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It’s been one of the most hotly debated topics of the last few years: eating meat versus vegetarianism/veganism. Countless studies conducted by scientists around the world have proven the benefits of both diets, but with the environment at peril and more people calling for an end to processed meat and dairy farms, many are turning to a plant-based diet for all their needs.

But what does this mean for athletes, and is there any loss to switch over to a meat-free diet? The answer, surprisingly, is no, and it’s been proven time and time again that vegetarians are able to sustain an extremely healthy lifestyle while taking in the right amount of calories and nutrients that they need every day while also continuing to live as normal with family and work responsibilities, as well as recreational time for video and gambling online NZ games.

The Problem with Restricted Calories

Any athlete needs a high volume of calories to maintain the energy they burn off during exercise and training. Meat tends to be one of the most calorie-rich foods available to us at the store, which is why athletes tend to have a diet packed with lean poultry and fish.

Vegetarian-based diets also often pose the problem of not having the right nutrients necessary for creating and maintaining new muscle, oxygen transport, and bone density. Some of the nutrients that we get from animal products include protein, iron, vitamin D, zinc, and omega-3 fats.

Getting What You Need

There are plenty of plant-based foods out there that provide the essential nutrients the body needs. Foods like beans, broccoli, tofu, lentils, spinach, nuts, seeds, soy milk, and quinoa are all great substitutes for meat and dairy products, and will provide everything you need to continue training and exercising as you were on your old diet.

Pre and Post Workout

Before starting a plant-based diet, there are a few aspects that the athlete needs to be aware of:

• Changing over to a completely plant-based diet may cause some problems early on. The huge increase in fibre may heavily impact bowel movements, leaving you having to visit the bathroom a few times a day to deal with diarrhoea or bloating. This will normalise over time as your body becomes adjusted to the amount of fibre being ingested.
• Take the necessary time to learn about the type of nutrients you will need to maintain your training and exercise. Preparation is key when swapping over to an entirely new dietary plan, and having all the right ingredients to start creating healthy foods is extremely important.
• Ensure that you are ingesting enough protein, which is something that vegetarians and vegans tend to struggle with. 10 grams a day from a complete protein source should be enough, with a soy-based food or quinoa being the best choice for athletes.
• Drink water to keep your body hydrated. Switching from meat and dairy, you might find that you will lose some water to begin with, and it will be necessary to compensate by hydrating as much as possible.

10 High-Protein Foods to Improve a Plant-Based Diet

Men require 50-60g of protein a day, while women require 40-50g, and even more is required if you’re active. Getting enough protein in your diet is essential to staying healthy and it’s a common concern of those who opt for a plant-based diet as opposed to a vegetarian diet which includes dairy products and eggs.

Tofu

Tofu is a staple addition to many meatless dishes and it packs a power protein punch at 22g of protein per ½ cup. When shopping for tofu, opt for one with a firmer texture, as the firmer the tofu the more protein it contains.

Beans

Not only will beans help you build muscle and keep you fuller for longer, but just 1 cup of beans contains 21g of protein. Beans will also aid in digestion as they’re packed with fibre and can be paired with rice for a completely vegan meal.

Spelt

Spelt is a largely underused grain and many don’t know that it has a higher protein content than quinoa and is an excellent source of iron and fibre. At 11g of protein per cup, its protein content is lower than that of tofu, but it will add a nutty flavour to salads and soups.

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds can be roasted and sprinkled over salads or incorporated into a trail mix for delicious snacking. These underrated seeds contain 12g of protein per cup, are an excellent source of fibre, and are not as costly as nuts meaning more cash for Bendigo Cup betting.

Pistachios

If you’re looking for the perfect on-the-go snack, look no further than pistachio nuts. At 25g of protein per cup, pistachios can be used for a number of sweet and savoury recipes and are a delicious addition to curry.

Chickpeas

As one of the most versatile plant-based protein sources available, chickpeas are a staple food in vegan diets. With 9g of protein per ¾ cup, they make a delicious addition to salads, can be crisped in the oven for a healthy alternative to croutons, or blitzed to make hummus.

Tempeh

Tempeh is a fermented soy product which contains 16g of protein per 85g and is an excellent source of probiotics owing to the fermentation process – perfect for gut health. You also won’t have to eat a lot of it to get full thanks to the high protein content.

Seitan

With a meaty texture similar to chicken or beef, seitan is a wheat-based protein with a taste that may require some getting used to, but you won’t have to consume much to get full – just 75g contains 21g of protein.

Edamame

Known as a sushi appetizer and the perfect additional to salads, stir-fries, or even just steamed and topped with salt as a snack, edamame is tasty source of protein which offers 17g per cup.

Lentils

A popular substitute for traditional meat dishes such as meatballs or lasagne, lentils contain a good bite and can be used as both protein and grain in salads. With 18g of protein per cup, lentils are a versatile plant alternative to meat.