Eat Meat Sparingly: a Word of Wisdom Podcast

Ali Essig
  • 5.0 (26)
  • NUTRITION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

As a mother of six children, including twin baby boys, Ali found herself rushing to the emergency room with her 37 year old husband who had just suffered a stroke. After multiple tests, doctors found no clear answers and encouraged their family to eat a heart healthy diet by avoiding saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol and to eat more fiber. Ali dived deep into the research and found that eating a plant-predominant diet would not only decrease her husband’s risk of stroke, but also decrease ALL types of chronic disease. She realized that the answer was in the Word of Wisdom the whole time. Now she wants to share with the world the benefits of eating meat sparingly.

  1. 5D AGO

    The Messy Middle: Why You Want to Quit (And Why You Shouldn’t)

    Link to the PlantWhys Retreat: https://www.plantwhys.com/lakeside-wellness-retreat In this episode, the host shares her recent experiences of moving to a new home and the emotional, physical, and mental challenges that accompany such a transition. She highlights the upcoming Plant Wise Retreat, a women's only event focused on plant-based recipes and overall wellness. She draws parallels between moving and transitioning to a plant-based diet, emphasizing planning for opposition and accepting the 'messy middle.' The episode offers practical advice, personal anecdotes, and encouragement for those undergoing any significant life changes. 00:00 Introduction to the Plant Wise Retreat 01:11 Moving to a New Home: The Emotional Toll 03:47 Adjusting to New Routines and Environments 04:42 Relating Moving Challenges to Plant-Based Eating 07:46 Navigating the Messy Middle of Transitions 14:11 Practical Tips for Plant-Based Transitions 19:08 Embracing Imperfection and Planning for Opposition 21:27 Conclusion: Embracing the Messy Middle

    23 min

  2. FEB 7

    She Lost Two Children. The First Loss Destroyed Her Health. The Second Transformed It. Here’s Why.

    In this episode of Eat Meat Sparingly, host Ali Essig welcomes Amanda Wilkinson, who shares her deeply personal and transformative journey through grief following the loss of her two children. Amanda discusses how she coped with her profound losses, initially using food as a coping mechanism, which led to negative health spirals. Learning from her experiences, she shares how shifting to a whole food diet and rigorous self-care routine, including weightlifting and proper nutrition, empowered her to improve her physical and mental health. Amanda emphasizes the importance of self-nurturing and offers practical advice on staying consistent with healthy habits, making self-care a sustainable lifestyle choice even through the toughest times. 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement 00:37 Amanda's Story: Coping with Unexpected Loss 01:51 A Mother's Grief: Turning to Food for Comfort 03:28 A Second Tragedy: Daughter's Life-Altering Injury 05:28 The Journey to Healing: From Grief to Health 08:24 Transformative Changes: Embracing a Healthier Lifestyle 11:41 The Power of Nutrition and Exercise 16:23 Finding Strength in Adversity 19:16 The Sugar and Caffeine Routine 19:54 Prepping Healthy Meals 20:52 The Impact of Clean Eating 23:17 Empowerment Through Progressive Overload 24:33 Finding What Works for You 26:01 The Importance of Investing in Yourself 27:30 Starting a New Chapter After Loss 31:58 Balancing Grief and Joy 34:02 Conclusion and Resources

    35 min

  3. JAN 31

    This Is What Actually Gives You Energy (No One Explains This)

    In this episode, sponsored by the Plant Wise Lakeside Wellness Retreat: https://www.plantwhys.com/lakeside-wellness-retreat Ali demystifies mitochondria, commonly known as the powerhouse of the cell. The episode discusses the importance of mitochondria for overall health, including their role in energy production, metabolic function, and disease resistance. Contrary to popular biohacking trends like fasting and cold exposure, the host emphasizes the role of nourishing mitochondria with polyphenol-rich foods found in a plant-based diet. Key insights include the benefits of soybeans, dark chocolate, red grapes, beets, and leafy greens for mitochondrial health. The episode concludes with practical advice on maintaining a balanced diet and lifestyle to support optimal mitochondrial function and overall well-being. 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 01:03 Mitochondria for Dummies: Why It Matters 01:27 Common Misconceptions and Trends 02:52 Understanding Mitochondria: The Basics 04:13 How to Boost Mitochondrial Health 09:06 The Role of Diet in Mitochondrial Health 11:58 Polyphenols: The Secret to Mitochondrial Nourishment 19:08 Practical Tips for Mitochondrial Health 29:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    32 min

  4. JAN 24

    I Was Shocked by What the Bible Says About Eating Plants and Meat

    PlantWhys Retreat info: https://www.plantwhys.com/lakeside-wellness-retreat Use the code JANUARY during the month of January to save 15%. There are just a couple rooms left! In this episode of the 'Eat Meat Sparingly: A Word of Wisdom' podcast, host Ali Essig delves into the Bible's perspective on plant-based eating versus meat consumption. Essig explains that while the Bible does not command vegetarianism or condemn responsible meat consumption, it strongly supports a plant-forward diet as God's original design. Drawing upon various biblical passages—including Genesis, Proverbs, and the teachings of Jesus—Essig emphasizes that reducing meat consumption can be spiritually formative, promoting compassion towards animals and simplicity over indulgence. She also highlights the importance of approaching dietary choices with curiosity rather than judgment, and shares personal experiences about the benefits of a plant-centric diet and potential challenges. Additionally, the episode is sponsored by the Plantwhys Women's Retreat, a wellness retreat focused on plant-based nutrition and holistic well-being. 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 01:23 Exploring Biblical Perspectives on Plant-Based Eating 03:35 Genesis and God's Original Dietary Instructions 04:50 Permissibility and Restrictions on Meat Consumption 06:08 Spiritual Formation Through Plant-Based Diets 07:18 Personal Experiences and Reflections 12:45 Biblical Teachings on Compassion and Simplicity 23:51 Concluding Thoughts and Call to Action

    25 min

  5. JAN 17

    How We Actually Make Plant-Based Eating Doable with a Big Family

    In this episode of 'Eat Meat Sparingly, A Word of Wisdom Podcast', host Ali Essig is joined by her friend Elle and her sister-in-law Alyse to discuss plant-based eating. They explore various aspects of transitioning to a plant-based diet, focusing on the 90/10 approach rather than a strict all-or-nothing mindset. The conversation covers practical tips for managing family meals, handling social eating situations, and addressing common concerns such as variety, satiety, and cost. The episode aims to make plant-based eating more approachable and emphasizes the health benefits of incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Ali and Elise share their experiences and strategies to make this lifestyle sustainable and enjoyable. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:08 Discussing Plant-Based Eating 00:59 Flexibility in Diet Choices 02:16 Family and Plant-Based Diet 03:34 Variety and Convenience in Plant-Based Meals 05:23 Transitioning Kids to Plant-Based Diet 11:30 Balancing Cost and Quality 13:36 Satiation and Meal Planning 15:25 Finding Recipe Inspiration 16:30 Exploring Diverse Plant-Based Dishes 17:08 Navigating Restaurant Choices 20:03 Dealing with Social Situations and Judgments 22:31 Balancing Convenience and Health 24:50 Reflecting on Dietary Choices and Flexibility 28:57 Final Thoughts and Resources

    30 min

  6. JAN 10

    The One-Can Diet: The Simplest Health Reset That Actually Works

    In this episode of 'Eat Meat Sparingly, A Word of Wisdom' podcast, host Ali Essig shares a transformative dietary tip inspired by her friend Laura's journey towards healthier eating. Ali emphasizes the surprisingly simple yet effective health benefits of adding a can of beans to your daily diet. She discusses how beans aid weight loss, improve digestion, lower LDL cholesterol, and regulate blood sugar. Ali offers practical advice on integrating beans into your meals, managing digestive adjustments, and maintaining consistency. By demonstrating how beans can replace unhealthy options without stringent dietary restrictions, Ali positions this one small change as a powerful tool for long-term health improvements. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Story 01:54 The One Simple Change for Health 02:24 How to Incorporate Beans into Your Diet 03:52 Health Benefits of Beans 07:23 Blood Sugar and Insulin Response 15:49 Tips for Reducing Gas and Bloating 20:15 Practical Tips and Recipes 23:46 Top Reasons to Follow the Bean Diet 26:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    29 min

  7. JAN 3

    Hormones, Protein, Stress Oh My! What the Wellness Industry Isn't Telling You to Feel Like You Again

    Join the PlantWhys Collective and learn more here: www.plantwhy.com/40 Our next cohort starts on Monday! In this episode of 'Eat Meat Sparingly: A Word of Wisdom podcast,' host Ali Essig shares insights from her transformative workshop titled 'Hormones, Protein, Stress—Oh My!'. Ali discusses the importance of balancing hormones, consuming adequate protein, and managing stress to improve overall well-being. Using a detailed story of her friend Laura’s struggles, Ali highlights how conventional wellness advice can be overly complex and proposes simpler, more effective plant-based solutions. She also introduces the Plant Wise Collective membership, which offers a 40-day Jumpstart program, live calls, meal plans, and community support to help members transition to a more plant-based diet. Listeners are encouraged to join the collective starting in January to experience the numerous benefits of this holistic program. 00:00 Introduction to Eat Meat Sparingly 01:05 Hormones, Protein, and Stress Workshop Overview 01:15 Laura's Story: A Real-Life Example 02:20 The Power of Simple Changes 02:59 Gifts and Resources for Attendees 04:53 Interactive Quiz: True or False 07:38 The Importance of Finding Your 'Why' 10:47 Understanding Your Health Journey 15:21 The Role of Telomeres in Health 16:03 Secret #1: It's Not Your Fault 19:25 The Greatest Threats to Our Health 21:11 The Power of Plants and Fiber 24:17 New Rules for a Healthier You 27:47 Balancing Protein and Fiber 37:32 Creating a Plant Wise Plate 39:28 The Importance of Fiber and Fruit 39:52 Keeping Mr. T Happy: A Balanced Approach 40:10 Seeing Through Mr. T Colored Glasses 40:38 Jana's Plant Wise Journey 41:04 Secret Number Three: The Key to Feeling Amazing 41:17 A Personal Story of Overcoming Hardship 42:17 The Power of Small Changes 43:47 The One Can of Beans Challenge 45:34 Understanding Stress and Its Impact on Health 47:00 The Importance of Community and Support 49:40 Introducing The Empowered By Plants Collective 51:40 Membership Benefits and Offer Details 57:05 Live Classes and Community Engagement 01:02:53 Final Q&A and Closing Remarks

    1h 20m

  8. 12/27/2025

    Aligning Energy and Nutrition: Insights from Carolyn Cooper

    In this episode of Eat Meat Sparingly - A Word of Wisdom podcast, host Ali Esig interviews Carolyn Cooper, founder of the Simply Align Method. They discuss Carolyn's journey to a plant-based lifestyle, including influences from her youth and key readings like John Robbins' 'Diet for a New America.' Carolyn also shares insights into how eating healthier enhances intuition and addresses mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. They delve into energy work, discussing its benefits and practical applications in overcoming subconscious blocks related to diet, health, and personal goals. Carolyn emphasizes the importance of clearing energetic and emotional baggage for overall health and intuitive clarity. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement 01:13 Carolyn's Journey to Plant-Based Living 04:39 Challenges and Adaptations in Plant-Based Diet 10:35 Energy Healing and Its Connection to Health 13:32 Generational Healing and Energy Work 20:06 Understanding Vibrations and Emotions 20:39 Feeling Stuck and Seeking Clarity 21:10 Practical Tips for Energy Release 22:55 Personal Experiences with Energy Work 30:20 The Power of Intuition and Plant-Based Eating 33:15 Connecting with Carolyn and Her Methods 36:35 Conclusion and Resources

    37 min
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5
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

As a mother of six children, including twin baby boys, Ali found herself rushing to the emergency room with her 37 year old husband who had just suffered a stroke. After multiple tests, doctors found no clear answers and encouraged their family to eat a heart healthy diet by avoiding saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol and to eat more fiber. Ali dived deep into the research and found that eating a plant-predominant diet would not only decrease her husband’s risk of stroke, but also decrease ALL types of chronic disease. She realized that the answer was in the Word of Wisdom the whole time. Now she wants to share with the world the benefits of eating meat sparingly.

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