The PlantWhys Podcast

This week’s episode is a powerful blend of scripture, science, and soul-searching.

As we prepare to study the Word of Wisdom in church, I want to revisit the question that first sparked Doctrine & Covenants 89:

👉 “What am I not paying attention to that I need to?”

In this episode, I share insights from the International Conference on Nutrition and Medicine, where leading doctors—including Dr. Kim Williams, Dr. Gemma Newman, Dr. Kristi Funk, and Dr. Dean Ornish—revealed groundbreaking research on how diet and lifestyle can reverse disease, prevent cancer, and even improve Alzheimer’s.

What struck me most? Their findings echo counsel given in the Word of Wisdom nearly 200 years ago.

Why eating meat sparingly isn’t just good advice—it’s prophetic.

How factory farming fits the definition of “excess” and “extortion” warned against in scripture.

Why supplements can’t save us, but food can.

The surprising link between fiber, digestion, and reduced breast cancer risk.

A lifestyle approach that’s been proven to reverse heart disease, prostate cancer, and now Alzheimer’s.

If you’ve ever wondered whether the Word of Wisdom was ahead of its time—or if there are parts of it we’ve been ignoring—this episode will challenge and inspire you to take a fresh look at both scripture and your plate.

✨ Check out PlantWhys!
If you’re ready for more support in applying these principles—whether it’s weight loss, gut health, or simply getting your family on board—check out the PlantWhys Membership or join me on YouTube for easy, family-friendly recipes.

00:00 Introduction and Event Announcement

00:31 The Importance of the Word of Wisdom

01:30 Reflecting on Personal Health Questions

02:58 Insights from the International Conference on Nutrition and Medicine

04:03 Dr. Kim Allen Williams on Cholesterol and Plant-Based Diets

05:58 Dr. Gemma Newman on Supplements and Cancer Prevention

07:59 Dr. Christie Funk on Processed Meats and Cancer Risk

18:50 Dr. Dean Ornish on Lifestyle Changes and Alzheimer's Disease

26:52 Concluding Thoughts on Health and Spirituality

We hear a lot of noise about GMOs, glyphosate, seed oils, and whether organic food is worth it. But here’s the bigger question: are we even worrying about the right things?

In this episode of Eat Meat Sparingly, Ali Essig breaks down the food and environment debate—without fearmongering. From skyrocketing global meat demand to the rise of genetically modified crops, pesticides, and seed oil controversies, Ali helps you see the bigger picture through the lens of the Word of Wisdom and stewardship.

✨ Inside this episode (Part 1):

Why global meat demand is driving GMO use more than anything else

The surprising truth about genetically modified foods (and why they’re not inherently dangerous)

What glyphosate really is, how it’s classified, and who’s most at risk

The difference between hazard and risk (and why that matters for your food choices)

Organic vs. conventional: what actually changes—and what doesn’t

The overlooked Group 1 carcinogen you probably eat every day

Why seed oils might not be the villain after all

The takeaway? You don’t have to eat perfectly, but you can eat more intentionally. And the biggest way to lower your health risks and bless the environment might be simpler than you think: eating more whole plant foods.

📌 This is part one of a two-part series on food and the environment. Stay tuned for part two, where we’ll dive even deeper into how animal agriculture impacts our planet and what it means to live as better stewards.

00:00 Introduction and Upcoming Event 00:45 Food and the Environment: Part One

01:15 The Impact of Meat Consumption

02:35 Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

09:30 Glyphosate: History and Health Risks

18:54 Organic vs. Conventional Farming

23:24 The Debate on Seed Oils

33:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

What if choosing to eat fewer animal products wasn’t “anti-human”… but actually deeply Christlike?

In this eye-opening episode, Ali Esig responds to a viral claim that a plant-based diet is “anti-human” and even “doctrines of devils” according to 1 Timothy 4. But what does that scripture actually say—and does it condemn thoughtful, spirit-led dietary choices?

Ali dives deep into scripture, science, stewardship, and spirituality to offer a loving, faith-filled perspective on the Word of Wisdom—moving beyond the checklist mentality and into a higher law of compassionate, mindful living.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

What 1 Timothy 4 really means (and doesn’t mean)

Why the Word of Wisdom is not anti-meat—but very much pro-stewardship

The biblical and modern case for eating meat sparingly

The difference between commandments, invitations, and extremism

How plant-based living connects to priesthood power, motherhood, and covenant living

Why eating more plants can help you live longer, feel better, and align more deeply with your spiritual values

How the Word of Wisdom is a revelation for our time—with promises we’re just beginning to understand

You’ll also hear stories from Ali’s personal journey, including how her husband's stroke led their family to discover the health and spiritual benefits of eating more plants—and how a simple shift in perspective can unlock hidden treasures of knowledge, vitality, and peace.

👉 Ready to live the Word of Wisdom as a way of life, not just a checklist?
Join the Empowered by Plants Collective and discover a supportive, faith-filled path to better health. www.plantwhys.com

🎟️ Want to hear Ali speak live?

Grab your ticket to the Restore Conference in Orem, Utah (Sept 26–27) and use code PLANTWHYS to save 10% at www.faithmatters.org

🎥 Subscribe on YouTube for easy family-friendly plant-based recipes: PlantWhys YouTube

00:00 Introduction and Conference Invitation

00:41 Addressing Misconceptions About Meat and Faith

01:40 Understanding First Timothy Four

03:19 The Word of Wisdom and Modern Application

05:38 Health Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet

06:06 Environmental and Ethical Considerations

10:29 Personal Journey and Encouragement

11:56 Spiritual Insights and Final Thoughts

25:57 Conclusion and Resources

You know what to eat. So why are cookies calling your name at 9pm?

In today’s episode of Eat Meat Sparingly, Ali tackles one of the most frustrating challenges many of us face on a plant-based or health-conscious journey: emotional eating.

Whether it’s stress, boredom, or just needing something to look forward to at the end of a long day, we often turn to food for reasons that have nothing to do with hunger. Ali breaks down:

💛 What emotional eating really is
💛 How to know if you’re doing it
💛 The 4 A’s that can help you break the cycle:
 • Awareness
 • Acceptance
 • Allowance
 • Adjustment
💛 Powerful tips like the “10-minute pause” and “I really want ___ because ___”
💛 How your nervous system, upbringing, and even church potlucks play a role

You’ll also hear personal stories, research-backed examples (including the stale popcorn study!), and spiritual insights from the Word of Wisdom that reframe emotional eating through a compassionate, gospel-centered lens.

✨ If you’ve ever used food to stuff emotions or soothe stress, this episode will feel like a warm, honest hug… and a gentle nudge forward.

🎟️ Come see Ali speak live!
She’ll be at the Faith Matters Restore Gathering in Orem, Utah on Sept 26–27 sharing “The Deeper Wisdom in the Word of Wisdom.”
Use code PLANTWHYS for 10% off tickets at faithmatters.org

👩‍💻 Resources Mentioned:

• Try the Emotional Eating Reset inside the PlantWhys Membership
• Subscribe to Ali’s YouTube channel for simple, plant-based recipes

00:00 Exciting Announcement: Restore Gathering at UVU

00:49 Understanding Emotional Eating

01:22 Identifying Emotional Eating Triggers

05:24 The Emotional Eating Cycle

06:33 Distinguishing Emotional Hunger from Physical Hunger

09:34 Common Reasons for Emotional Eating

13:48 Breaking the Habit: Strategies to Overcome Emotional Eating

18:10 The Power of Acceptance

19:16 Curiosity Over Judgment

20:33 Allowance and Creating Space

23:48 Mindful Eating Practices

28:23 Healthy Lifestyle Habits

31:41 Final Thoughts and Support

(The Doctrine & Covenants 89 Message Most Members Miss)

In this powerful episode of Eat Meat Sparingly, Ali Esig pulls back the curtain on what’s really happening inside today’s factory farms—and why it matters spiritually, ethically, and emotionally. Using Doctrine & Covenants 89 as her guide, Ali unpacks the often-overlooked verse: “It is pleasing unto me that they should not be used.”

This is not a guilt trip. It’s a gentle, eye-opening invitation to consider how our food choices reflect our values—especially when it comes to the creation around us.

You’ll learn:

What CAFOs (concentrated animal feeding operations) are—and why 99.9% of chicken and 98% of pigs come from them

Why eating meat “sparingly” is both a commandment and a compassionate practice

The hidden human cost of slaughterhouse work

The disturbing truth about eggs and male chicks (yes, even cage-free)

How our plates can either honor or hinder the divine potential of animals

What you can do to start making a difference—without going broke or going extreme

Plus, Ali shares how even one meatless meal a week can have a ripple effect on animal welfare, the environment, and your spiritual alignment.

💚 Ready to live the Word of Wisdom more intentionally?
Get support inside the PlantWhys Collective: www.plantwhys.com

🍽️ Want recipes your whole family will actually eat?
Subscribe to Ali’s YouTube channel: PlantWhys on YouTube

00:00 Introduction and Summer Update 00:45 Challenges of Eating Healthy 01:46 Today's Topic: Doctrine and Covenants 89 05:14 Factory Farming and Its Impact 08:53 The Reality of Chicken Farming 14:30 The Plight of Pigs and Dairy Cows 17:36 Human Welfare in Slaughterhouses 20:15 Making a Difference: Practical Tips 26:37 Conclusion and Support Resources

In this episode of Eat Meat Sparingly, host Ali Essig interviews her friend Neil, (@neilmcgill.pt  on instagram) discussing his journey in overcoming alcohol and weed addiction through the principles taught in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Neil shares his transformative experience in AA meetings, the significant role of prayer, and how embracing spirituality has helped him rebuild his life. Ali and Neil also discuss practical tips and advice for overcoming various struggles, including food addictions, through faith and perseverance. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding deeper emotional needs and the power of asking for help to achieve lasting change.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:41 Meet Neil: A Journey Begins

03:07 Neil's Early Struggles with Addiction

05:24 College Life and Escalation

08:29 Army Days and Consequences

15:03 The Turning Point: Seeking Help

22:28 Struggling with Temptation

23:22 A Moment of Prayer

24:10 Finding Strength and Support

25:19 Applying Lessons to Help Others

27:28 Overcoming Alcohol Addiction

28:30 Understanding the Root of Addictions

30:03 Seeking Help and Support

31:37 The Power of Prayer and Meditation

37:08 Manifestation and Goal Setting

39:27 Gradual Change and Seeking Help

41:59 Connecting with Neil

43:25 Final Thoughts and Farewell

In this deeply reflective episode, Ali Esig explores the sacred feminine meaning behind the Word of Wisdom—uncovering how “wisdom” itself is personified as a divine woman throughout scripture. This is not just about health checklists or dietary rules. It’s about divine nourishment, spiritual discernment, and returning to the Tree of Life.

From ancient Hebrew and Greek translations of wisdom to the rich symbolism in Proverbs 9 and the Apocrypha, Ali unpacks how the Word of Wisdom is far more than a list of do’s and don’ts—it's an invitation from the Divine Feminine to live in harmony with our bodies, the earth, and the Spirit.

Whether you're striving to eat more plant-based, curious about the divine feminine in scripture, or wondering why the Word of Wisdom is titled that way, this episode will deepen your perspective and your purpose.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why "moderation in all things" isn’t actually in scripture—and what wisdom really means instead

The feminine roots of the word wisdom in Hebrew (chokmah) and Greek (Sophia)

How Proverbs 9 paints two contrasting feasts: one of divine wisdom, the other of destruction

Why the Tree of Life symbolizes the feminine—and how that ties into your health

What D&C 89 really says about eating meat sparingly (it's mentioned 3 times!)

How gratitude, seasonality, and plant-based eating align with divine wisdom

A tender dream Ali had that revealed deeper insight into the nourishing presence of Heavenly Mother

Why the Word of Wisdom isn’t a punishment—it’s a prophetic protection

Resources & Links Mentioned:

PlantWhys Membership – Get support in transitioning to a more plant-centered lifestyle, grounded in the Word of Wisdom.

Ali’s YouTube Channel (PlantWhys) – Delicious, simple, family-approved plant-based recipes

Proverbs 9, Proverbs 3, and The Wisdom of Solomon from the Apocrypha

D&C 89 – The original Word of Wisdom revelation

00:00 Introduction to Eat Meat Sparingly

00:20 Making the Word of Wisdom Diet Doable

02:22 Understanding the Deeper Meaning of Wisdom

03:28 Wisdom in Scripture: The Divine Feminine

05:58 Proverbs 9: Lady Wisdom's Banquet

12:12 The Tree of Life and the Divine Feminine

17:02 The Word of Wisdom: A Divine Feminine Invitation

27:21 Practical Application and Personal Experiences

30:09 Conclusion and Encouragement

In this episode of Eat Meat Sparingly: A Word of Wisdom Podcast, Ali Essig uncovers a powerful literary structure hidden in Doctrine & Covenants 89 that most people completely miss: chiasmus. This ancient Hebrew pattern places the most important truth right in the center—and what’s there might surprise you.

Ali walks you verse by verse through this mirrored pattern to reveal that the true focus of the Word of Wisdom isn’t just about avoiding coffee, tea, or alcohol. The center of it all is a divine invitation to embrace plants as the foundation of your diet.

What you'll learn in this episode:

What a chiasmus is and why it matters in scripture

How verses 10–11 of D&C 89 are the literary and spiritual heart of the Word of Wisdom

Why God is more focused on what you include than what you avoid

The deeper meaning of "herbs"—and how that includes all plant foods

A personal story of Ali's spiritual dream calling her to help others transition to plant-based eating

Why vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and adequate protein matter more than we think

How to use the PlantWhys Plate to apply the Word of Wisdom at every meal

Plus, Ali shares:

Her experience with early gut challenges during the transition

The story behind the creation of PlantWhys

What most plant-based doctors get right—and what they sometimes miss

How a spiritually centered approach to eating makes all the difference

Resources Mentioned:

Learn more about the PlantWhys Collective and courses: https://www.plantwhys.com/collective

Try Liv Mate, a Word of Wisdom-friendly caffeine boost: https://amzn.to/44LhIPf

Grab the free meal guide or join the PlantWhys newsletter: www.plantwhys.com

Subscribe & Share If this episode inspired you to take a closer look at the Word of Wisdom, share it with a friend or leave a review! Your support helps spread this message to more women seeking to live in harmony with their faith and health.

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

01:31 Understanding Chiasmus in Scriptures

02:45 Breaking Down the Word of Wisdom

04:34 The Importance of Plants in Our Diet

06:56 Personal Journey and Plant-Based Transition

14:07 Balancing Protein and Fiber

19:18 Practical Tips for a Plant-Based Diet

27:00 Conclusion and Invitation

This week’s episode is something a little different—I’m sharing a special presentation I gave at my family reunion on nutrition, heart disease, and the Word of Wisdom. Most of my extended family doesn’t eat plant-based, but we share the same faith—so I took this opportunity to dive into the why behind the Word of Wisdom’s nutrition guidance and how it can literally change (and save) lives.

You’ll hear personal stories about my dad’s sudden heart attack, my husband’s stroke, and the generational heart disease in my family—and how it led me on a mission to find truth in a world full of conflicting health advice.

We’ll explore:

Why heart disease is the #1 cause of death (and what to do about it)

The food that can increase your lifespan by 4 years (you need to eat a cup a day)

What the Word of Wisdom teaches us that science now confirms

The one nutrient that 95% of Americans are missing—and how to get more

What “eating meat sparingly” really looks like in practice

How fiber, telomeres, and even potatoes fit into your path to better health

And why your faith might be your greatest nutrition tool

This episode is packed with inspiration, personal conviction, practical food tips, and Word of Wisdom-based insights.

👉 Resources mentioned:

YouTube Channel: PlantWhys on YouTube

PlantWhys Membership: https://www.plantwhys.com/collective

If you find this message meaningful, please share it with someone you love—especially someone who might be struggling with heart health.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:35 Personal Family History and Health Challenges

02:55 The Impact of Diet on Health

05:18 Discovering the Blue Zones

10:47 The Word of Wisdom and Dietary Guidance

12:25 The Importance of Fiber

15:50 Practical Tips for a Healthy Diet

17:47 The Importance of Whole Grains and Fiber

18:06 Understanding Insoluble and Soluble Fiber

18:47 Incorporating Fruits and Vegetables in Every Meal

19:33 The Benefits of Whole Plant Foods 20:45 Exploring the Nutritional Value of Potatoes

21:46 Healthy Fats: Avocados and Olive Oil

23:11 Encouraging Healthy Eating Habits in Children

26:16 The Role of Carbohydrates in a Balanced Diet

28:55 Managing Blood Sugar and Stress

30:40 Conclusion and Resources

FREE GUIDES: How Not to Die Cliff Notes: https://www.plantwhys.com/signup-cliffnotes Free one week meal guide: https://www.plantwhys.com/free-1-week-meal-guide-sign-up-1 Free Guide: How to Ease into Eating More Plants: https://www.plantwhys.com/plantwhys-2-0

In this episode of Eat Meat Sparingly: A Word of Wisdom Podcast, Ali dives into the real reason many of us struggle with health—and it’s not lack of willpower. From the evolution of the Word of Wisdom to today’s temple recommend question (“Do you understand and obey...”), we explore what it means to truly follow this principle with a heart wide open.

Ali also shares:

A hilarious (and slightly gross) story about her kids’ DIY sushi night 🍣🌭

Why being a learner is the most powerful identity you can take on

How the Word of Wisdom isn’t a checklist—it’s a tool for growth

The hidden connection between emotional eating, mindset, and divine potential

A unique tip on how to use ChatGPT + prayer to uncover blind spots and hear God more clearly ✨

Whether you’ve been plant-based for years or are just starting to explore what “sparingly” really means, this episode will inspire you to rethink your habits—and embrace a new way forward.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to use goals, time, and the Word of Wisdom as tools—not as weapons of shame.

Link to our sponsor: LiveMatte: https://amzn.to/4k0v1zM (I only use 1/2 a scoop, not the full scoop when I drink it)

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

01:24 Personal Story: Kids and Food Creativity

04:11 Understanding the Word of Wisdom

10:12 The Importance of Identity and Learning

14:37 Practical Tips for Personal Growth

21:19 Final Thoughts and Encouragement