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The Hidden Center of the Word of Wisdom: What God Really Wants You to See

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:

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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