Since 1976, the Hallelujah Diet has offered health conscious individuals a 100 percent plant-based alternative to the nutritional norm. Unlike the dietary guidelines provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or USDA, this plan cuts out meat, eggs and dairy products. Supporters believe that excluding animal-based products from the human diet leads to extraordinary health and healing benefits. Critics, however, warn that this claim isn't scientifically sound and benefits are short-lived.
History
In 1976, Christian pastor Rev. George Malkmus created the Hallelujah Diet during his bout with colon cancer. He credits the plan with successfully treating his cancer symptoms and doing the same for his wife's arthritis and obesity. Malkmus detailed the experience in his 1989 book, "Why Christians Get Sick" and its sequel, "God's Way to Ultimate Health." Three years later, he and his wife launched the Hallelujah Acres ministry on their Tennessee farm. Presently the ministry, now located in Shelby, North Carolina, boasts a restaurant, health food store and auditorium for guest seminars.
Religious Roots
According to Hallelujah Acres, the diet is based on God's ideal nutritional design for human beings as outlined in Genesis 1:29. The Old Testament verse explains how Adam and Eve were originally given plants to consume, not animals which were only introduced after sin entered the world. Therefore, proponents believe that any break with God's original design leads to unnecessary health risks.
Scientific Foundation
Besides the religious explanation, the ministry cites scientific proof for an entirely vegan nutritional approach. For example, it claims that the size and shape of the human digestive tract is more conducive to plant rather than animal consumption. The diet also adheres to common health principles such as the importance of reducing stress, increasing exercise, eliminating unhealthy fat and boosting water, fiber, fruit and vegetable intake.
Features
The Hallelujah Diet consists of 85% uncooked and 15% cooked plant-based edibles. The menu's uncooked portion is divided into 11 food groups: beverages, dairy alternatives, fruit, grains, beans, nuts and seeds, oils and fats, seasonings, sweets, vegetables, and soups. The cooked portion, which is consumed only once daily, also includes the oil, sweetener and plant-based dairy alternative. According to Diets in Review.com, participants must also supplement the menu with a daily dose of BarleyMax, a powdered vegetable juice. In addition, as with every health plan, exercise is a must. Hallelujah Acres provides two original exercise mechanisms to its dieters: the Fit10 for cardio/strength training and the Urban Rebounding System, a small trampoline.
Advantages
From improved energy and weight loss to the elimination of diseases from acid reflux to cancer, dieters report multiple benefits similar to that of the founders, reports Hallelujah Acres. EveryDiet confirms that many participants will experience short-term health advantages. For instance, people may have lower blood cholesterol levels because the Hallelujah plan is low in fat. Furthermore, the diet's antioxidants and fiber may also reduce the chances of contracting cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Disadvantages
Critics doubt the diet's long-term health benefits and ability to treat existing diseases. For example, Stephen Barrett, M.D., the creator of Quack Watch, states on his website that "although low-fat, high-fiber diets can be healthful, the Hallelujah Diet is unbalanced and can lead to serious deficiencies" and that choosing this plan "instead of appropriate medical care is very foolish." EveryDiet also points out that high-fiber nutritional plans can lead to abdominal discomfort and long-term participants have complained of "nutritional deficiencies, loss of muscle tone, food cravings, chronic tiredness, depression and premature aging."
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