Arlene,
 
  I enjoyed your article about food from the Bible's point of view. I've felt guilty about liking certain foods such as shrimp, lobster, crab, pork, etc., because I thought they were unclean and would have some negative effect on my body. If those foods are bad for you physically, would praying over them somehow not make them bad? Does it change something? I think it's funny how the word "clean" is c lean and that fatigue is fat igue, similar to Jesus' doctrine, the "bread" of life being b read.
 
  My metabolism has slowed down considerably over the past 10 years too and I've been trying to get back to the level of energy I had when I was younger. I always thought the vision that you mentioned had to do with doctrine and not actual food, because the Gentiles were no longer "unclean" at that point. 
 
 Do you know what the following passage in Daniel refers to then? I always thought this meant that eating meat may be ok, but it's not as healthy for you. Would he have been defiled because he was eating meat "sacrificed to idols" or because it was the king's meat? Just not sure exactly what it means and wondered if you have any input.
 
  But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.  Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.  And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.  Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,  Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou sees! t, deal with thy servants.  So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.  And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat.  Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.  As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. Daniel 1:8-17
 
  Thanks,
 
  Steve Mullin