Here's why you're vegan and sick

Many of us are familiar with the food pyramid that semi strategically outlines the portions for a "healthy" diet. When most of us made the transition to a plant based diet, we seemed to have forgotten the root purpose of the pyramid. Although the pyramid is inaccurate in its food choices, it is accurate in the portions for nutrients. I am a testimony that that vegan nutrient deficiency is REAL!! Many times I have and still feel weak at times find myself recalling (in memory of my past strength only-not a craving) my "Egypt experience" (Exodus 16:3) when I ate from the flesh pots and seemingly had no signs of ailments or nutrient deficiencies. I couldn't have been more wrong! The truth is, I gained my strength from partaking and allowing to enter my body the nutrients necessary for the brute strength and force of this animals and also trailing behind with their animal propensities, " while the moral and intellectual powers are weakened, and become servants to the baser passions." (TSDF 135.1)

I soon realized that transitioning to a plant-based is not a lack of nutrients in the foods that I now eat, but rather a lack of education in the right food selections. Then I started to think, God gave Adam and Even their work in the garden and their corresponding diet to be able to do this work. They were also made in the likeness of God and the original plant-based diet given to them was to maintain that image. So, with that understanding, it clearly shows that the issue is with me!

Profound huh? I didn't say it though. Look at what God messenger says , "Some, after adopting a vegetarian diet, return to the use of flesh meat. This is foolish, indeed, and reveals a lack of knowledge of how to provide proper food in the place of meat." {CD 469.3} " Not only should we be careful to exercise judgment in the selection of proper food, but strict temperance in eating and in drinking is essential to a healthy preservation and vigorous exercise of all the functions of the body; for intemperance in eating, even of healthful food, will have an injurious effect upon the system, and will blunt the mental and moral faculties." (GH)

The top 4 nutrient deficiencies found in vegetarians and vegans are:

1. Protein

2. Iron

3. Creatine

4. EPA/DHA

Symptoms of Nutrient Deficiency:

• pallor (pale skin)

• fatigue

• weakness

• trouble breathing

• unusual food cravings

• hair loss

• periods of lightheadedness

• constipation

• sleepiness

• heart palpitations

• feeling faint or fainting

• depression

• tingling and numbness of the joints

• menstrual issues (such as missed periods or very heavy cycles)

• poor concentration

Because I am familiar with these challenges, I was astounded to discover that there is a vegan food pyramid! Yep! A pyramid that shows you, like the original, the proper foods to receive the proper nutrients and their portions.

Roussell, D. M. (2014). 4 Common Vegetarian Nutrition Deficiencies. Retrieved July 24, 2016, from http://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/diet-tips/ask-diet-doctor-vegetarian-diet- deficiencies

White, E. G. (n.d.). Counsels on Diet and Foods. Retrieved July 24, 2016, from http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book

White, E. G. (n.d.). Testimonies Studies on Diet and Foods. Retrieved July 24, 2016, from http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book