![Diet Plans and Nutrition [Home]](/images/everydiet5.png "Every Diet [Home]"){kind=small}
Hallelujah Diet
Background
Pastor George M. Malkmus developed the Hallelujah diet based on what he believes is the ideal diet that God intended for us to eat in the Garden of Eden. He describes the diet as composed of God’s natural foods that are “bountiful in ‘live’ enzymes that nourish cells and provide true energy”.
George Malkmus claims to have healed himself from cancer following this diet however it appears that there are no medical records to back up his claim. Reports state that he has since suffered a stroke and high blood pressure and has had to resort to medication to control his condition.
The Hallelujah Diet Basics
The diet is fundamentally a vegan raw food diet. The basic guidelines of the diet are simple: consume 85% raw foods and 15% cooked foods. The cooked portion is usually consumed at the end of the evening meal.
On the Hallelujah diet it is recommended to skip breakfast and instead have only barley grass drinks and fresh vegetable juices. Options for breakfast are given for those transitioning from a standard diet and include such foods as fresh fruit salad, whole grain raw granola, almond milk and sprouted grain toast with almond butter.
Meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, caffeine and alcohol are strictly prohibited.
The Hallelujah Diet also involves the use of a number of supplements including BarleyMax which are sold on the Hallelujah Diet website.
Recommended Foods
The 85% Portion
- Raw vegetable and fresh vegetable juices.
- Fresh fruits (limited to no more than 15% of daily intake).
- Raw nuts, nut butter and seeds.
- Sprouted beans.
- Soaked raw oats.
- Olive oil, flax oil and avocado.
The 15% Portion
- Steamed or stir fried vegetables.
- Steamed or baked white potato, sweet potato and squash.
- Cooked beans such as lima, kidney, pinto etc.
- Whole grain breads, pasta and brown rice.
- Soy cheese, rice milk and small amounts of organic butter and mayonnaise.
- Raw honey, molasses, carob powder, maple syrup (use sparingly).
- Herb teas, cereal based coffee replacements, bottled fruit and vegetable juices.
Sample Diet Plan
| Breakfast
BarleyMax |
| Mid-morning
Carrot and green vegetable juice (2/3 carrot and 1/3 greens) with flaxseeds |
| Lunch
BarleyMax followed 30 minutes later by all raw meal of salad or raw fruit |
| Mid-afternoon
Carrot and green vegetable juice (2/3 carrot and 1/3 greens) with raw trail mix |
| Dinner
BarleyMax followed 30 minutes later by a large green salad with a variety of raw vegetables followed by nut loaf, baked sweet potato, whole grain pasta or vegetable sandwich on whole grain bread. |
| Evening Snack
A piece of fresh fruit or a serve of fresh apple or pear juice. |
Look here for other vegetarian recipes.
If desired it is allowable to swap the lunch and dinner options so long as only one meal contains cooked food and the total amount of cooked food does not exceed 15% for the whole day.
Exercise Recommendations
Exercise is recommended as part of a balanced lifestyle both for weight loss and general health and is advocated as a method to help with eliminating toxins from the body.
These exercises can be used with the Hallelujah Diet.
Costs and Expenses
Hallelujah Diet Book $14.99US.
Recipe book $24.95US
BarleyMax powder $37.95US (2 months supply)
If taking all the supplements recommended in the program the cost is approximately $2000 US per year.
Pros
- Many people experience short term health benefits.
- High content of vegetables provide antioxidants and fiber and are associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
- Low fat diet can reduce blood cholesterol levels.
- Increases awareness about processed foods in diet.
Cons
- The biblical basis for the diet is questionable as is the belief that there is one perfect diet for all people.
- Most people will probably not enjoy this style of eating.
- Unscientific nutritional explanations.
- Many long term followers of the diet have had problems including severe nutritional deficiencies, loss of muscle tone, food cravings, chronic tiredness, depression and premature aging.
Conclusions
While it may be beneficial for a short term cleansing diet, the Hallelujah diet is far too low in protein and other essential nutrients to be viable as a health promoting diet over the longer term. Those who are physically active as well as people with digestive disorders or chronic illnesses will especially fall far short of their daily protein needs.
Malkmus also makes claims that are not supported by current nutritional knowledge and the ‘proof’ provided is that of testimonials by dieters that have generally only been on the diet for a short time period.
If you are looking for a healthy long term approach to weight loss the Hallelujah Diet cannot be recommended.
There is no doubting the fact that Hallelujah Diet works. The result is almost instant. The period I have tried it proved wonderful – more strength and vigour, a clearer mind, a natural filling of fullfilment from nature’s sap, a healing of a budding breach in my large intestine which had delayed and narrowed my human waste (faecal) shape, a slimmer physique, fresher breath, and lovelier skin, normalised blood pressure, among other benefits. Yet these benefits do not say God did not mean that humans should eat meat. Everything is sanctified for you to enjoy, albeit, in moderation, and in the dosage most profitable for the body. Vegetable dosage should dominate.
The major snag in living the Hallelujah Diet life in my own part of the world is the rarity of vegetables suitable for raw consumption.
I score the book and the purpose it seeks to achieve in the lives of its readers 75%. I believe this has established some good credibility of its claim. Try the practice and prove for yourself.
I’m about to try this diet, but with all these comment i don’t know what to believe. What will be the source of amino acids for people on this diet?
As someone with doctorate degree in nutrition and someone familiar with nutrition research, I agree with the summary of this diet presented here and must warn those who support/practice it about serious consequences of its long-term use. Studies on this and similar diets that advocated eating raw foods to the same degree as this diet does, showed nutrients deficiencies and health problems among those who followed it. Before you dismiss my comments, go to Hallelujag Acres website and check the so called “Scientific Validation and Research” link. These “validations” were done by people from Hallelujah Acres and they clearly show inadequate intake of a number of nutrients. Here is the link: http://www.hacres.com/library/research-studies
Chioma,
Don’t criticize what you have not tested, i know people it has worked for and currently am on it and am seeing very great result, initially i thought it impossible to do without meat but on trying it, its wort doing. There is no harm in trying
I’m currently reading through the halleluyah diet book. it’s really amazing how the body heal itself. I guess this diet principle is only applicable to those who are over weight and needs to shed their weight. How about those of us with lo BMI and wants to at least add some weight.
My husband and I have been on HA diet for over 3 years, and plan to stay on it for life. I am over RA, we no longer take antihistimines, we have no allergy problems. The main problems we find with animal products is that they are so full of antibiotics, and growth harmones, and they make your body acidic. Keeping your body in an alkaline state is healty because most disease cannot live in an alkaline enviroment. ANd yes, after the flood God did give man meat to eat, probably because that was what was on the ark and avaliable. But the meat was pure, no chemicals like are poured into the meat animals of today. The fish weren’t in polluted waters,AND man’s life span shortened as he began to eat meat.
Rev. Malkmus’s health probalems came from over work as he travelled to spread the good news of God and this diet. Not because of being on the diet. He just over extended himself. Right now he is 75 and still going strong, and acting like a teen ager. Thanks.
If Hallelujah diet is so good, why are commentators here doing only 60 days. Why not do it for life? What about people already very skinny and emancipated? Can they just eat vegetables and fruits? Won’t they get even more thin. I am afraid to lose more weight because I am already thin. What about people being hungry all the time on this diet?
From a neutral standpoint, I believe when basing something on the Bible, you should truly have ALL of the facts. You should not just pick out the verses that support your point and ignore the rest. The Bible DOES mention eating meat on several occasions and in Leviticus it also gives you detailed instruction on what types are ok. I don’t believe it should be labeled a biblically-based diet for that reason. However, the principle of the diet is undeniably healthy. It eliminates things like sugar and processed foods, which I think we can all agree those things are not the best fuel for our bodies. People were meant to eat fruits, veggies, and meats…..not processed hot dogs on enriched (stripped) buns. We would all agree this is not how our forefathers ate, nor it is “natural”. MSG, high sodium, and refined sugars aren’t “natural.” I believe why thousands have been healed on this diet isn’t necessarily because they avoided meat, but that they eliminated many toxins and vitamin/mineral content of this diet is high. The plan encourages juicing which does get more vitamins into your system (same goes for liquid vs. capsule vitamins). Sure, you need to use common sense and eat a well-rounded diet that includes plenty of protein but the truth is that ALL diets need to be well-rounded…not just the Hallelujah diet. Most everyone is deficient in something if supplements aren’t taken, no matter WHAT diet you are or aren’t on. Our physician (neutral to any diet) screens every persons vitamin levels who walks into his office and he stated that almost every individual was low in multiple areas and that this can definetley be setting people up for cancer and disease. Have you had your entire vitamin panel tested lately? You would be surprised. Request a copy and look over it to see where you numbers could improve.
i was just about to start this diet for weight loss, but with all these comments and cons i am having a second thought.
Worth trying
“Study has shown that we were made vegetarian” Yeah Suzzette, our canine teeth sure are a good indication of that……
My mom and Dad are on this ‘way of life’ for a few YEARS now and they only have good things to say about it. It is sad that this site only review what they read and not from experience. Study has shown that we were made vegetarian . . . believe it not! Please take some time and do the 60 day challenge that is on the site, you have nothing to lose! It is difficult at first but if your mind is set to it, it gets easier. There are great recipes on the site to help you along. Enjoy
My son has been on the Hallelujah Acres Diet for 15 days. He has lost 7 pounds and is no longer taking his blood pressure medication. His blood pressure is checked 3 times a day and is well within the normal range. He also dips tobacco and now has almost completely stopped. I really believer there is something to this diet. If you really want to know, then try it for yourself instead of critizing it. I have started it and have been on it for 4 days. I plan to start the 60 day challange which is on their web site. Again, try it before critizing it!
I have just recently decided to try this diet. I don’t think that God would give us bad food to eat, however, the big companies have altered foods so badly that we are eating chemicals through the meat and vegies every day. I agree that you will have to pay attention to your choices and make sure you get enough of the essential nutrients, just like you should pay attention when eating meats and make sure you don’t get too many calories and fat. Common sense in any life style goes a long ways.
One person states ‘it’s a great long term diet, oh really? As far as meat goes, remember God gave quail to the wandering Israelites, so He gave a bad thing for them to consume?? Absolutely not, people for thousands of years have eaten meat, even goat meat, sheep, etc. etc…Whatever we eat, we ask always God’s blessing on it, also on what we drink…Let’s not be critical or foolish in what one particular group says we must eat..Believe what Jesus had accomplished for us on the Cross, that includes ‘we’re healed by His stripes”….Thank God for Jesus, God’s only begotten son…One more thing, check out Dr. Mercola’s website speaking of this so-called Hallelujah Diet..might be worth your while to do so……God bless you all and those you love…..
Both my husband and I have been on this diet before. We lost a lot of weight, my husband lost around 35 pounds and I lost around 20. The energy we had from eating/drinking the raw foods was unbelievable! I have NEVER felt so good-so light!
I have not heard anybody mention the fact that they also have local support groups that meet once a month. Go check your local Whole Foods store and see if there is one in your area.
Good luck~
My sister had cancer; this last biopsy indicated she is cancer free…PTL! I don’t really care if people do not like this diet, I’m just glad my sister started using it to improve her health – She say’s she feel great, better then she has in years. My Mom who is over age 70 at 250 lbs. just started on the diet a week ago she was so excited to tell me she lost 5 lbs and her leg that hurts her all the time, does not hurt her any more! I’m not even on this diet and I love it!!
Has anyone ever heard of combining; the problem with eating meat is that people combine starch like potatoes or bread or macaroni; the other thing, I really don’t believe the Bedoins whom I have visited in Israel were making cheesecake out of cashews; they had sheep; they ate sheep; they drank milk; they ate pottage; life was much more simple than the Hallelujah Diet; also, I personally do different food plans at different periods of time; food can get really boring; so, I combine sometimes, do Brody sometimes (meat just for flavor); Akins sometimes and then just raw and whole foods. I also have been making smoothies with frozen bananas rather than yogart for years and use any kind of fruit I want.
I have to strongly disagree. Most people REALLY DO enjoy this way of eating and most of the testimonies that are short term is because they had such great success in the very beginning, and it stays that way. Our bodies absolutely do not need more than 10-15 %protein. Our requirement for life sustinance in only 4-6% of our total calories. Go read The China Study, in which Malkmus bases a lot of his claims. You want scientific, peer reviewed, heavily documented research, there you have it.
And this diet is absolutely THE BEST long term weight loss and maintenance diet. I am living proof.
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh no meat makes me sad
this diet probably works although if god wanted us to be vegetarians why make animals?hmmmmm msot religions are based on lies.
Why don’t u list the Fit for Life and Natural Hygiene Diets?
Latonya- This site everydiet.org does not have a diet product for sale…we sell no products and are strictly a diet review site.
ONE MORE THING: This site is promoting themselves and their diet product. That is why they are against the Hallelujah Diet. If we checked off the other 99 diets listed, we will find that they are not recommended either. FOLLOW THE MONEY!
The book states that people with gluten allergies are helped by this diet because there are substitutes.
Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it! We were made to be vegetarians. Read it in Genesis. Man started eating meat after the Flood when no plant food was available. We are able to eat meat, but it causes diseases such as cancer, as well as contributing to high cholesterol and there is nothing really good about it. The blood in meat has the toxins and unpurified junk that the animal had when he was killed. Your kidneys work overtime and are stressed out to process it. Our appetites are perverted and we do not want a healthy plant-based diet. That is why so many are opposed to it. It isn’t salty, sweet or fatty. Blood transfusions and immunizations were at one time scoffed at and banned until it was proven a positive thing. This could well be the same kind of thing–people just need to try it and see if it works. I feel wonderful. This will take over the world eventually. Those who want to eat meat, eat it in moderation as a condiment but not as a main dish. It was never meant for that. We don’t have sharp teeth as carnivores have, and our stomachs provide digestion like a herbivore. Check it out. We don’t need all the protein the govt. says–that is hoopla by the meat/dairy industry for selfish needs. We can and do get all the protein we need by a plant-based diet. Many cultures can tell you this. Get more educated and then come back. Good luck to all. ***Don’t be discouraged by negative things online–just do your homework.
Can people with gluten allergies do the diet?
“Reports state that he has since suffered a stroke and high blood pressure and has had to resort to medication to control his condition.”
I have been doing my own research,checking this diet out for myself. I wonder, if you make the statement above, shouldn’t it be backed up for the whole of your review to be taken seriously? You make a blanket statement about “reports” but don’t site the reports or the source of the reports. How is that credible? You may impress people who want to be impressed by you, but you make me want to check into this diet more closely because you apparently couldn’t find anything to back up this claim.
I think that it is amazing to see that there are other opinions about this diet. I am doing a research on this diet and have read nothing, but extrodinary things about it. I for one think that it is a breath of fresh air that someone has decided to challenge this “perfect diet”. I still plan to try it out though for my own experience.
This was a tremendously disappointing and untruthful review of the Halleluja Diet. Obviously you have done your research through biast means.