“I consider myself so fortunate to discover this way of living so young”

By: Dustin Martinsen

While preparing for the nursing program at BYU-Idaho, I took my favorite class which was the Essentials of Human Nutrition. Probably because of my love for food, I became enthralled with the topic of nutrition. I was confused though because of the ongoing debate about fats and carbs being bad for us, which essentially only left lean meat, low-fat dairy and vegetables being safe and healthy to eat.  But the question remained, “What about the Word of Wisdom? What about grains being the ‘staff of life’ and eating meat sparingly?”

At the age of 26, I discovered that studies had been conducted on what are called the blue zones, which are where clusters of many of the oldest people on earth live. Something they had in common was a mostly unprocessed, plant-based diet. There was my proof that the diet proposed by God in the Word of Wisdom was fueling the healthiest, longest living populations in the world. But I thought, “How can that be? I thought you can’t be healthy without meat.”

I soon found there was a whole slew of old and new research on the topic, and that this way of eating was not only unlikely to cause nutrient deficiencies, but that it is the most nutrient-dense diet possible per calorie and contains completely adequate amounts of protein. Furthermore, it has been proven time after time to heal people to varying degrees from most chronic illnesses.

Very few seem to question the benefits of avoiding the “don’ts” of the Word of Wisdom, including tobacco, alcohol, tea, coffee, illegal drugs, and other harmful substances. I am personally grateful to have avoided the life of addiction and personal cost that these substances can cause. However, in my research of the whole food, plant-based diet, I realized the importance of focusing on the “do’s” of the Word of Wisdom as well, including an emphasis on “wholesome” herbs, fruits, and grains, and eating meat only in times of advanced need. It became apparent to me that the level at which we enjoy the blessings promised by God in the Word of Wisdom (e.g. health in the navel, running without wearying, etc.) depends on our level of conformance to this revelation.

I began slowly, adding in meals here and there without meat or processed ingredients, surprised to find that there were many available recipes online for satisfying versions of all my favorite foods, just made with healthier ingredients. I didn’t feel tired or weak as I had expected. Contrariwise, I had more energy at the gym and was beginning to get better sleep and an improved mood and sense of wellbeing. After 3 months, I had effortlessly lost 17 lbs which I was excited about.

But, there I was, going to ward activities for which bishopric members and others had proudly prepared large amounts of delicious selections of meat and other hyperpalatable foods. I was flabbergasted that this topic was so off the radar for seemingly all members of the church and that it was not more advocated by leaders of the church. Hoping for greater influenceability, I began researching the topic and was surprised, yet again, to find inserts and quotes in church articles, magazines, scriptures, and general conference talks on the subject. I found that eating healthy and avoiding meat when unnecessary has been far more advocated by leaders of the church than I previously realized.

And then recently I happened upon a video on YouTube called Discovering the Word of Wisdom: A Short Film which led me to discover that thousands of church members are eating this way and that awareness of the blessings of living the Word of Wisdom more fully continues to grow. I was excited to jump at this opportunity to share my story in the hopes that it may better spread the word.

As a registered nurse working at a chronic care unit and having studied much of the research myself, I often unabashedly recommend eating a diet higher in unprocessed plant foods and lower in animal products as a means for improving the health of my patients. People tend to receive this advice well, acknowledging that it feels like good advice. I have also had the joy of meeting a surprising number of people who either eat a mostly whole food, plant-based diet to varying degrees, have been thinking about giving it a try, or know others who have benefitted from it. People have come across it through their own studies, through word of mouth, and as I was pleased to hear, through recommendations by their doctors. Many of them began because they were sick and faced with the prospect of an early and painful death. I consider myself so fortunate to discover this way of living so young so I can help influence others around me and those I love against having to face such prospects.

In my studies, I have found a recurring theme that God truly cares about our physical health, and that it is intricately connected to our spiritual health. Also, as echoed previously by church leaders, how we treat animals and show regard for others of God’s creations reflects our inner nature and how well we are becoming like God. I bear my personal testimony that this lifestyle recommended by God, when lived as fully as personal circumstances allow, develops a greater understanding of God’s love for us and His desire for us to succeed. This understanding begets a greater connection with Him, which occurrence itself has the power to save souls.

Dustin Martinsen is a 29-year-old registered nurse living in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Originally from Northern California, he attended Brigham Young University-Idaho where he met his wife, Jessica, in a community missionary choir. They have 3 kids, and as a family, enjoy camping, hiking, singing, and cooking together.