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Video Extras
The Johnsons’ Story: Paul and Orva
The Taylors’ Story: Rogan and Lynda
The Joneses’ Story: Shane and Michelle
Jane’s Story: Jane Birch
For More Information
See: Film Follow-up
Wonderful video! Thank you so much, Jane, and all who participated!
Thanks for the kind words and the time you took to share them!
Jane! This is a beautiful and touching film. Thank you so much for carrying out your ministry this way. You are an inspiration to us all!
Thanks so much for the compliment. It sure is a blessing to be treated so well. I appreciate it!
Wonderful film. Well done ! Great to hear our modern day prophets speaking on the subject. Particularly Pres Benson. Thankyou so much for putting this together for us to share with friends and family.
My dear daughter Jane. I just viewed your recently produced film and also the video you provided featuring a couple who really show great appreciation for how eating the Word of Wisdom Way has helped them achieve maximum health. I also very deeply appreciate (as you already know) how your coming in person to my and your step-mother’s home on a Sunday afternoon almost four years ago to teach me how to eat the Word of Wisdom Way brought me for the first time ever (except when I was a newborn baby) in my life to where I never ever any more experience sickness of any kind!
Even though I will turn eighty four years of age in February of 2016, I have never in these past almost four years ever, as you already know, been sick in any way, no headaches, no colds, etc. I don’t even have any medication prescriptions, because of your having very effectively taught your “old” dad how our Lord and Savior wants us to eat as He as instructs in D&C 89: verses 10 -21. I’ve also been very successful in exercising six days a week (for fifty-three minutes at each session) and “travelling” the equivalence of four miles at each exercise session (according to a dial on the Precor Adaptive Motion Trainer I use) for over one year at our city’s Recreational Center!
I also feel confident in predicting that you, my, and your dear mother’s eldest child, will someday will see me living well past the age of one hundred! (I trust that you will still be living then because I know that you “practice what you preach.”) With much love, Your Father!
what a wonderful tribute from a loving father…as if a conversation or prayer between our heavenly Father and one of His children…
Great video. I was wondering if you could give me the references of the words of the prophets that you used in the video. I would love to read more of what they had to say. Thanks!
You bet! The quotes from President Benson and President Hinckley are both in the video credits. Here they are: Ezra Taft Benson, “In His Steps,” BYU Speeches (March 4, 1979); Gordon B. Hinckley, “My Testimony,” lds.org (October 2, 1993). Thanks for liking the video. Please share with others!
I would love, love, love some of these recipes shown (and not shown) that you use and make. A cookbook would be wonderful as well! Loved the video too!
Thanks, Shawna! I would love the recipes too, but I think most of them were just winging it! Check out recipes here: WFPB Recipes
Thank you so much for sharing this video. I loved it and helped me a lot with my decision to pursue my quest for whole food plant based meals. I have not been much of a meat eater and lessened it even more since my husband was diagnosed with prostrate cancer eighteen months ago. Been very careful with what we eat and reading and watching lots of videos on healthy foods. But applying this with the word of wisdom way really confirmed me to go full blast on whole food plant based meals consistently. Thank you!
Thanks for the kind words, Beth! I wish you the very best on this amazing and joyful journey. I’m happy to help in any way I can if there is something I can do for you. Jane
New to the site???? Has anyone tried to start this type of group in their ward? This would be an incredible resource for my ward.
Welcome, Michele! If you can’t find enough people interested in your ward, consider joining the Facebook support groups:
Word of Wisdom Health Challenge
Discovering the Word of Wisdom Support Group
Jane,
You are an answer to my prayers, literally. I know that the way I eat effects me spiritually and I have always known that food cures everything but, I was raised on processed foods, meat, and junk food and, I hate to admit, addicted to food! In addition, I didn’t know how to change my diet and be successful. Now it seems I have found the answer!
I am 55 (embarrassingly 65 lbs over weight) and have aches and pains that I want to get rid of. I know my health will only get worse with time unless I change my ways. I want to be able to serve the Lord more fully and when the time comes, serve a mission. I know if I don’t get a handle on my health now, that won’t be possible. I just hope it isn’t too late!
I’ve been praying to my Father in Heaven that he would lead me to the resources that I needed to make the changes in my life that were necessary. I’ve always loved vegetables and ate meat sparingly because, fortunately, that’s what I like. My downfall is sweets and junk food. I’m reading your book now and am talking to my husband about this drastic change in the way I want to start cooking for us. He’s a southern farmer and loves meats and potatoes. His health is poor. At 67 he has had one kidney removed due to cancer, a heart attack, and was recently diagnosed with diabetes, which really has opened his eyes. I think now is the perfect time to get him on board.
I’d love to go cold turkey and start the WFPB diet today but, I feel in order to be successful I need to educate myself more, and more especially, my husband. I’m hoping tonight to get him to watch From Knives to Forks with me as I’ve never seen it before either.
I feel very motivated and excited for this new way of eating yet scared at the same time. I don’t want to fail because I know what is at risk. I do, however, think that this time is different because of the new light in which I read Section 89 in. I want to please the Lord with all my heart.
Just to let you know I read an article in Meridian Magazine that you had written which lead me to your website. Thank you for putting so much information online at no cost! It’s got me started!
Teresa: What an awesome message! You are inspiring me!! It is NOT too late for you or your husband, and you can do this!! But yes, it may take some trial and error. Satan will try to derail you and make you feel discouraged. PAY NO HEED TO SATAN’S VOICE! 🙂 I think you are wise to take this a bit more slowly and learn about the diet and figure out some recipes. The Lord will help you as He is helping so many others. I’m also happy to help you. Feel free to contact me at any time! I want to hear from you to know how you are doing. Feel free to join the Facebook groups if you need more support (see front page, right side bar.) Bless you! Jane
I have been a member of the church for many years and lived the don’ts of the word of wisdom now it is time to live the dos. With the Lord’s help I can do it thankyou for bring these truths to my mind and into my life. Where I live there is an abundance of beautiful fruit and vegetables with a little effort they will be on my table and part of my every day menue. Thankyou so much. I’m on my way to a healthier me! Thankyou! Thankyou and most of all I thank my Heavenly Father for his council.
You can do this, Judi!!
Oh my goodness! I cannot express the pure JOY I felt in watching this film!! I am LDS and I have been eating a WFPB diet for 4 years now and came to this way of eating after reading “The China Study” and watching “Forks Over Knives”. The data presented immediately impressed me and I decided to fully commit to eating a WFPB diet in the hopes of avoiding some of the health issues (mainly cancer) my family has had. I mainly got information from blogs and websites in the vegan community. I quickly realized that a plant-based diet is in complete alignment with the Word of Wisdom and I have wondered why as members we have typically focused on abstaining from alcohol, drugs, coffee and tea but failed to adhere more closely to the rest of the revelation. I honestly have not personally known any other members of the Church who are embracing the Word of Wisdom in this way (most of my friends think I’m a bit crazy!) so it was just a thrill to see your film and realize that you are out there! Thank you for sharing what you are doing so that others can see the blessings which come from eating this way. I personally have experienced so many blessings from being plant-based such as maintaining a low but healthy weight, having great digestion (for the first time in my life!), being active and fit (we hike, bike, ski, and scuba dive), and getting creative in the kitchen where I LOVE to create healthy, delicious food (I’ve written 2 WFPB cookbooks). I also feel so happy to be a better steward over the Earth’s resources and all of Heavenly Father’s creations. It is strange to say but eating this way truly puts me more in touch with nature and animals and fills my soul with gratitude for the planet we live on. Seeing your film just reconfirmed to my heart that I am on the right path! I would love to connect with more members who are also discovering the many benefits from eating a plant based diet so I’m so grateful to have found your website!!
Dear Laurie: I was very excited to see your message. It is wonderful you’ve been doing this on your own! To locate other Mormons may be living near you who are interested in a whole food, plant-based Word of Wisdom lifestyle, check out the WFPB Mormon Map! You can email people living near you and introduce yourself: https://goo.gl/k4tleH (To find someone, type your state or country into the search bar, or click directly on the map!). Be sure to add your name to the map! https://goo.gl/KLWo5w. I will also email you! Jane
I just listened to your film for the second time and is better the second time–perhaps because I am farther along my WOW eating than I was at that time and it made a difference. Thanks so much for all you are doing in helping us to understand the many things you do about the Word of Wisdom and our eating in this way.
Thanks for your kind words, Janet! That means a lot to me. People like you make all of this very worthwhile for me!
I cannot hear the speakers because the music is too loud.
You may want to turn on the English captions. I hope that helps! Jane
I don’t know how I stumbled across your site but I was looking up the Word of Wisdom in hopes of getting some inspiration regarding my health. I believe I have found what I have been needing. I recently lost 32 pounds but have been missing carbs and limiting them and feeling run down. I would love all the help I can get. Thank you for blessing me with your time in putting this website together.
Wonderful, Katherine! I hope you are finding what you need. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me: Contact Jane. I am happy to help in any way I can. Also consider joining the Facebook groups (see home page, right side bar). Jane
I have felt the spirit so strongly since I have opened up my heart and mind to this new way of life! Thank you, Jane, for everything you have worked so hard to share with the world.
I have one plea: PLEASE show me where I can find the recipes to the foods shown in your latest video (the short film)! They look oh so delicious and I desperately need help getting started since I just decided to start this yesterday. I am looking for a super delicious recipe to try tonight to get us (my husband and I) started and the ones featured in the video literally made my mouth water!
Best,
Charly
Hi Charly: I’m excited for your journey and encourage you to press forward with a perfect brightness of hope. I do not have the recipes from the video, but there are hundreds of excellent whole food, plant-based recipes that are easy to find. Even if someone gave you their favorite recipes, it would stay take time for you to find what works for you and your family and for your taste buds to change. Here are some recipes to get started: WFPB Recipes. Just take it a day at a time, try one recipe here and then there and over time you’ll find plenty you enjoy. You can also join the Facebook group where we often share favorite recipes: Discovering the Word of Wisdom Support Group.
I really believe this is the right way to go. I’m excited to start.
Wonderful, Jeremy! Let me know if I can help in any way!
I am so happy to find this group. I have been on this path many years and been very much alone with it and have slid backward. I need the support of others who don’t think I’m crazy. I also converted to the LDS church 36 years ago. My husband never did. I am richly blessed in many ways, but could REALLY use this connection. Thank you Jane and others.
Danagail
So glad we can connect on this site, Danagail! Please also join us on Facebook: Discovering the Word of Wisdom Support Group.
I have tried various things to lose some weight. I have for the most part eaten healthy (so I tell myself). Some programs I have tried hurt my stomach and are very pricey. I weigh 160 lbs! At my height, I should be 135 lbs, according to standards. People don’t believe me that I weigh 160. I tell them it’s mostly in my Latina butt. ????.
All kidding aside, I’ve started studying my scriptures and re read my patriarchal blessing. Now with the passing of President Monson, it made me think. One area in my blessing states to study the Word of Wisdom and promises me a healthy, long life.
I looked up all the ages of the Prophets and their ages at passing away. We know they all followed the WOW. “Duh!”, I told myself. They all lived somewhat long lives, with the exception of Joseph Smith, at an average lifespan of 86+ years.
This was divine intervention. God was telling me that the answer is right in front of me! I’m studying the WOW and going to share with my kids to learn from it as well.
I stumbled onto your website. I can’t remember how but I’m glad I did! I’m sharing on my FB! Thank you!
Wonderful, Myda! If I can help out in any way, please contact me. —Jane
Having gone cold turkey into WFPB 10 weeks ago, I am still learning! But, the pot luck tonight was amazing. There was not one food that wasn’t really great tasting.
Your email had the link to the film. It is very professionally done and will be a great thing to share our enthusiasm of a plant based diet and living much more closely to the intent of the Word of Wisdom.
Thanks for your work.
Thanks, Gil! It was a great pleasure to meet you and your wife this evening. I hope you will consider writing your story up for this site when you feel ready. I’d love to see your story encourage and inspire others to follow the same path!!
Beautifully done! I feel the spirit of this. Thank you for presenting this in such a tender, truthful manner.
That was amazing, and so much help, thanks! I went plant based/whole foods 13 days ago, and have already lost 11 pounds. I feel much better too. This website is a lot of help. I am a also a big fan of Caldwell Esselstyn Jr. and T. Colin Campbell.
Keep up the good work! I’m happy to help in any way I can. —Jane
I’ve been using this as the intro to a few Relief Society Presentations on the WFPB diet, the Word of Wisdom, what science says about it, and some basics of how to implement the change. I see a lot of eyes being opened to the benefits of this way of eating. Thanks for putting this together Jane.
So happy to know this has been useful to you, Brian! I’m thrilled you are sharing it with others. Thank you!!
I have been on a crusade to be totally WFPB for about a year and a half. As anyone might expect, it has been a struggle. It all started when my wife lost a lot of weight on a plan and products from a global nutrition company. This started me thinking about food and where it comes from. I have read many books and watched at least 30 documentary films. ” Forks Over Knives ” comes to mind as the single best documentary film on food and its relation to good health. I believe it is still on Netflix. I had already quit processed sugar in all of it’s forms (anything that ends with “ose”). I was still eating animal products until I saw a few doc films. I now eat elk or deer meat only on rare occasion, one or two meals a month at most. I have noticed a number of great health benefits from my adherence to a mostly WFPB diet: I sleep better, no more heartburn and other gastric upset, I rarely ever get sick, my dentist doesn’t make much of a living off of my visits and I have a general feeling of well being. I could go on but I will end with: every thing in life is cause and effect. When there is an effect, one needs to consider the cause. The overall health of this nation going in a downward spiral has a cause. What has changed in our diets in the last 60 to 70 years?
My purpose in what I am doing admittedly is selfish. I don’t want to be on a bunch of pills and I don’t want to be incapacitated by something that I can prevent. I want to be healthy and active up until the end. I believe this is possible through a conscious effort to make the right choices in my diet. I will add here that most people don’t drink enough water and spend their lives dehydrated. Water, not soda or else is the stuff of life.
I call it “Nectar of the Gods”. I start my day with a liter of room temperature water every day and try to drink a total of 1 gallon (or more as conditions dictate) each day. A lot of ailments are caused by dehydration. Anyway, Good Stuff, Jane. Thank You. TL
Awesome story, TL! So happy for you to find this so beneficial. Every day eating this way fills me with joy. It is such a blessing to see this in the lives of others as well!
Hi, thanks a lot for everything. We are members of the church . I can testify the lord loves us a lot because I was praying to find the best diet for my kids they are in a spectrum I went to the temple and prayed .
The lord answered our prayer . Follow the word of wisdom ! And we started this year and only in few month It was a huge change for my kids ! Big improvement ! Some people are skeptical they don t believe us but I know the lord is the best doctor , he knows what it s good for our bodies because he created !!
So , thanks you for this wonderful video, for your example, you were an instrument in the lord hands and because of that you are blessed .
Sorry for my English I m from France .
Your English is great! Thanks so much for your kind words. I’m so grateful the Lord has given us this divine message. I’m glad it works no matter what country we live in. Thanks so much for leaving a comment.
Hi , I have a question about this part of the word of wisdom .
16 All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine; that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground—
17 Nevertheless, wheat for man, and corn for the ox, and oats for the horse, and rye for the fowls and for swine, and for all beasts of the field, and barley for all useful animals, and for mild drinks, as also other grain.
I know we can eat all grains but I know the lord is very specific for this part . Wheat for man . Oat for the horse …
I was wondering why the lord told us that in a scripture?
I don t know the answer yet but I m going to follow this part of this revelation.
Hello Joslaine! Those are fascinating verses. I don’t think there is “one correct answer.” We can all do our own study and prayer, and we might find all kinds of treasures. I have written a bit about these verses, if you are interested. I don’t say my answer is the best, but it provides another perspective. I hope it is helpful to others: https://discoveringthewordofwisdom.com/about/the-word-of-wisdom/wow-faqs/why-wheat/
I am wondering about D&C 49:18-19. These verses sound like Heavenly Father wants us to have meat. What do you think about this?
Hi Marie! Great question. Thanks for asking. I’ve shared my thoughts on the beautiful verses in D&C 49 here: What does it mean to “command to abstain from meats”? Feel free to share your ideas! Jane
Quick question. I LOVE YOUR BOOK and I’m giving it another try or commitment starting now. Here is my silly question… Can I have corn tortillas that are made with no oil and I just cook them in a pan with no oil because if I can I just love to put anything in a tortilla. Please let me know
Hi Kim! Thanks for your kind words about my book. Makes me feel happy. And I’m glad you are committing to give it a try! Yes, corn tortillas without oil are fine on this diet! I eat them sometimes. That are more calorie dense, so I would not overdo it if your main objective is to lose weight, but otherwise, they are fine. Lots of good whole plants you can put in them. Yum! Jane
So inspiring! I recently have been thinking I needed to change they way I eat to become healthier. I have read the Word of Wisdom many times but couldn’t make sense of how to implement in my life. I knew I wanted to really learn the Word of Wisdom and hoped that I could get some answers to help me. I searched Google and found your website. I have been reviewing the material for over a week and praying for strength to make the changes I need to apply in my life. I am over weight, I have chronic back pain, bowel issues, my blood work came back that I am pre-diabetic (on the low end but still), I have extreme menstrual bleeding and back cramping that exacerbates my already injured back. I feel so limited in my activities due to my back and I am tired of not feeling well. I know it’s not too late to make changes. Thanks for sharing your testimony and having a platform accessible to me.
Hi Julia! Thanks for sharing your tender experiences. It is definitely NOT too late. All the issues you mentioned are heavily impacted by diet and moving more and more whole food, plant-based CAN make a BIG difference. It can take some time. Consider supporting my Facebook groups for more support (see first page, right side for links). Keep learning more every day to keep yourself motivated. You CAN do this!
I enjoyed your presentation very much but have one concern with all the fresh fruits and vegetables shown in the videos. if we are doing our best to follow the counsel of many of the prophets we will do what we can to grow our own food. In this effort we will avoid many of the modern day unhealthy treatments used in the growing of our foods that may cause health issues. This could mean that we would not only enjoy fresh foods and outdoor exercise during spring, summer and fall months but also food in the season there of in the winter months. Just a thought!
Thanks for your insights!