Why LDS Communities Aren’t a Blue Zone (Yet)

In this episode of Eat Meat Sparingly, Ali Essig explores a powerful question:

Why aren’t LDS communities—despite living by health-focused doctrine—considered a Blue Zone?

You’ll learn what Blue Zones are, what people in those regions are doing differently, and why the Seventh-day Adventist community in Loma Linda, California has achieved what we haven’t—yet.

Ali dives deep into the striking parallels between LDS teachings and Blue Zone principles, unpacks the key differences in how these faith-based communities live day to day, and offers a heartfelt call to embody—not just believe in—the Word of Wisdom.

This episode will leave you inspired to rethink your approach to faith, food, and long-term health.

🔑 Episode Highlights:

• What Blue Zones actually are—and why only five regions worldwide (including one in the U.S.) have earned the title

• The 9 shared lifestyle principles that fuel longevity: plant-based eating, daily movement, strong purpose, and spiritual connection

• Why Loma Linda, California, home to the Seventh-day Adventists, is a Blue Zone—and how their faith-based health culture supports it

• The powerful overlap between LDS doctrine and Blue Zone living—especially in the Word of Wisdom's teachings on diet, gratitude, and moderation

• The real reason LDS communities fall short: following rules without embodying the lifestyle

• The cultural barriers: processed foods, soda, overscheduling, and convenience over counsel

• What the Seventh-day Adventists are doing right—with schools, hospitals, and global outreach centered on plant-based living

• Why health is discipleship—not just a list of things to avoid

• A vision for the future: how fully living the Word of Wisdom could make LDS communities the next Blue Zone

• A personal call to action: Eat more plants. Rest more deeply. Move joyfully. Live with purpose.