Why I am starting this blog

Throughout recorded history people have believed that God has given them some kind of guidance on what they should or should not take into their bodies. This makes sense, since if you believe in a Creator, it follows that He would know best what is good for the creatures He made.

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, otherwise known as the "Mormons." In our belief system we also have a code of health that we call "the Word of Wisdom."* Many people are familiar with the "don'ts" outlined in the word of wisdom: no alcohol, no tobacco, no coffee or tea, no drugs (non-prescription variety). But it also contains a list of health suggestions:

• "All grain is ordained for the use of man...to be the staff of life." "All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine...whether in the ground or above the ground." I interpret this to mean that whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are good for us to eat.
• "Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained 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." I interpret this to mean that we should reverence animal life and eat meat infrequently (in times of cold weather or hunger).
• "...All wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man--every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving." Which I take to mean that fruits and vegetables are good for us, and best when eaten at the right time. This passage of our scripture was written in 1833, so out-of-season fruits and vegetables weren't as available as they are now. Fruit sure tastes better when it is ripened on the vine or tree. I don't doubt it's better for us that way as well.

There are also some promises that God has given us if we follow these guidelines:

• "And all saints who remember to keep and do these saying, walking in obedience to the commandments shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;"
• "And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;"
• "And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint."
• "And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them."

I have been particularly interested in the first three promises lately. Three and a half months ago I gave birth to my second child. Since that time I have had mastitis 7 times. I've talked with doctors, midwives, lactation specialists, etc., but still keep getting these infections. I also feel tired most of the time, and have had sinus and chest congestion for months as well. So, while praying about how to get better (and stay better) so I can continue to nurse my baby (which I believe is an important goal for so many reasons it needs its own post), I felt like I needed to try to more strictly live the law of health that God has given me. I certainly would like the promises listed above in my life right now, so I decided to try to more fully "walk in obedience to the commandments."

I already live the "don'ts," but there is definite room for improvement in the "do" section. So, here are my goals: eat more whole grains, eat more fruits and vegetables (and try to eat them more in the right season), eat less meat, eat less refined sugar (not in the word of wisdom, but something I have felt would improve my health).

In addition to gaining better health myself, I want to be a good example for my children. I want them to eat healthy as well. How can I expect that if I am not doing the same?

I am not trying to lose weight with these goals. I have about 10 lbs. left to lose after my last pregnancy, which I feel pretty good about right now. But, I do hope that this eating plan will help me be more fit.

I hope to use this blog to record my own journey towards better health. I am not trying to suggest that everyone should eat this same way, but if you are interested, I will be posting recipes, snack ideas, etc.

I would love to have your comments and feedback, as well as any recipes or ideas you might have. I ask that you be respectful of others and refrain from bashing anyone's belief system (my own or those leaving comments), and that you keep all language rated PG. Thanks!

*If you would like to read the complete text that I have cited, please visit http://www.lds.org/. Go to the gospel library and search for Doctrine and Covenants section 89.