What Diet Does God Want Us to Eat? A Biblical Guide

October 5, 2025 •

3 min read

Throughout history, Christian dietary practices have varied widely, leading many to question if there is one ideal approach. This guide examines biblical teachings to help answer what diet does God want us to eat, focusing on principles of gratitude, stewardship, and moderation.

Quick Summary

This article explores evolving biblical guidance on diet and eating habits. It covers the original Genesis diet, Mosaic laws, New Testament declarations, and foundational principles like moderation and thanksgiving.

Key Points

The Evolving Biblical Diet: Dietary laws in the Bible changed over time, from the original plant-based diet in Eden to the post-Flood inclusion of meat, and finally to the New Testament's emphasis on grace over specific food rules.
Freedom in the New Covenant: For Christians, New Testament passages like Acts 10 and Mark 7:19 declare all foods clean, removing the ritualistic Old Testament food prohibitions.
Principles of Moderation and Gratitude: Rather than strict rules, New Testament teaching emphasizes moderation, self-control, and receiving food with thanksgiving to honor God.
Stewardship of the Body: Christians are called to care for their bodies, which are considered temples of the Holy Spirit. This involves making wise, health-conscious food choices.
Consideration for Others: The principle of love, as taught in Romans 14, encourages believers not to cause a fellow Christian to stumble over dietary choices, prioritizing spiritual unity over personal freedom.

From Creation to a New Covenant: The Evolution of Biblical Eating

The question of what diet does God want us to eat has a complex and evolving answer throughout the Bible. Understanding God's perspective on food and health requires examining different periods of biblical history and covenantal law. From the garden of Eden to the teachings of the New Testament, we see God’s guidance shift, emphasizing not just the 'what' but also the 'how' and 'why' of our eating.

God’s Original Plant-Based Diet

In Genesis 1:29-30, God initially gave humanity a diet of plants bearing seed and trees with fruit. This established a plant-based diet in the original perfect creation.

The Shift After the Flood

Following the flood, God permitted the consumption of meat, stating in Genesis 9:3, “Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything”. A restriction against eating meat with blood was also given.

The Mosaic Law: Defining Clean and Unclean

Under the Mosaic Covenant, God gave specific food laws to Israel, distinguishing between clean and unclean animals (Leviticus 11, Deuteronomy 14). Clean animals included those with a split hoof that chew the cud, and fish with fins and scales. Unclean foods, like pork and shellfish, were forbidden. These laws were intended to set Israel apart.

A list of biblically clean foods from the Old Testament includes:

Land Animals: Cattle, sheep, goats, and deer.
Seafood: Any fish with fins and scales, such as salmon or cod.
Poultry: Dove, pigeon, and chicken.
Grains: Wheat, barley, millet, and spelt.
Fruits and Vegetables: Figs, grapes, pomegranates, olives, and leafy greens.

The New Covenant and the Declared Cleanliness of All Food

The New Testament brought a change with Jesus fulfilling the Mosaic Law. In Acts 10, God showed Peter a vision declaring formerly unclean animals clean (Acts 10:15). Mark 7:19 also states that Jesus declared all foods clean. This shifted the focus from ritualistic food laws to a more spiritual understanding.

Principles Over Rules: A Christian Approach to Eating

Instead of a rigid set of dietary rules, the New Testament provides principles for Christian eating, viewing the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Moderation and Temperance: Christians are called to practice self-control and avoid gluttony, doing all things, including eating, for God's glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). Proverbs 25:16 advises eating only what is needed.
Gratitude: Receiving food with thanksgiving is a spiritual act, as everything created by God is good and consecrated by prayer (1 Timothy 4:4-5).
Stewardship of Your Body: Caring for the body through nutrition, exercise, and rest is an act of good stewardship since the body belongs to God.
Conscience and Love: Romans 14 teaches believers not to judge each other's dietary choices, emphasizing peace, righteousness, and joy in the Holy Spirit over disputes about food. Abstaining from food that causes a fellow believer to stumble is encouraged out of love.

Comparing Biblical Dietary Approaches


Aspect	Old Covenant (Mosaic Law)	New Covenant (Christian Principles)
Basis	Detailed, specific rules given to Israel for separation.	General, faith-based principles for all believers.
Purpose	Primarily to set the Israelites apart as a holy people.	To honor God in all things and care for the body as a temple.
Food Restrictions	Strict, including rules against unclean animals like pork and shellfish.	No inherent restrictions on any food, as all were declared clean.
Focus	Adherence to external regulations.	Internal attitudes of moderation, gratitude, and conscience.
Example Diet	Kosher diet, based on Old Testament laws.	Diverse, wholesome diet, often similar to a Mediterranean or whole-foods approach.

Conclusion: A Balanced, Principled Path

Ultimately, the Bible does not prescribe a single, one-size-fits-all diet for modern Christians. Instead, it offers timeless principles that guide our choices. The journey begins with gratitude for the food God provides, embraces the wisdom of moderation, and emphasizes the stewardship of our bodies. While the specific food restrictions of the Old Testament no longer apply, their underlying themes of holiness and intentional living still resonate. By aligning our eating habits with these principles—choosing whole foods, avoiding excess, and honoring God in all we do—we can find a path that nourishes both our bodies and our spirits.

Learn more about biblical principles for healthy living by exploring the Gospel Centered Health website, which offers many valuable resources related to this topic.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Old Testament, specifically Leviticus 11, prohibits the eating of pork for Israelites. However, under the New Covenant, this restriction was removed, and Christians are no longer bound by these ritualistic food laws.

The Daniel Fast is a partial fast based on Daniel's practice of eating only vegetables and water for a period. It is not required for Christians but is a voluntary practice many undertake for spiritual focus, detox, and prayer.

While the Bible doesn't explicitly mention processed foods, the New Testament emphasis on stewardship and consuming food received with thanksgiving suggests favoring whole, natural foods that are beneficial for health. Avoiding excesses aligns with moderation.

No, it is not a sin to be a vegetarian. The Bible allows for different dietary choices, and passages like Romans 14 instruct believers not to judge others based on what they choose to eat. A vegetarian diet can be a valid expression of Christian stewardship.

According to Romans 14, believers should not quarrel over food. The focus should be on personal conscience and honoring God. It is more important to promote peace and unity within the church than to enforce a specific dietary practice.

Jesus likely ate a diet consistent with Jewish practice of his time, which included whole grain bread, fish, olive oil, figs, grapes, and various vegetables. He would have abstained from biblically unclean meats.

The Bible presents fasting as a spiritual discipline, not a mandatory practice. While Jesus and the apostles fasted, it is always presented as voluntary. It can be a powerful tool for drawing closer to God.