“I got a very clear answer”

Carolynn SpencerBy: Carolynn Spencer

Healthy eating has always been one of my favorite topics and a lifelong passion. I went on my first diet at age 7 by deciding to forego desserts; by the time I was a teenager, I already had plenty of experience in trying all sorts of will-power tactics and diets in order to achieve my “best” body.  It was easy to see that everyone had a different, and sometimes very intense, opinion on the latest and greatest way to stay healthy and fit. I now feel that it makes sense to add eating plans to the list of topics to avoid (along with politics and religion) in social settings because people feel so strongly committed to their own ideas. I am reminded of a scripture that I feel is as applicable to our diets as it is to our religion:

“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.” (Ephesians 4:14)

Switching our diets based upon the latest and greatest fad, not to mention the “cunning craftiness” of diet companies and others trying to make a profit on our desire to have a perfect body, is literally to be tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine.

In 2010, my brother-in-law shared with me a book he had just read, Eat to Live by Joel Fuhrman. He and my sister both said, “Don’t read it unless you’re ready to change your life.” My brother-in-law even testified it was the most life-changing book he’d ever read, other than the Book of Mormon. Intrigued, I read the book and was instantly convinced of the truth and wisdom found in eating only plant-based whole foods. This book, and many others like it that I also read, meshed completely with my study of the Word of Wisdom. I became vegan overnight and was committed . . . for a year or two.

However, as much as the information resonated with me and felt right, and as much as I could see the positive impact on my body, I still struggled. I was discouraged that I didn’t notice much weight-loss. I was the only vegan in my immediate family, and it was hard to have to make two different meals every night. Most often, I’d make what I had always been used to making (and my family was used to eating), and I’d only eat the plant-based half of the meal (such as the salad and steamed veggies, without replacing the meat with anything else). This left me feeling deprived and hungry.

Additionally, when I told my doctor about my eating plan, she ignored my great numbers and said, “BOO! I’m down on that!” and actually gave me a “thumbs-down.” I am still shocked by this reaction. She told me I needed to go straight out and buy some yogurt that day to make sure I got adequate calcium. I did . . .  and eating dairy after not having had it for a year or more made me sick all afternoon. Finally, I just didn’t have enough plant-based education or recipes to stay with the plan. I let animal-based foods slowly creep into my diet, though I never ate a lot of them (and never went back to dairy milk). Our family was still eating, as we had for years, lots of fresh veggies, fruits, whole grains (especially whole wheat products like bread/pasta), brown rice, and so on. We were just eating lean animal products too.

I was once again feeling tossed to and fro about my eating in April 2014 and wondering what to do. The hormonal issues due to aging contributed to a slow weight gain battle that I couldn’t seem to win—I was still fighting that elusive 10 pounds. Figuring out the right way to eat was one of my questions I was pondering during April General Conference that year. And I got a very clear answer. Here it is, straight from Elder Russell M. Nelson:

The scriptures provide one of the best ways to find our course and stay on it. Scriptural knowledge also provides precious protection. . . . Many people perished [or, I would add, were clueless about what to eat] because man’s quest for knowledge had failed to heed the word of the Lord!

My dear brothers and sisters, what are we missing in our lives if we are “ever learning, [but] never able to come to the knowledge of the truth”? We can gain great knowledge from the scriptures and obtain inspiration through prayers of faith.

Doing so will help us as we make daily decisions. . . . God’s laws must ever be our standard. In dealing with controversial issues, we should first search for God’s guidance. (“Let Your Faith Show”)

What could be more of a daily decision—or controversial issue—than deciding what to put in our mouths? That being said, I went straight to the Word of Wisdom—again—and studied it prayerfully over and over. Miraculously, at this same time I was spiritually led to Jane Birch’s inspired and informative articles in Meridian Magazine on the Word of Wisdom. Within a day or two, I was utterly convinced and this time completely committed to living a plant-based, whole foods diet, rich in fruits, veggies, and whole grains. This time, I prepared for far greater success through further educating myself through books, documentaries, and websites, and—critically—trying lots of new recipes (thank you, Pinterest!). I no longer feel deprived with this diet whatsoever. I don’t feel I am missing out on anything, but I feel so grateful, blessed, and happy to be on this journey of discovery that has expanded to so much more than just what I put in my mouth.

While it’s true that I still battle that same 10 pounds (which did finally start to disappear when I completely gave up even unrefined sugars), I feel fantastic, I sleep so much better, I never get sick (not even a cold in 2 ½ years), I have noticed menopausal symptoms completely disappearing, and I know I am disease-proofing my body and warding off the effects of aging. I feel a far greater sense of self-mastery and peace as I choose to live this way.

Finally, I am indebted to Alicia Silverstone for her philosophy that this way of eating is the “kind diet”—kind to our bodies, kind to animals, and kind to the planet and its resources. I couldn’t agree more. I would add just one final facet of “kindness” to her philosophy: as I mentioned in the beginning of this article, many of our friends, loved ones, and associates will not choose to eat this way and will be just as committed to eating the way they feel is right. May we treat others and their food choices with the same kindness, honor, support, and respect that we would like for ourselves.

Carolynn Spencer (age 50) is a wife, mother of three boys, and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, currently living in Flower Mound, Texas. In addition to the loves inherent in the previous sentence, she has a passion for spending time with family and friends, practicing yoga, hiking, biking, walking, writing, being in nature, and living the WFPB lifestyle. 

Comments

  1. We are surrounded by foods that are harmful to our bodies. It often takes a lot more than nutritional knowledge to overcome the temptations. When we learn, as Carolynn learned, that the Lord has provided the answers and that this is the only way to peace, it gives us the confidence to succeed. I love Carolynn’s story and hope it will inspire many others to face their fears and turn to the Lord for the needed strength to break free from chains that bind us.

    Thanks so much for sharing your story with all of us, Carolynn!

  2. Carolynn,
    My amazing friend and support, incredible words of wisdom. I believe the only way to persevere in proper eating is exactly what you said, to turn to the word of the Lord through scriptures and living prophets to confirm your own study of WFPB eating. Because when you share your new way of eating it doesn’t bring a supportive response from those not truly converted. The Lord is our strength. I love you,
    Christina McIntyre

  3. Thanks for your story. I’m so happy you made your way back. Isn’t it wonderful to feel healthy and alive? Eating plants exclusively not only heals the body, it heals the spirit.

  4. Carolynn,
    Your story sounds so much like mine that is also on this website. I too had felt “tossed to and fro with every wind and wave of doctrine” when I was dieting. I had applied that scripture many times to my situation throughout the years, and was surprised to see it quoted in your story as well. I actually did Joel Fuhrmans diet as well but I couldn’t stick with it because he limits whole grains and I never felt satisfied. Going straight to the Word of Wisdom is so liberating–now I fill up on whole grains everyday and feel at peace with food. I’m so happy for you! Thanks for sharing

  5. Carolyn and Ginger and all others who are considering eating like they both are doing now, let me quote the last four verses of Section 89 of the Doctrine and covenants: They contain very marvelous promises to all of us who eat in accordance verses 10 through 17:

    “18. And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;
    19. And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;
    20.And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.
    21. And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.”

    May our Dear Lord bless each one of us who are dedicated fully to eating the Whole Food Plant Based Way, that we will never be seriously sick and will posses physical and emotional strength far beyond our previous expectations! I am so deeply grateful that I have been granted those blessings and am convinced that my life will significantly be extended past my present Eighty Four and a Half Years!

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  6. Carolyn, your story really resonated with me as have others who have written their stories here, but these words especially hit a cord…”My dear brothers and sisters, what are we missing in our lives if we are “ever learning, (but) never able to come to the knowledge of the truth”? … ” knowledge of the truth” are some of my most favored words in the scriptures! I have several times attempted to underling each time they are written in the scriptures. I have yet to complete the task. When ever they are used in general conference, I say to myself, or out loud, “there’s my favorite words again”.

    Loved your quote here also…”Gods laws must ever be our standard. In dealing with controversial issues, we should first search for God’s guidance”.

    Also, “What could be more of a daily decision- or controversial issue- than deciding what to put in our mouth”?

    Thank you again for your story. You don’t look a day over 29 or 30! 🙂

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