About the Hallelujah Diet Plan

The Hallelujah diet is a low-calorie vegan diet that incorporates nutrition and weight loss ideals with biblical teachings. Begun by the Rev. George Malkmus and his wife, Rhonda, at Hallelujah Acres Ministries, the diet claims to be "God's way to optimal health." The Hallelujah diet does not allow animal products of any kind and promotes healthy eating and lifestyle through whole, unprocessed foods, exercise and the Bible.

The Facts

• The Hallelujah diet consists of 85 percent raw foods and 15 percent cooked foods. Juicing vegetables and plants also form a part of the plan, as does regular exercise. The diet calls for a variety of supplements such as B12, barley powder and digestive enzymes. It is similar to other raw food diets in that the Hallelujah diet recommends consuming raw vegetables, soaked nuts, sprouted beans, nut butters, seeds and raw juices. No meat or any other kind of animal product, such as cow's or goat's milk, is allowed.

History

• George Malkmus was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1976. His mother died of colon cancer, and he did not want to have the same fate. Eschewing conventional cancer treatments, he changed his diet to one consisting of raw foods and juices. Not only did his cancer disappear, but so did a host of other medical problems. Convinced the diet cleared his health, he then developed the diet to share with others.

Significance

• The Hallelujah diet is one of the few Christian-based diet plans available. Many diets simply focus on weight loss, but the Hallelujah diet focuses on integrating all aspects of health with Christianity and the Bible. Malkmus has said that he believes the diet is what God intended for humans to eat in the Garden of Eden. Malkmus claims that a failure to eat the way God intended is what leads to health problems such as clogged arteries, heart disease and arthritis.

Function

• The Hallelujah Diet is used as a tool for weight loss and also as a system for total health. The goal is "optimal health." Regular 30-minute exercise sessions are recommended. Malkmus says that we can control or eliminate 90 percent of all health problems without drugs or medical treatments by using the diet.

Effects

• Dieters will lose weight on the Hallelujah plan since the food options are restricted and low-calorie. While some people on the diet have reported hunger cravings and tiredness, others report weight loss, independence from medications and insulin, and increased energy. Everydiet.org praises diets filled with vegetables, fruits and whole grains but cautions about the effects of a diet with little protein.

Considerations

• One specific diet will not be a perfect for all people. Depending on your body's needs, the Hallelujah diet may present nutritional deficiencies or only be doable for a short period of time. Some people who have followed the diet reported fatigue, depression and loss of muscle tone. Stories in recent years indicate that Malkmus has suffered from a stroke and high blood pressure.