The Word of Wisdom Diet

The Word of Wisdom is an excellent resource for us in these latter-days to know what our diets should look like. The revelation tells us not only what to eat, but how and when to eat, allowing us to be as healthy as we can be in today’s world full of sickness and addiction.  

I believe there are 5 basics to eating a diet aligned with the Word of Wisdom. 

1. Eat whole foods
2. Eat Seasonally
3. Eat nose to tail
4. Use herbs
5. Avoid addictive substances

Eat Whole Foods

A Word of Wisdom diet means eating the foods that God has created for us, not the “food” that humans designed in labs to be more addicting and tasty than ever before. Eating God-created food means eating whole foods. Whole foods are foods that have only one ingredient. Examples of these foods are: beef, salt, honey, milk, dates and olive oil. This would also include eating foods that are made from whole foods (minimally processed foods or homemade foods) a few examples include: butter, cheese, sourdough bread, salsas, and broths. The less ingredients in a food, the better.

Eat Seasonally

The Word of Wisdom advises us to eat fruits and plants according to their season. This means avoiding chemically farmed and ripened produce that are grown outside of their season. A quick google search will tell you what produce is in season in your area in a given month. In wisdom, God designed plants and their nutrients to support our bodies’ needs through each season. Did you know watermelon has natural “sunscreen” properties? No wonder God designed it to be a summer crop. 

Eat Nose to Tail

Eating nose to tail means eating the whole animal. Not just the meaty parts of an animal. This means eating the connective joints in the form of gelatin, the bones in the form of broth, using animal fat such as lard and tallow for cooking. And, maybe the most important, consuming the organs of the animal (the most nutritious part of an animal). 

Use Herbs

We are supposed to use herbs with wisdom and with prudence. Herbs can be one of the most powerful tools the Lord has given us to support our bodies. The Word of Wisdom encourages us to use them for, “the constitution, nature and use of man.” D&C 42:43 encourages us to use herbs (and food) for healing. Herbs like chamomile can be used for soothing, nettle can be used to build blood, and calendula can be used for wound healing. There are so many herbs that God has provided for us for our benefit and healing. We only need to unlock the wisdom and power the Lord has put into them through our own learning. 

Avoid Addictive Substances

It is well known throughout the church to avoid substances like coffee. alcohol. tobacco, all types of drugs, and green teas and black teas. What is not talked about as much is that there are other substances that are addictive and harmful that we should avoid as well in order to maintain clarity of mind, power of moral agency, and a strong, healthy body that is not reliant on substances. Each individual is different so pray to Heavenly Father to know what might apply to you. These substances include caffeine, added sugars, ultra-processed junk foods, fast foods, sodas and many more.