No Meat Athlete

Are you an athletic or active individual? Have you considered living a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle?

Credits: Heidi Powell

Do you believe that these two lifestyles are conflicting because of a deficit in protein intake along side other nutrients that the vegan diet mythically inhibits?

You are not alone when thinking such things. A majority of people are not fully knowledgeable in this field but are not entirely wrong to think this way.

Transitioning into a vegan/vegetarian can pose certain difficulties and challenges if not done correctly. Unlike food companies who seek to hide health risks, I will elaborate on them.

Here are some important facts to consider for making an informed and intentional switch to this lifestyle. Vegan/vegetarians are deficient in the following nutrients:

• §  Animal protein- contain essential amino acids and is important for muscle mass and bone health.
• §  Creatine – which helps form energy reservoir in cells. Too little of this proves to have negative affects in brain function.
• §  Carnosine- protective against degenerative processes and aging quickly.
• §  Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) – the most active form of Omega-3 fatty acids in body
• §  Vitamin B12- involved in the function of every cell in the body. Critical for life.

Though people following this regimen of living cannot simply receive these kinds of nutrient from veggies, fruits, and legumes alone, there are supplements (such as natural pills or powders) which substitute for the beneficial nutrients that animal products reveal to have.

Credits: Sean Nalewanyj

These such supplements can be obtained in stores such as: GNC, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and any FDA approved sellers.

However, a huge myth that animal industries have been trying to sell their consumers is that vegans/vegetarians do not receive any sort of protein in their regular diet. Believe it or not vegetables also produce protein which is both beneficial to their growth and cellular processes. This protein is not as potent as that of meat however in large quantities it gets the job done.

This only proves to be a good reason to stuff your face with as many delicious veggies and fruits as you’d like!

To tie in the point of athleticism, athletes and people who lead active lives depend on these specific nutrients on a daily basis. During aerobic exercise we burn energy which we previously consumed from foods.

Though people usually focus on caloric intake, athletes understand that this is not the focal point for an effective diet. They eat foods that will enhance performance making sure to reduce the intake of sugars and processed. They focus on finding the more nutritionally beneficial products which most of the time are leafy dark green vegetables such as kale.

There is no optimal diet for one specific person, however, the diet with the most health benefits is a vegan one and if you cannot accept the information from me take it from some of the most well known players in the industry who have made the switch.

Credits: Brendan Braizer

“I can honestly say that being vegan is not only the most efficient way to be full-body strong, its also the most human”

- David Carter, Vegan, NFL Player

Eating On The Go

As a college student, considering what one is to eat at every hour of the day is very important.

We need meals that will fill our abyss-like stomachs and replenish the nutrients we lose with every hour that passes whilst accomplishing our daily activities.

There is a plethora of options out there to choose from when on the run or when looking for a fulfilling snack. However, because of convenience we do not usually aim for the healthiest options simply the ones available.

To resolve this trend which deteriorates our health, we must be prepared for any situation. This means knowing what to choose when eating out or when in a rush.

Foods that will get the job done include a variety of fruits, veggies, and legumes which supply us with simple sugars to keep us awake, fiber to keep our systems clean, protein for muscle growth and a plethora of vitamins.

When eating out, I have gathered 10 tricks to keep in mind:

•  Check the menu before leaving home if possible.
• Think ahead what you may desire.
• Ask waiter to skip the bread basket.
• Stick to water and natural juices.
• Start with a side.
• when ordering, ask for things to be done your way. If you rather not have dressing, or cheese on your salad let them know.
• Ask for triple the veggies. Much smarter option than rice or fries!
• Order from the “healthy, low fat” options on the menu.
• Remember portions are important if entrée is too big take half to go.
•  Eat slowly. It takes the body around 20 minutes to feel full, so the slower you chew and the more distractions during the meal will allow for you to feel full with smaller amounts.

These tricks will bring you closer to your health goals and will help you not to stray, remember it takes 22 days to form a habit!

Fruits are the easiest and healthiest snack to obtain when in a rush, stocking up on a variety of these yummy foods will prevent you from reaching for a cereal bar or pop-tart which have no health benefits, unless you consider arterial blockage a benefit. In fact, snacks such as fruits contain fiber which is a catalyst for the digestive system to run smoothly.

Credits to: Trade Wind

Eating high protein foods such as nuts, beans, and soy/vegetarian meats will fulfil your daily protein requirements and provide a satisfying feeling. Plant based diets are high in iron, and eating vitamin C during your meals will help your body to absorb these nutrients. The only thing to consider is taking a Vitamin B12 supplement to provide reinforcement and this can be as easy as waking up in the morning and taking a pill with a glass of water. If you wish to improve focus and improve mental processing consider taking omega 3, 6, 9 alongside the B12 for a brain power boost!