What Meat to Eat?

Did a loving God teach something about meats we should still heed when He labeled some "clean" and others "unclean"? (Russel, 2006).

We are informed to eat meats in moderation and in order for us to be obedient to God, we must also listen to Him if we want to remain healthy and happy. A large number of health risks are associated with eating red meat, such as heart disease, cancer, high cholesterol and the list goes on. So the question, what kind of meat can we eat in order to stay healthy? In Romans 14:6, "He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God;and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God."

It is important that we focus on the right kind of meats. God said, "You may eat any animal that has a split hoof completely divided and that chews the cud" (Leviticus 11:3). He also said "Of course all creatures living in the water of the seas and the streams, you may eat that have fins and scales (v. 9). Eating clean fish and beef is essential to good health. Meats contain proteins, iron, zinc and vitamin B6 and B12. Clean animal flesh also contain 3-Omega fatty acids that are essential for life. As we listen to God's word, He is telling us what foods to avoid so we do not get sick or become a statistic of another severe illness or disease. Leviticus 11:43: "Do not defile yourselves by any of these creatures. Do make yourselves unclean by means or be made unclean by them." Remember, the following animals that God created for us to eat, is for a valid reason. God said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.”(Exodus 15:26, NIV). The next time you have your next meal, look for the types of "clean" animals you may eat. God has never failed on His promise to those who obey Him.

Russel (2006) provides a list of the following "clean" meats that God will allow us to eat to maintain health and vitality:

Four-Legged Animals Birds Fish

Clean: (with scales and fins)

Calf Goose Black Bass

Deer Chicken Black Drum

Goat Coot Bluefish

Ox Duck Carp

Sheep Pigeon Channel Bass

Quail Cod

Swan Chub

Turkey Croaker

Flounder

Halibut

Kingfish

Mullet

Pike

Pompano

Salmon

Rainbow Trout

Spanish Mackerel

Blue Fin Tuna

White Perch

Carolina Whiting

Yellow Perch

Resource:

Russel, R. (2006). What the Bible Says About Healthy Living. 3 Principles That Will Change Your Diet and Improve Your Health.