Healthy living is not just a journey, but a way of life for some. To treat your body with respect and care about what goes into your mouth speaks volumes. We all make choices on what our diet looks like. And for some that choice is to be Vegan. The plant based diet is full of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and protein. More and more professional athletes are making the switch. These athletes are just some of the Black professional vegan athletes changing the game, literally.
Benefits of a Vegan Lifestyle
Athletes who become vegan enjoy the enhanced performance, quicker muscle recovery and overall health. As we are looking up to Pro Athletes that are adapting this lifestyle, it is changing the way the black communities view eating habits and health. Just because Big Mama said to eat it, doesn’t mean it was good for us. These vegan athletes are proof that adopting a vegan lifestyle can make you shine bright like an avocado.
Professional athletes are deciding to make the switch to a vegan lifestyle for so many benefits. Adopting a vegan diet can offer enhanced endurance, improved digestion, quicker muscle recovery, and lean body mass. Who wouldn’t want to run faster, jump higher and have the increased energy it takes to win. Not only that but concerns for animal welfare and environmental sustainability are also components to making the big switch.
Kyrie Irving
NBA player, Irving made the big switch at the advice of his personal trainer to manage physical demands. But the decision turned into a personal journey that made him feel lighter on the court and ethically concerned for animal welfare. He has often been outspoken on the treatment of animals and ethical issues surrounding the environment.
Chris Paul
Athletes like Chris Paul are inspiring fans to reconsider their food choices. Making them see by making powerful food choices it can impact their lives in a whole new way. Like when he was involved in the documentary They’re Trying to Kill Us in 2019. The documentary shows how unhealthy processed foods are pushed on Black communities. Paul became a part of the solution by launching a vegan snack ‘Good Eat’n’. Chris Paul continues to advocate for veganism helping to change the way the professional sports world views nutrition.
Jehina Malik
In the bodybuilding world meat is seen as essential for building muscle; they go hand and hand. But when there are other powerful proteins available why not take advantage. Jehina Malik is changing that misconception by being a competitive vegan bodybuilder. She is proof that animal based products are not the only answer to bodybuilding. Malik’s journey began with her wanting to improve her health, physique and well-being. She was inspired by the growing community of vegan athletes turning to plant-based diets. And while many say a plant-based diet lacks protein they are not aware foods like chickpeas, lentils and tofu are rich in nutrients and protein. Like Jehina Malik, as long as you maintain a balanced diverse vegan diet muscle growth and strength will follow.
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Enhanced performance, quicker muscle recovery and overall health are all contributing factors to a vegan lifestyle. The rise of Black professional vegan athletes are shedding light on not only a plant-based diet but also how the impact an animal based diet affects the body as well as society. Kyrie Irving, Chris Paul, and Jehina Malik all are conscious of what they consume in order to maintain a healthy successful career. And challenging historical norms in the Black community has inspired many to change their diet as well.
Any other Black professional vegan athletes come to mind??
