focus to attain weight loss and good health. Training programs are available for those who wish to become "Health Ministers" at their churches, which also includes additional levels of training for those who wish to expand their ministries.

4. The Bad News

Since this is a strict vegan diet, some people will find it hard to stick with for any length of time. In addition, you may find that your body goes through a process of what the program's designers call "detoxification" as your body adjusts to life without meat, refined sugars and dairy products. Symptoms of detoxification may include headaches, irritability, nausea, fatigue and diarrhea. Just the thought of eating a gallon of vegetables every day is enough to scare off some people.

5. Delving Deeper Into Scripture

While vegan diets such as the Hallelujah Diet have been shown to be beneficial in the short term, following the diet long term does have its critics. Some experts feel the diet is too low in both calories and protein, is lacking some essential nutrients, and is too high in carbohydrates to be healthy as a long term eating plan. They cite that instead of focusing strictly on Genesis 1:29 for God's ideas on nutrition, that we should also be looking to Genesis 9:3, which includes animal products in certain forms.