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!

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Kleaven Pisani, KSJC President, said that the council made it a point to increase inclusivity for Junior College Students. The council saw a lack of this, especially with regards to vegan food being easily accessible for the students.

“The idea of increasing the amount of vegan food being prepared in the school canteen was always seen as something fruitless in previous years, however this year, thanks to a council that is even closer to students than ever before, we realized that there is a considerable amount of students that follow these vegan and vegetarian diets and that they find it difficult to find suitable options that suits their likes and dislikes”.

Kleaven Pisani, KSJC President

This will not only target those who are on a vegan diet but it will also encourage students to try out vegan food to satisfy their taste buds.

“As a result, we tackled the problem head-on, discussing different ideas with the school canteen on how we can cater for these students. This initiative is going to create a fitter environment for Junior College students making their experience of higher quality”.

KSJC plans to further increase the food options that are available on Campus to cater to different cultures and diets.

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(vee-gun)

Definition: A peculiar breed of human beings who, out of their own volition, decide to abstain from the consumption of all animal products.  These individuals may be spotted running past the meat and dairy isle with their eyes closed and can easily be identified by their tremendous endurance for ridicule.  They also might mention it in conversation…constantly. 

Source: A Certified Vegan

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November, unbeknownst to everyone except the minority involved, is World Vegan Month. Veganism and its ideals have become widespread in recent years and although non-vegans are reluctant to admit it, and are frankly sick of hearing it, being vegan has a myriad of perks, particularly its health benefits.

• Loss of Excess Fat Weight

The motive behind most vegan diets is more often than not to decrease F.A.T Frequency of Animal Torture, but some also do it do decrease actual fat.

Vegan diets are typically composed of various fruit and vegetables, containing dietary fibre, iron, magnesium, folic acid, and vitamins C and E. These tend to result in a lower caloric intake, thus it is not surprising that individuals following a vegan diet have shown to have a lower fat volumes and mean Body Mass Index (BMI) values.  However, vegans should be aware of their lower caloric intake and must actively consume an adequate amount of food to maintain a healthy body weight.

• Healthier Sleep

Genetically, vegans are 80% human and the other 20% is koala, as they both exclusively consume plant life and can sleep for up to 18 hours a day.

It was reported that individuals who began to transition to a vegan diet noted an instant natural improvement in their quality of sleep and reduction in the symptoms of insomnia.  The reason behind this improvement is unclear but, this amelioration of sleep could be due to a high magnesium, vitamin B6 and calcium intake. These all promote the release of serotonin, the hormone responsible for sleep regulation.

Improved sleep might also be due to the absence of murderous guilt and a clear conscience.

• Reduced risk of Cardiovascular Disease

In general, vegans consume less saturated fat and cholesterol in comparison to their omnivorous counterparts, resulting in lower blood cholesterol and pressure. Additionally, beetroots and other vegetables may also reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease as they contain minerals such as nitrates. Nitrates help improve blood flow, so much so that one might also say that they “Make your heart skip a beet.”

• Lower Risk of Cancer Development

Next time you see your mother or whoever was your personal chef when you were a child, take a minute to thank them for all of the stinky brussels sprouts they cooked for you.

Fruit, vegetables such as brussel sprouts contain antioxidants such as kaempferol which may reduce cancer growth,

These food groups and nutrients are characteristic for their protection against cancer growth.  Fruit and vegetables are composed of an amalgam of phytochemicals which are potent antioxidants, these also meddle in a number of cellular processes and, in turn, halt cancer progression.

In conclusion, it is essential to remark that veganism also promotes animal rights, water conservation and environmental preservation.  Therefore, if done properly, going vegan could have some noteworthy results both in yourself and the world around you. So celebrate World Vegan Month with us by indulging in some vegan ice-cream while relishing in your moral superiority.

Author: Gabriella Rosso – MHSA Subcommittee (did we mention she’s vegan?)

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