The Hallelujah Diet and lifestyle is based on the teachings of George Malkmus. The diet focuses on the nutritional plan laid out in Genesis 1:29, "God said, 'Behold, I have given you all herbage yielding seed that is on the surface of the entire earth, and every tree that has seed-yielding fruit; it shall be yours for food." Malkmus, a Baptist minister, also advocates a biblical lifestyle.
History
George Malkmus, at the time a pastor of an upstate New York church, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1976. He had watched the suffering of his mother, who died of the same disease, as she underwent chemotherapy, radiation treatments and surgery. Lester Rollof, an evangelist and friend, advised Reverend Malkmus to forgo medical treatment and simply change his diet. Malkmus' new diet consisted of raw fruits and vegetables, including large quantities of fresh carrot juice. As his symptoms diminished, he researched every possible source on his nutrition regimen -- including the Bible. He found his answer in the Genesis 1:29 passage. After a year the baseball-sized tumor had disappeared, along with all other physical ailments.
The Diet
The Hallelujah diet consists of 85 percent raw foods or juices. The suggested beverages include Hallelujah Acre's BarleyMax, BeetMax and CarrotJuiceMax, in addition to fresh juices and distilled water. Almond or banana milk serve as dairy alternatives. For oils and fats, the diet recommends extra virgin olive oil, flaxseed oil or Udo's oil. Only fresh or dehydrated herbs and salt-free seasonings are used.
The 15 percent cooked portion of the diet allows for whole grain cereals, pasta and breads. Caffeine-free herb teas are also acceptable. Allowed sweeteners are raw honey, molasses, stevia, rice syrup, carob, pure maple syrup, date sugar and agave nectar. Vegetables should be steamed or cooked in a wok.
Lifestyle
The proponents of the Hallelujah Diet consider it a flexible lifestyle concept and not a rigid meal plan You are encouraged to adapt the diet to your own needs, while keeping the basic ideas in place.
The Hallelujah Acres staff also consider Christian spirituality, exercise and relaxation as essential to a healthy lifestyle. Hallelujah Acres operates 4 Lifestyle Centers, featuring two, five and 10-day stays.
The Theory
The theory behind the Hallelujah Diet is that humans' long digestive tract -- like that of herbivores -- and stomach acid is not designed to completely break down meat. Toxicity develops as the meat, trapped in the bends and pockets of the digestive system, begins to rot. This toxicity is a leading cause of disease. The diet tends to follow common recommendations from health professionals to eat more fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of water and consume less saturated fats and oils -- although most health care providers would not recommend such an extreme raw food diet.
Drawbacks
The predominantly vegan diet tends to be too carbohydrate rich and protein poor, Vitamin B12 and D deficiencies are also a byproduct of the Hallelujah Diet, and Hallelujah Acres staff encourage practitioners to include supplements to meet the deficiencies. The diet can also lead to low levels of iron, selenium, biotin, zinc, pantothenic acid and niacin. The low protein levels make dieters susceptible to bleeding gums, muscle cramps, thinning hair, low energy levels, reduced thyroid function, edema, gross weight loss and infections. As with any drastic dietary change, consult your physician before undertaking the Hallelujah Diet.
Additional Services
Today Hallelujah Acres offers once-a-month Saturday Seminars and food preparation classes. Training is offered for Health Ministers to spread the word. The compound hosts reunions of Health Ministers and an annual Women's Retreat. There is a large health food store and an expanded version of the original Hallelujah Acres Cafe.
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