Hey people, Just posting to ask for advice. Im seriously thinking of going veggie after years of copping out. Ive always disliked eating meat of any kind, but Ive also been involved in a lots of sports during my teens and early 20s, have always been advised by coaches that a vegetarian diet does not provide adequate nutrition for someone who does a considerable amount of physical activity. Although I dont play much team sports anymore, I still try and keep myself fit and healthy by studying martial arts that involve a great deal of hard body conditioning, as well as weight training in the gym. Therefore Im still reluctant to go veggie because of what Ive been constantly told. Just wondering if there are any people here who are veggie/vegan but are also involved in sports, and whether they can offer any advice. Cheers
What do you want out of life? You have to think long term here. You can follow a western diet and bulk up, or you can follow a eastern diet and still look good when you're 50. I've been a vegetarian for 25 years. I've ridden bicycles for over 30. Endurance has never been a problem for me. I've worked hard physical labor jobs and still ran circles around my co-workers. Because my system isn't gunked up with animal by-products. Your coaches need to go back to school. x
Actually there are vegan bodybuilders. Eating meat doesn't equal being fit. Maybe protein has something to do with it but I think people should know by now that protein is very easy to get without eating meat - you just combine many incomplete proteins and they are in a lot of foods! So I don't see what you're problem is. Try researching it. Don't just listen to what you're told, a lot of people have a negative view of vegetarianism.
To be fair my previous coaches hav'nt told me that being vegetarian is completely wrong, its just that to be a competitive sportsman you need to have a balanced diet that includes meat. These maybe complete assumptions, there are definately a lot of negative attitudes towards vegetarianism, but its still hard to think differently when it has been drilled into your head for so many years. Im reaching the stage now where I want to live as ethically as Ive always wanted to, but Im still passionate about my sports (I only do martial arts now) and still have enough of a competitive streak that makes me reluctant to do something that I believe will hold me back. Anyway, I'll definately try and get advice and research the alternatives, I should give it a go and see what happens. Long-term, I guess I just want to be as healthy and as happy as I can be Thank you both for your advice! BTW Xexon, what are "western" and "eastern" diets?
been veggie 22 years, personaly not into sports thonk theyre kinda dumb buit always breen really strong and active (except this year been very lazy) i always felyt i got in shape easier and faster then the meat eatters around me, and stayed strong without having to constsantly work out
The western diet would be the food pyramid you were taught in school. Eastern diet would be more like Indian food. They're probably the most talented of all vegetarian cooks. x
I've been a veg for about ten years and have been very active for the past five. While I don't do team sports, I run a lot and do weight lifting a few times a week. Even with a veg diet, I am able to maintain a good amount of muscle. The trick is what you eat and at what times you eat. Read up on how to mix incomplete proteins to make complete proteins. I'd give some more specific advice but I don't have time at the moment. PM me if you'd like some tips.
I have been vegetarian all my life (25 years). I have never ever tired meat or sea food. I do eat dairy products, cheese, milk, etc. (great source of protein). We don’t buy eggs but I do like mayo, and cookies and cakes have eggs in it. You can always take vitamins. I don’t play any sports but I do work out almost everyday. I am in a great shape. I feel very healthy. If you really want to do something then you should just do it and not worry about what other people have to say. Here is what i eat... I eat small portion through out the day. Morning Milk and cereal yogurt Atleast two fruits Lunch Salad or pasta or sub, or mexican food ( with tons of veggies and beans) Afternoon One fruit, and (Almonds, cashew, peanuts,etc.) or snack bar or crakers Dinner Homemade wheat bread, cooked vegetable dish, and rice and beans. cup of milk before i go to bed. OH AND I LOVE LONDON ACCENT.
Hey King Snorky, Your coaches were all wrong. That kind of narrowmindedness really gets to me! I've been vegetarian for my whole life, never, ever eaten meat (thanks parents!) and have always been very active; running, cycling, rock climbing, etc. I've raced endurance cycling for the last five years, races of over 100 miles, (or 160 km, if you think like that!). I cycled across Europe in the summer, 2000 miles in three weeks carrying a lot of weight on the bike. I think I've been a good experiment - I was bought up vegetarian and have never, ever had a problem with strength, endurance or general fitness. My recovery rate after intense excercise (races/weights/climbing) is fast. I am currently trying to go vegan. I read a book called 'The Thrive Diet' by a guy called Brendan Brazier, who is vegan. He is professional Ironman triathlete (2.5mile swim/112 mile cycle/26 mile run). You don't need meat to get fit - just cut it out!
Thanks for the advice everyone, Ive started to abstain from meat this week and hopefully for good! Ill probabably still need to do some more reserach on this, but will will keep it up. Cheers!
Eat at one of the many Indian restaurants you have in London. A full belly there will keep you from thinking about what you've given up. And watch out for peer pressure and holidays. It makes many regret their decision. x
here are some good recipe websites. http://www.justvegetablerecipes.com/veg-0101835.html this next one has more indian recipes: http://bawarchi.com/
Thanks again to everyone. Have not eaten any meat now for about a month and have not really felt any different other than the fact that I dont seem to get full! I guess its something one needs to get used to. Have been careful to eat enough protein (beans and nuts), still eat and drink dairy products and yogurt, but I reckon that eating more fruits before training has actually increased my energy levels. I am really confident that I can keep it up, despite the peer pressure and everything else. Cheers
