By: Pilar Arce
(Read the Spanish version of this story.)
I remember the first great commercial of milk and cereal I saw when I was a kid. It convinced me that my body really needed milk to be strong, happy, and healthy like the kids on TV. Even though milk sometimes made me sick, I knew my bones would be stronger if I had some milk, cheese or butter with my breakfast.
When I was on my mission I got a disease called “chronic fatigue.” It sounded funny, but after some months it affected my back and I came home three months early. After going home, I had the well-known “chronic phases,” which means there were weeks when I felt extremely tired, and those days I had to rest, eat really good food, and say good bye to the stress. It was funny that when I rested the most I felt more tired. The good thing was that every time the “chronic fatigue crisis” ended, I had my normal and very active life back. I’m a climber, college student, a freelance worker, Relief Society counselor, traveler, etc. For a couple of years my life was like that, going up and down all the time.
Two and a half years ago I decided to be vegetarian (because I didn’t agree with how big industries treat animals like slaves). Even though I didn’t do it to be healthier, I received both emotional and physical rewards. I felt more energy, and my “chronic fatigue crisis” lasted for shorter periods.
Since becoming vegetarian I’ve read many books, recipes, and blogs, and I started following vegetarian groups, doctors, and scientists on Facebook and Twitter. Eight months ago I discovered one excellent book, which is one of my favorites: Discovering the Word of Wisdom by Jane Birch. I love all the knowledge and investigation Jane does on this great project; it seems like the book was written for me. One of the great quotes that opened my eyes about dairy was from Jane’s book:
Milk is the perfect vital nutrient created by the mother animal for her young. Animal flesh is the physical tabernacle for God’s amazing creatures. . . . God has ordained and made it possible for humans to obtain nutrients from these creatures in times of need. But in normal times, we can easily get all the nutrients we need (and more) from plant foods without killing the animals or eating their eggs or drinking their milk; and since they are packaged with much that can harm the human body, there are no good nutritional reasons to consume them. Let’s save them for times of famine. (p. 45)
After reading Jane’s book, I understood that my body doesn’t need animal eggs or milk. I know they are a great resource in times of cold or famine as it says in D&C 89:12-13
I, the Lord, have ordained [animals] for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly; and it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.
When we have enough plant foods, we don’t need to eat meat or dairy. Now that I don’t drink milk and almost never use eggs, I feel so much better. I haven’t had my famous “chronic fatigue crisis” for more than six months now. I think meat and dairy are responsible for so much illness. I’m trying to follow what I believe is right. I trust my personal revelations and the knowledge I have gained when I study and ponder in my heart.
Pilar Arce (26 years old) is from Lima, Peru. She is a hiker, freelance writer, traveler, new vegan, and she is trying so hard to follow her heart instead her head.
I’ve so enjoyed getting to know Pilar ever since she contacted me a year ago. She has a beautiful, good heart! Thanks for sharing from the heart, Pilar!
I’ve enjoyed getting to know you too dear Jane. You are a great support for me, and a inspiration. Thank you for listen and for all the advices you gave e when I feel down or when I’m struggling. You are the best!
I’m so happy for you that you found truth to cure your health problems. God will give us inspiration if we will open our ears and listen. Thank you for your inspiring story.
Thank you for the kind comments! 🙂
Beautiful! thanks for sharing, I’m a Peruvian as well, living in the U.S. , and greatly miss all the variety of food Peru has to offer.
Gracias por tus palabras Roxana. Yo tambien extraño la comida peruana porque todo lo que como en China es arroz y más arroz.
Pilar, I really believe you expressed yourself very very well in all that you submitted above. However, I selected one brief paragraph in which I believe you really made your point especially well:
“When we have enough plant foods, we don’t need to eat meat or dairy. Now that I don’t drink milk and almost never use eggs, I feel so much better. I haven’t had my famous “chronic fatigue crisis” for more than six months now. I think meat and dairy are responsible for so much illness. I’m trying to follow what I believe is right. I trust my personal revelations and the knowledge I have gained when I study and ponder in my heart.”
I hope that many people read all that you submitted to my daughter Jane Birch both in English and in Spanish too if they are able and better yet that each of them begin to eat like you do if they aren’t doing so already.
I read Spanish pretty well, but am not yet able to express myself in Spanish very effectively, but I’m continuing to work at it. I did read what you wrote in Spanish and enjoyed doing so. Best wishes in all that you are doing! Hasta la Vista! Neil Birch!
Thank you so much for the kind comments. Your daughter is an inspiration, and I did meet her in the right moment. I learned so much from her book and researches. Nevertheless pondering is what helped me to find the way. Seems like God sent Jane to my rescue 🙂
It is great that you speak Spanish. I would like to meet you when I visit the States and speak the secret language 🙂
Muchos saludos
How wonderful you were able to find an answer to your chronic fatigue!!! IY a mi me gusta el gatito tanto! ¡Es precioso! I used to live in Madrid with BYU in 1973. Congratulations on making this commitment to the Lord’s Word of Wisdom. I find that after 3 years of living with WFPB dietary guidelines that when I accidentally have something I don’t usually eat, it doesn’t taste like I remember it and I find it isn’t even a temptation anymore.
Yes I love my little cat too, her name was Pepita, she got really sick, had liver cancer, it really hard for me to let her go. She was the most lovely baby cat I ever had. I miss her so much.
Thank you for the kind words, yeah! thank God and Jane I find out the way to be healthier.
hi pilar,
it was amazing how we met in Hong Kong even if just for a brief moment!
I am happy to see you taking the steps to follow your heart!
all the best in china and maybe we will meet again in China.
Cheers
Yes it was amazing!!! You were so kind to help me with my crazy bags 🙂 I really appreciate that.
And I admire how adventurous you are, my goodness what a traveler! Enjoy your long trip.
Jane: so good to talk with you last night. I am going to order your book right now. Paul says HI.
All my best – Connie
Thanks, Connie! So good to chat with you. I welcome your feedback on my book!