Is it possible for a vegan to be a top performer? There is little direct research resulting in a clear answer.
Nancy Clark, R.D., a sports nutritionist in the Boston area and author of Nancy Clark’s Sports Nutrition Guidebook, told The New York Times in 2012 that “a presentation about vegetarian athletes at the American College of Sports Medicine Annual meeting concluded that there’s not enough research to know how vegetarian—let alone vegan—diets affect athletes.”
The ultimate deciding factor is determining if the nutritional needs can be met through a vegan diet. For example, can someone consume enough macro nutrients of protein, carbohydrates, and fat for optimal nutrition. Are there missing micro nutrients when consuming a completely plant-based diet. With the right planning a vegan can consume everything necessary to meet the nutritional needs.
Secondly, vegan athletes need to decide if supplements will be a part of the nutrition plan. One might argue that supplements are important for all athletes due to the rigorous physical demands put on the body. Many feel that supplements are an added level of insurance while others feel they are necessary and an essential part of the diet.
Finally, there is a level of knowledge required to successfully perform with a vegan diet. For meat eaters the source of protein is obvious. However, protein rich meat may also have some negative factors including saturated fat. Plant-based proteins may result in overall better heart health and better recovery after hard efforts.
The results are also based on the type of plants consumed and the type of athlete. Further studies also indicate the body type may play a factor. I personally feel that a well-balanced diet is the best approach. Also, rotating between diet types may have positive results much like rotating through workout routines.
If considering a plant-based diet it is important to make a plan, try it out, and measure the results.
Nancy Clark, R.D., a sports nutritionist in the Boston area and author of Nancy Clark’s Sports Nutrition Guidebook, told The New York Times in 2012 that “a presentation about vegetarian athletes at the American College of Sports Medicine Annual meeting concluded that there’s not enough research to know how vegetarian—let alone vegan—diets affect athletes.”
The ultimate deciding factor is determining if the nutritional needs can be met through a vegan diet. For example, can someone consume enough macro nutrients of protein, carbohydrates, and fat for optimal nutrition. Are there missing micro nutrients when consuming a completely plant-based diet. With the right planning a vegan can consume everything necessary to meet the nutritional needs.
Secondly, vegan athletes need to decide if supplements will be a part of the nutrition plan. One might argue that supplements are important for all athletes due to the rigorous physical demands put on the body. Many feel that supplements are an added level of insurance while others feel they are necessary and an essential part of the diet.
Finally, there is a level of knowledge required to successfully perform with a vegan diet. For meat eaters the source of protein is obvious. However, protein rich meat may also have some negative factors including saturated fat. Plant-based proteins may result in overall better heart health and better recovery after hard efforts.
The results are also based on the type of plants consumed and the type of athlete. Further studies also indicate the body type may play a factor. I personally feel that a well-balanced diet is the best approach. Also, rotating between diet types may have positive results much like rotating through workout routines.
If considering a plant-based diet it is important to make a plan, try it out, and measure the results.