As a child, I grew up eating steak. Yup. My dad used to cook one for each of us, and we would sit across the table from each other eating our steaks. When I found the Baha'i Faith, I read the writings about nutrition (see below) and liked the idea that we could live just fine on a vegetarian diet, but that meat was permissible if we felt we needed it. As I get older, I don't need to eat as much, and there are some things I can live without (except for steamed dumplings!). There are many quotations about eating in moderation and eating simple foods, which I wish I had followed earlier. I'm glad to be looking at it again, now. I'm putting in a quote about medical treatment, as well.
"Thou hast written regarding the four canine teeth in man, saying that these teeth, two in the upper jaw and two in the lower, are for the purpose of eating meat. Know thou that these four teeth are not created for meat-eating, although one can eat meat with them. All the teeth of man are made for eating fruit, cereals and vegetables. These four teeth, however, are designed for breaking hard shells, such as those of almonds. But eating meat is not forbidden or unlawful, nay, the point is this, that it is possible for man to live without eating meat and still be strong. Meat is nourishing and containeth the elements of herbs, seeds and fruits; therefore, sometimes it is essential for the sick and for the rehabilitation of health. There is no objection to the Law of God to the eating of meat if it is required. So if thy constitution is rather weak and thou findest meat useful, thou mayest eat it."
-From a Tablet of 'Abdu'l-Baha, Lights of Guidance, p. 295
"What will be the food of the future?" "Fruit and grains. The time will come when meat will no longer be eaten. Medical science is only in its infancy, yet it has shown that our natural diet is that which grows out of the ground. The people will gradually develop up to the condition of this natural food."
-'Abdu'l-Baha, Days in the Light of Akka, pp. 8-9
"Baha'u'llah tells us that in case of disease we should pray but at the same time refer to competent physicians, and abide by their considered decision."
-Extract from a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Compilation on Health and Healing, p. 476
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