Part 1: Eating Priorities on the Hallelujah Diet

You know that following a primarily raw, plant-based diet is critical for optimal health, but what's the reasoning? Why is the consumption of raw vegetables more important than cooked? The Hallelujah Diet follows an 85 percent raw and 15 percent cooked food plan, based on God's Original Diet. He held such high regard to the power of raw sustenance, so we decided to follow his lead.

Genesis 1:29: "And God said, 'Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed; which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for food.'"

We believe that the fruits, vegetables and other natural splendor of the earth make up the best foods we can feed our bodies for proper nourishment. But what makes the raw choices more beneficial? Here's the order you should be eating your foods:

1. Raw Vegetables
As Rev. George Malkmus showed in his book "God's Original Diet," raw vegetables contain high levels of enzymes, antioxidants, proteins, natural sugars, vitamins and minerals, making them the most nutrient-rich foods you can consume on earth. By following a diet that primarily consists of raw vegetables, you can fuel a body with the ability to heal itself - just the way God always intended.

Raw vegetables have the ability to fuel a body that wards off chronic conditions and illnesses on its own.

2. Raw Fruits
While raw vegetables are the primary foods of the Hallelujah Diet, raw fruits come in close second. They contain enzymes, protein, vitamins, minerals and natural sugars that increase energy levels and keep you on your feet.

The downfall of raw fruits, however, is their abundance of natural sugar. Originally fruits were not so sweet, but our modern fruits have been selectively bred to be sweeter than ancient varieties. Because of this increased sugar load, even though it's natural, consuming too much of the stuff can be harmful for your overall health, by suppressing the immune system, throwing off the body's mineral balance and more, according to our health expert Olin Idol. That's why we strongly recommend fruit consumption never exceeds more than 15 percent of your daily diet.

Want to know which food groups follow raw fruits and vegetables on the Hallelujah Diet food plan? Tune in next week for Part 2 of our series.