Did God, also known as "The Maker of all mankind" prescribe a diet for his human creation? Some say that He intended humans to be vegetarians based on Genesis 1:29 .  In The Maker's Diet: The 40-day Health Experience that will Change your Life Forever, Dr. Jordan Rubin contends that mankind is omnivorous and should follow a good basic diet containing a variety of "meats," fruits, vegetables, grains, and etc.  He bases this diet on the health and hygiene principles given to Moses for the Children of Israel.  In addition, he advocates seeking God as the key to spiritual and mental health and exercise for the body.

I first read The Maker's Diet almost a year ago.  While I knew the principles were sound, I was so stressed out that I couldn't force myself to adhere to "a diet."  So I pushed it to the back of my mind and went on.

Dr. Rubin and The Maker's Diet were again brought to my attention when I attended the Lindsay Roberts Women's Conference in March.  Dr. Rubin was one of the Speakers; my Notes for the conference contain some of what he said.   At that time I determined that my husband and I would start on the diet as a way to regain our energy and shed a few pounds.


A couple of weeks ago, I read through "the diet" pages since I had already read the book.  Then I was convicted that I needed to read the first 193 pages again, so I could really be inspired.  As a fast reader, it only took an afternoon to complete--especially since I'm not trying to remember every detail.  Having the book available for future reference makes life easier.

Approximately 10 years ago, young Jordan went from being a healthy, athletic college student to being close to death. He sought treatment at medical institutions in the US and Europe. Nothing seemed to help.  In early 1996, he met an eccentric nutritionist who suggested he eat the "diet of the Bible."  That started a study "that uncovered an interesting fact: the longest-lived cultures in the world had a few things in common--they consumed "living" foods that abounded with nutrients, enzymes, and beneficial micro-organisms. And they consumed healthy animal foods that were rich in nutrients.  They avoided processed foods filled with 'empty' calories that robbed nutrients from the body."  (p. 24) Immediately,  Jordan began to see improvement in his health.  The book sports "before and after" pictures--you won't want to miss them!

While written in an easy to read narrative style, The Maker's Diet tells the reader what they need to know.  Jordan gives the reasons behind the changes he advocates.  He tells his experiences and how he came to these conclusions.  However, this work is not just "I think" by Jordan Rubin.  After recovery, he returned to school where he studied naturopathic medicine, nutrition and other natural therapies.  He gives "scientific" basis to back up what he learned from the Bible.  I also like that he gives the reasoning behind many of his choices of foods to eat and what to avoid.

So where does that leave me?
 
Eighteen years ago, my chiropractor put me on a diet which eliminated "sugar."  So I know from experience (see The Sugar Control Diet ) that I feel much better when I decrease certain foods in my daily intake.  Therefore, I determined to start following The Maker's Diet as an additional learning experience and my health could use a boost.

The Maker's Diet is a 40-day plan.  For 14 days, one is on a restrictive diet as a cleansing process.  Many diets are like this.  One eats meats/poultry/fish, vegetables and fruits from the list.  Pasta, grains legumes, dairy and beverages are restricted.  However, there is still plenty to eat.  One should eat foods are the closest to nature as possible, eliminating additional sauces and condiments which add additional calories and usually contain sugar.

As I write this review, my husband and I are on Day 10.  (I will add an Epilogue when the 40 days are up.) We've been eating eggs or fruit for breakfast.  Then meat and vegetables for lunch.  Evening meals mostly consist of a variety of salad makings.  I've done fairly well at not cheating--my biggest cheat is occasionally having a small amount of cow's milk yogurt (not allowed until Day 15) with my fruit.

I've also been putting my foods into the food counter on Fitday.Com .  This gives me an overall picture of how I'm doing.  With this new eating program and daily exercise, I've lost five pounds during this 10 day period.
  
On Day 15, certain foods are re-added to the diet plan and again on Day 29.  By Day 40, one should be convinced to make these dietary changes permanent.  As one becomes enamored with how their body feels with this change of diet, then it is less tempting to eat destructive foods. With a little creativity in cooking, one can continue this healthy diet for long-term.  Recipes are given for many delicious dishes.

On The Maker's Diet and the one I first used twenty years ago, I found the main thing is to stay away from processed foods which contain excess amounts of sugars, fats, and fillers. Label reading is a must.  At least if you know what is in a product, then you can make an informed decision on if you wish to eat it.  This is an opportunity to examine priorities.  Cooking from scratch does take a little more time than opening a can or package but is well worth the effort.

I have to be honest that it hasn't been easy (for these first two weeks) to cut out favorite foods such as bread and potatoes.  Those are my big things and I look forward to being able to eat them again. Each person will have different foods that will be a challenge for them to avoid. After reading this book twice and hearing Dr. Rubin as a speaker, I was convinced to give it a try.  By the way, the paperback version has just been released.

It's up to the individual to decide that improving health is worth a little effort. Even if one doesn't choose to follow the whole diet, reading The Maker's Diet could give one a new in improved perspective in the word "Diet."  To use a popular phrase, "Bon Appetit!"

Day 42: Read the epilogue to this story in The Maker's Diet (and Beyond)

On the front and back inside flaps of the book jacket:

THE CREATOR'S PLAN FOR OPTIMAL HEALTH!

Are you looking for a health plan that is biblically based and scientifically proven?  The Maker's Diet is just that. Using a truly holistic approach to health, this groundbreaking book leads you on a journey that will change your life.

The Maker's Diet will help you:

• Boost your immune system
• Attain and maintain your ideal weight
• Have abundant energy
• Improve your physical appearance
• Reduce stress
• Improve digestion

Discover how Jordan Rubin's faith-based journey from near death to vital health led him to uncover the timeless principles of the world's healthiest people.  By following The Maker's Diet your health dreams can become a reality.

JORDAN S. RUBIN is the founder of Garden of Life, a health and wellness company that empowers people to attain extraordinary health.  He has earned doctoral degrees in naturopathic medicine, nutrition, and natural therapies.  Jordan has written 3 books and appeared on more than 300 television and radio programs worldwide.  He has also written numerous articles for top nutritional and medical journals.  he lives in South Florida with his wife, Nicki.

On the back cover:

"Dr. Jordan Rubin is on a mission from God to change the health of this nation. when I was first presented with the manuscript for this book, I couldn't put it down.  I have been praying for more than a year that God would lead me to a health plan that was based on the Bible and tested by science.  The Maker's Diet is just that."