Vegan defined: a person who does not eat any food derived from animals and who typically does not use other animal products.
People often associate athletes with carnivorous eating patterns because performance directly correlates to protein consumption, right?
Whilst the latter is correct, plenty of athletes follow a vegan and plant-based diet. There is an abundance of non-animal-based foods that provide protein, nutrition, and sustenance to an athlete’s diet.
Veganuary is a global campaign where an individual attempts to be vegan, or adopt some vegan habits, throughout the month of January. This is in the hopes that some of these habits or indeed the lifestyle will stick.
Benefits of being vegan
Eating vegan has a never-ending list of benefits including prevention of diseases, decreased risk of heart disease, decreased exposure to additives, more knowledge of the ingredients in your food, and generally this kind of diet generates better moods in the long run.
From this information, it is a no brainer that many successful athletes have decided to adopt a vegan lifestyle and are thriving both health-wise and performance-wise because of this decision.
The following are quotes from successful athletes about their vegan diets and its relationship to performance:
“I’ve found that a person does not need protein from meat to be a successful athlete. In fact, my best year of track competition was the first year I ate a vegan diet. Moreover, by continuing to eat a vegan diet, my weight is under control, I like the way I look. (I know that sounds vain, but all of us want to like the way we look.) I enjoy eating more, and I feel great.” – Carl Lewis, Gold medal Olympian (sprinting)
So many people are shocked when they learn that I fuel my body with a plant-based—vegan—diet. I’m just shocked that it took me 26 years to gain the wisdom to do it!” – David Cartner, NFL player
“I definitely have more energy, an easier digestion, increased metabolism, and much reduced recovery time after workouts. I have less inflammation, can train harder and faster, and my heart and joints are much healthier—there is really nothing negative I can think of as being a vegan athlete.” – Robert Cheeke, bodybuilder
“I had to change my diet. I had to do many changes. I’ve become a raw vegan, and I am not perfect, so I forgive myself when I make mistakes. I do a lot of juicing as well, a lot of wheat grass shots, lots of fresh juices and things like that. I have made huge improvements with raw vegan diet.” – Venus Williams, professional tennis player
“I spent over 1,000 hours looking at peer reviewed medical science and realized that a plant-based diet is superior and optimal for health and athletic performance.” – James Lightning Wilks, Professional Mixed Martial Artist
Netflix’s documentary ‘The Game Changers’ is a great watch exploring the science and evidence-based research behind vegan athletes! We highly encourage you to jump on the Veganuary wagon this January!