The myth that a vegan diet is not suitable for athletes has been FINALLY debunked in recent years. More and more athletes have been ditching animal products and have seen significant improvements in their performance, recovery time, overall health and this makes us really happy!
You may not know that those athletes are vegan but they are crushing it on a plant-based diet :
Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula One world champion, went vegan in 2017, and it has only improved his performance. He credits his vegan diet for his improved energy levels and better recovery time. In an interview with Men’s Health, Hamilton said, “I feel like I’ve got more energy, my skin cleared up, I didn’t have any bloating, I didn’t have any inflammation in my joints.” Hamilton is also an animal rights activist and often speaks out against animal cruelty.
Serena Williams
Serena Williams, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, has been vegan since 2012. She says that her vegan diet has helped her maintain a healthy weight and has improved her overall health. In an interview with Bon Appétit, Williams said, “I started for health reasons. I have a family history of diabetes and high blood pressure and things like that.” Williams has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles and is a testament to the fact that vegans can be just as competitive as their non-vegan counterparts.
Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic, the world number one tennis player, went vegan in 2011 after struggling with respiratory problems and allergies. He has since won multiple Grand Slam titles and credits his vegan diet for his success. In an interview with CNN, Djokovic said, “I do eat plant-based. I think that’s one of the reasons why I recover well. I don’t have allergies that I used to have anymore. And I like it.”
Alex Morgan
Alex Morgan, the US Women’s National Soccer Team striker, has been vegan since 2017. She says that her vegan diet has improved her energy levels and helped her maintain a healthy weight. In an interview with ESPN, Morgan said, “I feel like I recover faster, and I can go back to training the next day and feel just as strong as I did the day before.” Morgan has won two Olympic gold medals and a World Cup and is proof that a plant-based diet can fuel athletic success.
Additional Vegan Athletes you may know…
- Meagan Duhamel: Olympic gold medalist and World Champion figure skater.
- Scott Jurek: Ultra-marathon runner who has won numerous races and holds multiple records.
- Dotsie Bausch: Olympic silver medalist in track cycling.
- Kendrick Farris: Three-time Olympian and American record holder in weightlifting.
- Tia Blanco: Professional surfer and gold medalist in the ISA World Surfing Games.
The number of athletes adopting a plant-based diet has increased dramatically in recent years. There are many reasons for this shift, including health concerns, environmental awareness, animal rights activism and much more.
Many athletes have discovered that a plant-based diet can provide the necessary nutrients for optimal athletic performance and recovery. One of the reasons why a vegan diet can improve athletic performance is that plant-based foods are rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. This can lead to faster recovery times and better overall health. Additionally, a vegan diet can help athletes maintain a healthy weight and reduce their risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
Another factor driving the increase in vegan athletes is the growing awareness of the environmental impact of animal agriculture. Many athletes are becoming more conscious of their environmental footprint and are choosing to eat a plant-based diet as a way to reduce their impact on the planet.
In addition to the athletes mentioned above, there are many other successful vegan athletes in a variety of sports, including bodybuilding, powerlifting, and ultramarathon running. These athletes are proof that a plant-based diet can provide the necessary nutrients for optimal athletic performance and recovery.