“The Eating Habits of the
Standard American Diet
can be unlearned!”
Joan Cassels from Tallahassee, Florida

My journey into a healthier lifestyle really began in May of 1995 when a routine blood test revealed a triglyceride level of 2646 and a cholesterol level of 352.  I had heard of the Hallelujah Acres diet, and I got a copy of Dr. Malkmus’ book Christians Don’t Have to be Sick.  After reading that, I initially thought that there was no way I could ever eat that way because it was much too difficult (what that really meant was that all the things I loved to eat were on that restricted list!).  However, I realized that my blood levels were so high precisely BECAUSE I was eating a diet of things that were obviously very bad for me, and I had to make a decision - either make some drastic dietary changes to improve my health or allow my doctor to prescribe medications to control this unhealthy and potentially dangerous condition.  

God clearly showed me that this was a spiritual issue as much as a physical one, and following Jesus is always a journey of discipline.   I started making changes in my diet and increasing my exercise, and my blood levels began to come down.   While I eliminated most of the really “bad” things from my diet at that time, I still continued to eat some things that were not recommended (as well as larger portions of my favorites!), and my weight gradually began to increase.   In 2004, routine lab tests revealed a slow but steady increase in my liver enzymes, and a liver scan indicated that I had a fatty liver – all diet related. 

As I began to get more serious about my walk with Christ, my undisciplined area of diet surfaced again.   My journey to health gained momentum, and in August 2005 my daughter and I went to the Hallelujah Acres Lifestyle Center in Plant City, and we met Dave, Sherry and Amberlee Orcutt for the first time.  They became loving and caring friends who share the love of Christ, and they are the biggest “cheerleaders” of all participants through their personal example and steady encouragement! My husband was very supportive of our diet changes, and he and I both went to the HA Lifestyle Center in the fall of 2006.  

As a result of finally getting very serious about the Hallelujah Acres diet, I have gradually lost almost 40 pounds, and all of my lab tests now are perfect.  My doctor told me at my last check-up that whatever I am doing to keep doing it!   In 1995, I could not imagine eating the way Dr. Malkmus’ book prescribed, but today I cannot imagine eating any other way!   I am 64, feel great, have a lot of energy, and I have not been sick in any way during the past couple of years.   I KNOW from personal experience that the eating habits of the Standard American Diet can be unlearned and replaced by really great foods, recipes and healthy eating habits!    God continues to prove daily that His grace and love are sufficient as He leads and sustains through this journey to a healthy lifestyle!