Swimmer Nutrition: Vegetarians Can Still Get Plenty of Protein

Let’s cut the crap. We all know that meat based proteins take the spotlight in articles like this all the time.
That’s because protein is SOOOO important as a resource for strength training, sculpting your body, and building muscles.
The truth of the matter is, you don’t have to EAT MEAT to get protein.
 

I AM NOT A VEGETARIAN

I am not a vegetarian. Or a fruitarian. Or a Pescatarian. I am not on the GAPS diet. I am not on the Paleo Diet. I am not gluten free and I have no known allergies.
To put it simply, I am not on any special diets and I am very blessed to not have special food needs. But many people are. And many people do.
And that’s OKAY!
I just wanted to address that in case anyone thought I was biased while writing this.
 

The Truth

Here is the 411 on the veggies situation:
“A well-rounded, plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains can easily provide all the protein your body needs to build muscle. More important, according to numerous studies, including the landmark Adventist Health Study-2, people who eat a plant-based diet live longer, healthier lives. They have fewer cases of cancer, heart disease, type-2 diabetes, and are less likely to be overweight. And if your carbon footprint is important to you, you’ll leave a smaller one of those, too.”
Doesn’t sound so bad, does it? I could swim all I want and not get fatigued if I make the right plant-based choices. And I would build plenty of muscle mass while I’m at it.
 

What Plant-based Protein Sources are Best?

I have heard great reviews about Sun Warrior’s plant-based protein powder.
It combines a variety of sources to get a full protein profile with all the nutrients you need to be healthy.
As for straight up plants, here are some options that are packed with protein: broccoli, corn, brussels sprouts, peas, baked potatoes, and spinach.

Are You Gonna Bulk-Up with Veggies or Meat?

So, fellow swimmers… we’d like to know what your protein preferences are.
When you swim several laps a day while listening to awesome tunes on your Waterproof iPod Shuffle, what do you eat for a pre work-out snack? And what is your recovery meal? All of us here at Underwater Audio want to know what works for you.
Feel free to leave a comment in the section below.