Ahimsa

We believe in and abide by the principle of 'Ahimsa,' meaning non-violence towards all living beings. When we consider the ethical impact our dietary choices have on not only ourselves, but other living beings the decision to choose a plant-based diet is incontrovertible. 

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A plant-based lifestyle is also more beneficial for the environment. The resources required to grow crops in order to sustain meat production could easily feed the world's population,  whereas the meat from those animals may only feed a fraction. Large commercial farms for meat and dairy are destructive to the earth and pollute ecosystems worldwide. How fortunate that there is a lifestyle capable of protecting animals and the environment, whilst being beneficial for us as well! 

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High Carbohydrate, Low Fat, Low Protein

Despite the fear projected about carbs these days, they ARE in fact our friends. We specifically follow the scientific research provided by plant-based MD's, PHD's and researchers such as Dr. John Mcdougall, Caldwel Esselstyn, Nathan Pritikin, Walter Kempner, Neal Barnard, Scott Stoll  and many more! The evidence suggests a high carbohydrate, low fat, whole food plant-based diet is optimal for human nutrition throughout every stage of our lives. When we do not consume enough carbohydrates our body will convert stored protein and fat into glucose through a process called gluconeogenesis. Your body, and especially your brain, runs on carbohydrates whether you eat them or not. So give the body what it wants and enjoy the consistent, stable energy provided by whole food plant-based nutrition!

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One of the most common questions asked about a vegan/vegetarian diet is, "But where do you get your protein?" Plant-based sources of protein provide all of the essential amino acids in sufficient quantities to sustain a strong healthy body. Furthermore, there has never been a recorded case of protein deficiency in the scientific/medical literature, and the only time it would occur is during overall caloric starvation or famine. The human bodies requirement for protein has been studied and proven to be less than 5% of total calories! Interestingly, human breast milk contains roughly 5% of calories coming from protein and is sufficient for infants during their most rapid time of growth. The common recommendation of protein accounting for 25% or even more in the diet is unsubstantiated and places an unnecessary burden on the body, especially the kidneys. The diet we recommend contains roughly 15% of total calories coming from high quality whole food sources of protein like beans, peas, lentils, leafy greens and moderate amounts of nuts and seeds.

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We are not a proponent of high fat diets as the research is clear that fat intake is the primary cause of diabetes, NOT carbohydrates as is generally believed. High fat consumption leads to a higher concentration of fat in the bloodstream. Excess fat causes the blood to coagulate or thicken, increasing blood pressure, insulin resistance and overall risk of mortality.  Additionally, most toxins are liposoluable, meaning they can become stored in fat cells through the process of bio-accumulation. This process is most prevalent when eating high on the food chain as animals concentrate environmental chemicals in their fat tissues.  For these reasons, we promote a vegan diet that is low to moderate in fat intake and our menus reflect this sentiment, but studies have shown that whole food plant-based sources of fats like avocados, nuts and seeds do not produce many of the negative health affects posed by animal products and processed foods. 

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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, vegetables, grains and legumes 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!