Biblically Clean Eating: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and How to Start Your Journey

Throughout history, dietary laws have held a central place in various cultures, not just for physical health but also for spiritual purity and moral discipline. The dietary instructions found in sacred texts, particularly in the Bible, offer profound insights into how food and health are connected to spiritual well-being. The Lord’s dietary laws, found mainly in the Old Testament, provide a roadmap for living a life that honours God through purity, cleanliness, and intentional living. In this article, we explore these laws, their biblical significance, and how they guide believers toward a life that reflects the holiness and wholeness of Father God's desires.

The foundation of the Lord’s dietary laws is primarily found in the Torah (the first five books of the Bible), particularly in Leviticus and Deuteronomy. The laws were given to the Israelites, instructing them on how to maintain spiritual cleanliness through what they ate and how they lived. These laws were meant to distinguish the people of Israel from other nations and to preserve their holiness. God’s command was clear: His people were to be a "set-apart" nation, living according to principles that were different from the surrounding nations.

In Leviticus 11, for instance, God provides a detailed list of clean and unclean animals. These animals were divided based on their characteristics, such as whether they chewed cud or had split hooves. Clean animals, like cows and sheep, were considered acceptable for food, while unclean animals, such as pigs and shellfish, were prohibited.

The dietary laws served several important purposes. First and foremost, they were a means of ensuring the spiritual purity of the people of Israel. The act of following God’s commands concerning food was not just about what entered the body physically, but what entered the heart and soul spiritually. Clean foods were seen as part of maintaining holiness, while unclean foods were symbolic of spiritual contamination.

These laws were a way to promote health and well-being. Many of the animals considered unclean, like pork, were often carriers of diseases that could harm the body. The Lord’s dietary laws were not just about obedience but were practical and beneficial, protecting the physical health of the Israelites.

Furthermore, these laws demonstrated the holiness of God. By following these rules, the Israelites would live differently from the surrounding nations, reflecting God's unique character. Their actions—what they ate, how they prepared food, and how they treated the sacredness of their bodies—were all a reflection of their relationship with Him.

The Clean and Unclean Foods

The division of animals into clean and unclean categories was based on certain physical characteristics. For example:

• Clean animals: These included animals that had split hooves and chewed cud, such as cows, sheep, goats, and deer.
• Unclean animals: Animals that did not meet these criteria, such as pigs, camels, and rabbits, were considered unclean.
• Fish: Clean fish had fins and scales, while unclean fish lacked one or both, such as catfish and shellfish.
• Birds: Certain birds, such as vultures, eagles, and owls, were considered unclean, while others like doves and chickens were acceptable.

The rationale for these distinctions remains largely unexplained in Scripture but has been understood to symbolize purity, separation from the world, and an intentional lifestyle of holiness.

What Biblically Clean Eating Is Not

Biblically Clean Eating doesn’t mean following trendy diets or opting for highly processed “health” foods that may be labelled “natural” but stray far from God’s original design. This approach steers clear of artificial additives, GMO (genetically modified organisms), and lab-made ingredients that don’t align with what the Creator intended for us. Today, it’s about reading labels, knowing where your food comes from, and avoiding overly processed options that fall outside these principles.

Modern Examples of What to Avoid

In today’s world, it’s easy to come across foods that don’t honour the clean, natural standard laid out in the Bible. Here’s a quick guide on what to avoid:

• GMO Foods: Engineered to resist pests or grow faster, GMOs often lose their natural quality, making them something God didn’t intend.
• Artificial Ingredients: Chemical additives, artificial flavours, and colours don’t nourish us as the Creator intended.
• Processed Meats and Foods: Highly processed items often contain unclean elements and additives, making them far from the natural foods God provided.

Spicy Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash, coconut milk (coconut milk will add to the sweetness), garlic, chili flakes, onions, and vegetable broth

Roast squash, blend with garlic, coconut milk, and broth. Add chili flakes for spice.

Use pumpkin instead of squash. Substitute chili flakes with cayenne pepper.

When living for the Lord, eating is not merely a physical act; it is an opportunity to draw closer to God, honouring Him with the choices made.  In the New Testament, Jesus reaffirmed the significance of inner purity and the heart's attitude towards food, stating that it is not what enters a person’s mouth that defiles them but what comes out of our heart (Matthew 15:11). This teaching emphasized that spiritual purity cannot be confined to outward rituals, but must originate from within.

However, many Christian traditions still view the dietary laws as a spiritual discipline that reflects obedience and a desire for spiritual purity. For instance, observing the dietary laws might encourage a person to be more mindful of their consumption, which fosters gratitude for God’s provisions. It also invites reflection on the broader principle that God desires us to treat our bodies with respect, care, and reverence.

Applying the Healthy Eating and Living to Today's Modern Society

While many Christians believe that the dietary laws were fulfilled by Jesus Christ and are no longer mandatory for salvation, there is still value in understanding and applying the principles behind these laws today. The core message behind the Lord’s dietary laws is about living intentionally, maintaining purity, and living in a way that honours God.

Some individuals or communities may still choose to observe these laws, seeing them as a way of connecting with their faith and honouring the Lord in their daily lives. Others might interpret these laws symbolically, as guiding principles for living a clean and healthy life, free from practices or substances that might cause spiritual harm.

In today’s world, the Lord’s dietary laws can also be seen in the broader context of promoting sustainability, environmental stewardship, and mindful eating. By being more selective about the foods consumed, you just may choose more healthier, more ethical, and sustainable food sources—principles that align with honouring God’s creation.

Eating Biblically Clean is more than a diet; it’s a way to align our physical nourishment with our spiritual journey. I hope this article inspires you to take those first steps toward a cleaner, more intentional way of eating. Remember, you’re not alone on this path—this blog, the recipes, and my Clean Eating Starter Guide are here to help every step of the way.

Thank you for joining me on this journey toward honouring our bodies and the Creator who made them. Let’s continue to grow in faith and health together.