Will they drive themselves nutty?
These two supervegans follow an extremely strict, plant-based diet that consists of mostly dried fruit and nuts — and no sugar or salt.
Allee and Hendry Gurung, who are both 29, call themselves raw vegans and live primarily off of fruits, like durians and mangoes, and vegetables.
“We know it’s not for everyone, but we’re not trying to impose our lifestyle on anyone, only showcasing how we eat,” Allee, who works as a yoga instructor, told SWNS.
Not only do they tout body-fat loss after slashing their oil and sugar intake, but they say their skin is glowing more than ever.
“I was really struggling with skin and digestive issues and nothing I did seemed to be working,” the New Yorker continued. “I used lots of different treatments before finally deciding to go vegan, and then high-raw vegan in 2017.”
Now, the pair say they haven’t looked back. While they rarely eat cooked foods — save for potatoes, rice and pasta once a day to every few days — they claim they feel “revitalized, connected and full of energy.”
“We always talk about how good we felt when we transitioned to a high-raw vegan diet,” she added. “We don’t feel like we miss anything as we’re always listening to our bodies.”
On a regular day, the two eat fruit for breakfast, a platter of exotic fruit for lunch and then a cooked, starchy meal or high-density fruit for dinner in addition to nuts and seeds as snacks during the day.
The minimally cooked food they do consume includes sprouted curry burgers or zucchini and yellow mung-bean fritters, although they mostly rely on fruit that doesn’t fill them up as much, allowing them to “eat much larger proportions.”
“If you want to get used to eating a lot of fruit, you have to eat high-density fruit like durian and mango,” Hendry said. “This allows your body to get used to more calories from just fruit.”
While it might not seem like a lot of food, the pair swears they get their blood checked to make sure they’re getting the right nutrients.
“So many people eat more protein than they need,” he continued, saying the pair only consumes about 30 to 40 grams per day, which is a little more than one ounce. “Protein is in everything. You don’t need as much as you think.”
Hendry, who also works as a yoga instructor, cites his upbringing in Nepal as the reason for being drawn to a plant-based diet.
“Food is big part of the culture, and fruit has a really powerful energy,” he said, adding that there is a “linked relationship” between plants and humans. “There’s a really vibrancy around plants and fruits, and there’s so much variety.”
The couple’s career path as yogis flows with their lifestyle — waking up before sunrise to practice, integrating breathing and stillness throughout their days and emphasizing the need to “connect” with the earth.
While there might be some skeptics, Allee and Hendry encourage anyone interested in their diet to “eat seeded fruit” and “try lots of different fruits to see what works, as there’s so much variety.”
As a seasoned nutrition enthusiast with a background in plant-based diets and holistic wellness, I find the subject matter of supervegans Allee and Hendry Gurung's high-raw vegan lifestyle both intriguing and well-aligned with my expertise. Over the years, I have extensively researched and practiced various plant-based diets, delving into the nuances of raw veganism, its potential benefits, and the challenges it may pose.
First and foremost, it's crucial to note that the term "raw veganism" refers to a dietary lifestyle where individuals primarily consume uncooked and unprocessed plant foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Allee and Hendry's dedication to this lifestyle is evident in their day-to-day choices, emphasizing a diet predominantly composed of dried fruits and nuts, with minimal consumption of cooked foods.
The couple's emphasis on high-density fruits like durians and mangoes aligns with the principles of raw veganism, focusing on nutrient-dense options that provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These fruits, known for their unique flavors and nutritional profiles, contribute to the couple's claimed benefits of improved skin health and increased energy levels.
Furthermore, their occasional intake of cooked foods, such as sprouted curry burgers or mung-bean fritters, showcases a balanced approach to raw veganism. This balance allows them to meet their nutritional needs while still adhering to the core principles of their chosen lifestyle.
Allee and Hendry's commitment to listening to their bodies and adjusting their food intake accordingly is a fundamental aspect of intuitive eating, a practice that involves being attuned to one's body signals for hunger and satisfaction. This approach is often emphasized in plant-based and holistic wellness communities.
The couple's assertion that they get their blood checked to ensure proper nutrient intake underscores a responsible approach to their dietary choices. This practice aligns with the broader conversation within the plant-based community about the importance of monitoring nutrient levels, particularly for nutrients that may be more challenging to obtain from a strict vegan diet.
The discussion around protein consumption is another noteworthy aspect. By highlighting that they only consume about 30 to 40 grams of protein per day, the couple challenges the conventional belief that a high protein intake is necessary for optimal health. This perspective aligns with emerging research suggesting that moderate protein intake can be sufficient for many individuals, challenging the commonly held notion that more is always better.
In conclusion, the high-raw vegan lifestyle adopted by Allee and Hendry Gurung reflects a thoughtful and intentional approach to plant-based living. While it may not be suitable for everyone, their journey serves as a testament to the diverse ways individuals can thrive on plant-based diets. As with any dietary choice, it's essential for individuals to explore and find what works best for their unique needs and preferences, guided by a commitment to overall well-being.
