
Philosophy
SUNstenance was born from our love for animals, the planet, health and wellness, AND how everything is intertwined. Here are some of our core beliefs in which we operate, a delicate balance of heart and science.
Our Philosophies
Ahimsa
We believe in and abide by 'Ahimsa,' meaning non-violence towards all living beings, ourselves and the environment. Eating a plant-based diet helps us achieve this. First and foremost, we consider the ethical considerations when choosing what to eat. We both became vegetarian/ vegan due to the ethical and moralistic values we felt towards animals.
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This lifestyle is also more conducive for the environment. The amount of food it takes to feed animals could feed countries, whereas the meat from those animals may only feed a small town. Large commercial and industrial plants for meat and dairy are destructive for the land, air and sea. It only makes sense that a way of living that supports animals and the environment is good for us to.
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High Carbohydrate, Low Fat, Low Protein
Despite the fear and hatred towards carbs today, they ARE in fact our friends. We specifically follow the science provided by Dr. John McDougall, and his emphasis on a high carbohydrate, low fat, starch-based diet. He, along with many others, prove that carbohydrates are the natural source of energy for humans. The brain requires carbohydrates, in fact, every single type of cell in the body requires carbohydrate as energy, whereas only a few cells can utilize fat as energy. Carbohydrates are the quickest and easiest form of energy for the human body, far more efficient than fat.
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Today it seems one of the most controversial topics of vegetarianism/ veganism is protein. "But where do you get your protein?" is one of the most common questions asked. There has never been a recorded case of protein deficiency, and the only time it would occur is during overall starvation. The human bodies requirement for protein is extremely low. High protein diets, although the trend today, are very harmful to the body. High protein diets are extremely taxing to the kidneys, and a low protein intake is always recommended to kidney patients.
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High fat diets are the leading cause of diabetes, NOT sugar. Fat coagulates the blood, increasing blood pressure, insulin resistance, cholesterol, chance of stroke, erectile dis-function and is detrimental for overall health. Most toxins are lipo-soluable, meaning they are stored in fat cells. This can possibly mean increased toxins in higher fat foods, both animal and plant based.
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Whole Foods
Nature knows best (we think). Mother Nature produces the perfect food in its whole form, with the perfect balance and ratio of nutrients, both macro and micro. We believe the evidence is overwhelmingly positive that humans can thrive on a whole food vegan diet. When food is processed, the quality degrades. Not only does the nutritional content decrease, but the complete molecular chemistry. Food becomes more acidic the more its processed due to oxidation. For example, flour is more acidic than whole wheat berries. It's also more foreign to the body. Our bodies recognize foods in their natural state, therefore they are easier to digest and assimilate. It is difficult to deny that most of our modern diseases are inextricably linked to the consumption of animals and their byproducts, as well as the highly refined and processed foods that have come to dominate the plates of most Americans. By eliminating these toxic waste products of industry from our pantry and replacing them with highly nutritious properly prepared starches, fruits and vegetables we may return to the robust health that is innate within all of us.
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Oil Free
Since our main emphasis is on whole foods, it only makes sense to eliminate one of the most processed substances, oil. Fresh pressed oil will go rancid within a few days, and yet it remains on supermarket shelves for months. Oil is hard to digest and extremely dangerous for cardiovascular and lymphatic health. Such large, concentrated amounts of fat are not suitable for human beings. It creates bile sludge, preventing sufficient amounts of bile production therefore reducing the amount of digestive juices and stomach acid. This impairs digestion creating a plethora of health issues.
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Low Sodium
Salt is heating in nature and considered a stimulant. Although there are studies proving its benefits, excess sodium can be harmful and even deadly. Salt is a vasoconstrictor and can lead to high blood pressure, increased chance of stroke and many other ailments. Excess sodium will cause water retention, puffiness, slugishness, heat in the body/ rash and other ailments. Just a few days of decreased sodium and your taste buds will adjust!