Athletes
Vegan and athlete don’t seem like they should go together, but a lot of people are surprised to find that plant-based eating improves their performance - Matt Frazier
image by: Brendan Brazier
HWN Recommends
Some Athletes Are Trading Meat Protein for Bananas
The image of vegans as limp-wristed, hemp-wearing sissies is long-gone. Some athletes are now forgoing meat as a protein source altogether, preferring to get their power from plants. We spoke to a world champion freerunner who swapped steaks for ten...
Picture an athlete's diet and you'd be forgiven for imagining towering edifices of eggs, whey shakes, and meat. Maybe even steaks from the arse of a zebra.
You can't get python-esqe arms and a washboard stomach from munching leaves, can you? Athletes need protein and tonnes of it. Those muscles need feeding. That's why carnivores continue to kick ass while the vegans stand on the sidelines sipping lentil soup from polystyrene…
Resources
The High Performance Vegan Athlete: It Is Possible!
It’s certainly not uncommon for competitive athletes to try a plant-based diet, just uncommon for them stick with the plan of being a vegan athlete. With sincere intentions to improve their health naturally and benefit their performance, many high-level athletes try eliminating animal products from their diets. So why, after a short period, do the majority revert back to consuming animal products? Quite simply, there’s not enough information out there. Following is a list of problems athletes commonly have when switching to a vegan diet — and their solutions.
Meal Planning and Plant-Based Athletes
All whole plant foods are sources of protein. By consuming adequate amounts, any athlete will have plentiful protein resources not only to be healthy and active, but also perform at high levels. Over concern about mixing and matching proteins isn’t necessary. As long as variety and abundance of quality plant foods are consumed over the course of a day, the total spectrum of essential amino acids any athlete needs should also be met.
Plant-Based Weekly Meal Plan By Diet: Athlete's Menu
For all our plant-powered athletes or everyday active individuals looking to get the right ratio of protein, carbs, and healthy fats, this general guide is a great choice for you.
As A Plant-Based Super-Athlete, Here Is Where I Get My Protein
The number one question vegans and vegetarians get: How do you get your protein if you're not eating meat? As a previous meat eater, I entirely understand that perspective. The moment I decided to commit to becoming plant based, my energy levels substantially increased and I knew I was onto something. In the beginning stages of becoming plant based, I did a lot of research to make sure my body was getting an adequate amount of protein to not only ensure a healthy lifestyle, but also keep up with being a plant-based super-athlete.
Can Athletes Perform Well on a Vegan Diet?
With the publication this month of “Eat and Run: My Unlikely Journey to Ultramarathon Greatness,” by the vegan distance runner Scott Jurek, vegan diets have become a wildly popular topic on running-related Web sites. But is going totally meatless and, as in Mr. Jurek’s case, dairy-free advisable for other serious athletes, or for the rest of us who just want to be healthy and fit?
How To Be Extremely Active And Eat A Plant-Based Diet Without Destroying Your Body.
In this post, we’ll consider the advantages and disadvantages of veganism or vegetarianism, and the biggest mistakes made by those who adopt a primarily plant-based diet, since there a multiple variations of this type of diet,
Meet 10 Incredible Plant-Powered Athletes and Here’s What They Eat
For decades, the majority of us have believed that in order to be an athlete in peak, physical condition, you need meat and dairy. Under the “Got Milk?” campaign, the dairy industry used milk-mustachioed athletes in order to sell us the idea that milk is the way to strong, healthy bones. And if you’ve ever told friends or family that you’re thinking about cutting back on eating meat, chances are that their first question is “but where will you get your protein from?”
Plant-Based Diets for Athletes
It’s a common misconception that athletes cannot eat a plant-based diet, because it does not provide the protein they need. As I said, it is a misconception. In fact, many world class athletes are vegetarians or vegans.
Plant-Based Recipes Perfect for Vegan Athletes
More and more fit women are choosing vegan and vegetarian eating plans, driving their workouts with veggies, fruit, beans, nuts, and seeds. And it works. “Vegan and athlete don’t seem like they should go together, but a lot of people are surprised to find that plant-based eating improves their performance,” says Matt Frazier, a coauthor of The No Meat Athlete Cookbook.
Plant-Strong Is The Way
And as a former world-class triathlete, I can assure you that athletes prosper on a plant-based diet. It’s not just me who feels this way.
Top Tips for Plant-Based Athletes
When it comes to what to eat, know that your options are boundless, with ample varieties of fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds. Because whole plant foods are lower in calorie density (see #2), you may find that you need to eat more volume than you did before. Simply choose the foods you like the most and eat 5 or 6 small meals throughout the day until you are comfortably full. This way, you’ll find it easier not to under- or overeat.
Some Athletes Are Trading Meat Protein for Bananas
The image of vegans as limp-wristed, hemp-wearing sissies is long-gone. Some athletes are now forgoing meat as a protein source altogether, preferring to get their power from plants. We spoke to a world champion freerunner who swapped steaks for ten...
5 Plant-based Athletes That Blow The Protein Myth Out of the Water
Unfortunately, most people are still under the illusion that you need animal protein if you want to be strong and healthy. Thankfully, despite the obvious opposition the following 5 athletes are on a mission to bust the protein myth wide open and show the world that you can in fact be at the top of your game, while being fueled by plants.
FoodnSport.com
Dr. Doug Graham is a legend in the raw vegan community. His book, The 80/10/10 Diet, along with his blog are foundational for anyone considering a raw vegan diet. I love his book and his perspective on human health. Don't miss this guy - Jeff Sanders
No Meat Athlete
No Meat Athlete is about giving you tools, not preaching. We’re all about training tips, recipes, advice on how to transition, and the occasional dose of inspiration — so that even if now isn’t the time for you to start eating less meat (but especially if it is), you’ll know you’ve always got someone in your corner to help you out.
OrganicAthlete
If you have ever run in a major road race, you have probably seen the Organic Athlete singlet. It's hard to miss. The Organic Athlete blog and social movement have become essential to the brand of the vegan athletic world - Jeff Sanders
Run Vegan
RunVegan.wordpress.com Scott Spitz is the most consistent blogger I have ever seen. Oh yeah, and he is an insanely amazing runner. His blog is full of reflections, advice, and how-to guides for living the life of a vegan marathon junky. It's truly great content - Jeff Sanders
Scott Jurek
Scott is the king of the ultra. He has won a ridiculous number of ultramarathons and proven to nearly everyone that you can be vegan and a world-class athlete. His book, Eat & Run, is another must-read and his blog continues his message of eating right and helping others - Jeff Sanders
TrueLoveHealth.com
I'm a Registered Dietitian, vegan and endurance athlete living car-free in California. I think fun, adventure and good health go hand-in-hand!
Vega
Welcome to Vega—a world of premium, clean, plant-based nutrition.
Vegan Bodybuilding & Fitness
Robert Cheeke has built an empire of vegan weight lifters and fitness buffs. His site is the home base for many of today's top vegan bodybuilders and it has a huge selection of resources. This is where my journey began when I first went vegan. His site proves that you can be vegan and very strong - Jeff Sanders
Ben Greenfield Fitness
Ben Greenfield Fitness is your source for non run-of-the-mill advice about fat loss, nutrition and human performance.
One Green Planet
For all our plant-powered athletes or everyday active individuals looking to get the right ratio of protein, carbs, and healthy fats, this general guide is a great choice for you. It is suited for both men and women, depending on food preferences and individual body needs. Men may need more protein and calories than women, and you may also find it helpful to vary your ratio of proteins, carbohydrates and fats before and after workouts to see which ones work best for you.
Related Articles
©2020 | HealthWorldNet, Inc. | 112417
Last Updated : Saturday, February 15, 2020