I can't help but bust out a "har har" every time I'm asked where I get my protein. It's 2011, and being vegan has never been easier—and it's a weak excuse to say you "can't be vegan" because you play sports! Athletes like Daniel Bryan, newly vegan Jake Shields, and Mac Danzig are constantly kicking ass and are involved in two of the most physically demanding sports out there—and yeah, they're vegan. So if you're an athlete looking to ditch your zombie ways, read on, playa.
A fun thing that a handful of my friends and I used to do was meet up on Sundays to play basketball. Not sure how many of you out there like to shoot hoops—but generally when you play on public courts folks will challenge you to a pick-up game. My team was composed entirely of vegans, while the opposing team was generally "zombies." Needless to say, we had a winning team and were damn proud of it. What was our secret you ask? Some would say talent (and I would agree), but I also think our healthy lifestyles had something to do with it. Here are some great links for being a healthy vegan athlete, or for anyone looking to get in better shape!
- PCRM: This is my go-to site when I have questions about nutrition. This is a great site to start with and to learn about what you should be putting into your bodies.
- Vegan Body Building: If you're looking to get buff and to get those washboard abs (SWOON)—this is the site for you. Looking for a sample training plan? This site has it!
- Organic Athlete: This is another great site for athletes looking to switch to a healthier lifestyle. They have a very helpful "Guide to Sports Nutrition" that I like a lot.
Like most of you out there, one of my New Year's resolutions this year was to get into better shape—but I kind of slacked off here and there. Who wants to join me in going strong for the rest of the year? Let's do this!
such a lame excuse to say i cant be vegan because i play sports. very good links too
thanks so much for posting this. i knew there were vegan body builders, i just haven't been able to find much info on it and i have trouble maintaining a high enough weight for my height and i lose very easily so previous attempts at going vegan went sour due to my looking unhealthily like a skeleton and therefore bringing negative connotations to the stereotype, which I do not want to promote.
I wish I had abs like that! but thanks for the great info. so many people think vegans can't play sports
my meat-loving brother is pretty amazed by this, i just showed him cuz he thinks that i don't get enough protein(which is totally untrue)
Awesome I'll definately get a nosebleed
awesomeness
Jogging 5 miles (or more) 7 days a week, playing tennis, bike riding, swimming…and being a vegetarian since 1976…hard to believe anyone still believes it to be impossible.
I so appreciate this info. I have always been into health and fitness but felt I am not as strong as a vegan (athletic wise).
Good post, VeganHealth dotorg is from a Registered Dietician with the great group VeganOutreach. I find that to be most helpful, since I didnt know about the importance of omega-3 (flaxseed oil-or pill, walnuts etc – not fish) or iron for years. The site has info on nearly every condition possible (more detail than most need) event lists sources and such.
Jake Shields did a nice peta2 video that I uploaded a few times under tags/tite of his UFC championship fight against GSP that got over 80k views total on them! Share it! Vegan Body Building dotcom is good too, thanks for plugging them!
I need to show this to my hubby. He'll be surprised!
He is super cute and completely awesome for being a vegan athlete
Being an athlete doesn't mean you can't be vegan/vegetarian.
Shoot, I'm a cheerleader, wrestling, and a track runner, and been vegetarian for years now!
This rocks! Veggie jocks rock! (I'm one of 'em!)