6 Cases of Veganism Among Professional Athletes
*Insert Spongebob meme* “bUt hOw dO yOU bUiLd mUscLE wiThOUt EAtinG mEat?” Well, strap in boys and girls, vegan athlete spotlights coming right up.
In 2011, Venus Williams was diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome, an autoimmune disease that causes your body the attack the glands that produce tears and saliva. It also causes severe joint pain and fatigue. While there is no cure, treatments focus on relieving the symptoms. During her time off after withdrawing from the 2011 U.S. Open during the second round, Venus found solace in proper treatment and a drastic diet change.
You guessed it: veganism. Raw veganism, in Venus’ case. Giving her newfound energy, and greatly improving the pain caused by swollen joints, Venus was able to step back on the court and continue playing the game that brought her to fame.
To support her sister, Serena went fully raw & vegan during Venus’ road to recovery. Now she sticks to raw veganism while in-season, and loosens up the rules a little during off-season. Her kryptonite? Grits, fried chicken and Moon Pies. Otherwise, breakfast is oats, fruit, almond butter and supplements. Mid-morning snack resembles toasted Ezekiel bread and more almond butter. Lunch might be something along the lines of greens, oranges, tomatoes, onions, pita croutons, sliced almonds and lime juice. Williams’ afternoon “snack” is a fat-burner drink. Perhaps lemon juice, matcha green tea and cinnamon. Dinner will be some equivalent to brown rice with hemp and chia seeds and fresh veggies. The trick on staying healthy, is never letting yourself get too hungry. Healthy snacking might as well be the keys to the kingdom.
Tom refutes the title, explaining that if you’re not vegan a hundred percent of the time, you’re not vegan. Period. But, for the sake of this article and the point we’re trying to make here, Tom Brady follows a vegan diet about three quarters of the year, and adds in lean protein during the colder months. And, well, he wears Uggs. Tom’s plant-based diet is attributed confidently with his success — he’s the oldest starting quarterback in the league, boasting 41 years on his most recent birthday cake (ok, there probably wasn’t any cake. Maybe a protein bar). The man is an animal. Probably, because he doesn’t eat many of them.
Kyrie got into veganism simply by doing his own research on the subject. (I guess we’ll give him a pass from what happened last time he hit the search tabs *cough* flat Earth theories *cough*, but nonetheless, never forget.) Irving read up on all of the health benefits attributed to a diet without meats and other animal byproducts, and decided to give it a go. The experiment resulted in a significant improvement in stamina. Back-to-back series games once brought on a 10% shooting percentage decrease, but with a fully vegan diet, Irving’s athletic performance has improved in both consistency and accuracy.
Austin Aries, the pro wrestler otherwise known as the “Belt Collector” says veganism is the reason he’s best in the world. Aries is a 3-time Impact World Champion and a former WWE Superstar. Crazy, weird schedules (late nights, lots of travel time) create a slightly tougher challenge when it comes to dietary restrictions, but Aries combats that by keeping vegan protein packets, lentil packets and bananas on-hand at all times. Another (much sadder) challenge is the constant battle to tear down society’s rule that meat is directly linked to masculinity. But, he’s doing it. And he’s doing it well. The toll that Austin’s body has taken from 19 years in the ring is kept in check with a strict vegan diet, a sprinkle of yoga, and a very good attitude. “If you’re not enjoying it, you’re doing it wrong,” he tweeted out to his fans in June 2018. Austin continues to be an important activist and an incredible role model.
Kendrick Farris, a vegan since 2014, was the only male Olympic weightlifter to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics. Farris set an American record by lifting 831 pounds at the Team Trials. All on a plant-based diet. Pre-vegan Kendrick competed in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, but after the birth of his son, he decided to better himself any ways he could. First, he tackled his diet. Oats, black beans, avocados and protein shakes ensure necessary caloric and nutrient intake. After going meat and byproduct-free, Farris was able to lift heavier and feel an overall physical improvement. His moods are steadier and controlled, his head feels clearer, and his energy supply is boundless.
These six all-stars are a very small sample among a vast number of athletes who have adopted a vegan lifestyle. Whether priorities lie in animal activism, medical concerns or an elevation in athletic ability, the sports world will continue to see a substantial increase in vegan competitors.
sources:
https://www.health.com/nutrition/venus-williams-raw-vegan-diet
https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-celtics/2017/11/15/kyrie-irving-vegan-diet-improved-play
https://www.livekindly.co/vegan-professional-wrestler-austin-aries/
https://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/why-americas-best-olympic-weightlifter-is-vegan-w434203
