Winning Athletes are Vegetarians
Many people are deterred from becoming vegetarians for reasons of athleticism. It is a common misconception that becoming a vegetarian will decrease athletic capabilities. Much to the contrary, every time you consume a vegetarian meal you are doing wonders for a body. Proper nutrition can and will affect athletic performance so, if an athlete chooses to go the vegetarian route, it is essential that adequate amounts of energy and protein are consumed so that he or she can still perform.
Being a vegetarian athlete can take a little more planning than someone on a meat-based diet, but it also offers far more benefits. Vegetarian athletes need to ensure an intake of nutrient-dense plant-based foods. Try not to exist primarily on highly processed and refined carbohydrates like pasta, bread and pretzels. Instead, include beans, tofu, nuts and vegetables to meet an athlete´s nutrient requirements. In other words, eat a well-balanced, high protein diet, and make every bite count. The less-processed the food, the better.
There are many vegetarian options that are nutritious. Here are some options:
- Whole grains
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Legumes
- Dairy
- Soy products
- Tofu
Countless successful athletes are vegetarians including Olympic runners, karate national champions, swimming world-record-holders, and Mr. America bodybuilding champions.
