The answer is: Plants and Fruit

Gen 1:29 - Man wasn't given meat to eat until after the flood (9:3)

In the grand tapestry of creation, Genesis 1:29 paints a vivid picture of humanity's original diet: the plants and fruit lushly provided by God. It's kind of like the ultimate farmer’s market, all fresh and organic! Imagine strolling through the Garden of Eden, plucking juicy figs and ripe apples, with everything rich in nutrients—God really hooked us up!

In the face of a greener Eden, this vegetarian beginning hints at a relationship grounded not just in sustenance, but also in stewardship. The emphasis on plants symbolizes a harmony with nature, reinforcing the idea that humanity's role is to nurture and care for the world around them.

Fast forward to Genesis 9:3, when God expands man's menu after the flood to include meat. This shift has fascinated theologians and scholars, as it signifies a change—possibly necessitated by survival in a vastly altered world. The emptied lands post-flood could have created a need for new foods, pointing towards adaptability in human diets and needs over time.

Did you know that other ancient Near Eastern cultures also had creation stories involving animals and plant life, many echoing similar tones of sustainability? This convergence of ideas across cultures highlights something universal: our connection to what nourishes us and our surroundings. So, whether you're munching on kale or channeling your inner Eve in the fruit aisle, roots of these ancient narratives echo continuously in our everyday choices and relationships with nature!