I have read many health books from Christian and secular authors, many of whom have left me confused and frustrated with lack of information, wisdom and practical advice on how to incorporate the necessary changes I need to make in my daily life to achieve optimal health. Gary Zeolla’s book, God-given Foods Eating Plan takes you step by step through the maze of nutritional benefits and health hazards of foods that are both God given and not, without becoming condemning or preachy.

Each chapter highlights a certain food group or topic. Included in each food chapter, Gary gives Biblical Evidence for that food as a God given or not a God given food. He indicates throughout the chapter the many health benefits of God-given foods, the nutrient content, highlighting many specific foods within the category of the chapter, he gives information on approximate serving sizes and level of consumption of that particular food you should consume each day and he also includes a detractor at the end of each chapter. Some of the chapter titles are: Fruits, Vegetables, Whole Grains, Vegetable Oils and related Foods, God-given Meats and Problems with Vegetarianism, Fish, Beverages, Sweeteners, Desert and Snack Foods, Hormones and Diet, Starting and Progressing in an Exercise Program, Fine-tuning a God-given Foods Eating Plan and Sample Menus.

What I like best about Gary’s writing is his honest approach to clarify what the bible really has to say about food. For example, in Chapter Seven, page 77 he writes: The first six chapters of this book covered various categories of plant foods. There are some who would stop there and say that is all we need and all that God intended us to eat. In other words, there are those who claim the Bible teaches human beings should follow a vegetarian or more specifically a vegan diet. Such claims can be seen in some other books on nutrition and the Bible and on Christian-vegetarian Web sites….This chapter will evaluate these claims by reviewing all the Bible has to say on the subject of meat eating.

Gary Zeolla, touches on bible verses that I have never read in other Christian health books, let alone even implied in other writings. Gary’s writing is easily understood, and I believe, even if this is the first book you have chosen to read on health you will come away with a solid biblical foundation to eating and improving your health. As you read, you’ll gain a better understanding of God’s plan for your health and be introduced to a Jesus; even I was surprised to meet.

Gary writes, from start to finish, it took about 14 months to write and produce this book. This writer put in his time and effort in the hope and prayer this book will provide the incentive and information needed for the reader to incorporate these healthy practices into your lifestyle.