Going vegan is a controversial choice — some people are completely on board, and some will roll their eyes and immediately criticize the decision. Either way, it’s worth looking into how the plant-based diet can affect your workouts.
One high profile athlete recently opened up about her experience with switching to a vegan diet. U.S. soccer star Alex Morgan has said that the change in her eating regimen has allowed her to increase her abilities on the field. When asked why she changed her diet, she said: “because it didn’t feel fair to have a dog I adore, and yet eat meat all the time.” She then figured out that she felt like she had a lot more energy during training sessions and during games. This begs the question, does switching to a vegan diet benefit your workout?
There is currently no research that directly shows a correlation, however “they do not appear to decrease athletic performance either,” Tanya Halliday, professor of Health, Kinesiology, and Recreation at the University of Utah shares. She continues: “When athletes believe a certain eating pattern is the cause of improved performance, it is likely more do to a combination of a greater focus placed on nutrition as well as a solid training program.”
While there is no direct evidence that shows it helps, you may find that cutting out certain food groups will affect your body in a positive way. The most important thing to remember is that every person’s body is different, and it’s wise to consult with a doctor before adopting major changes in your diet.