7 Myths About Clean Eating, Busted

I am currently one week through a 28 day clean eating program. I have been so surprised within the first seven days, not only about the benefits I'm experiencing but how wrong I was about clean eating before I started. Here are 7 myths I believed about clean eating which just aren't true.

Myth 1: I Already Eat Clean

Before I started the program, I would have told you "I already eat clean". I think it's common for all of us to feel like we're eating well.  I mean salads for lunch, no dairy (well except for the occasional cheese stick and yogurt), no read meat (well once in awhile) and no processed food (well yeah a sports bar ever once in awhile).

Well, for the past seven days I've cut out breads, all dairy, coffee, alcohol and sugar and guess what? I feel incredible.

If you feel you're already eating clean you might be fooling yourself. The best way to really be sure is to track yourself for a week and really take a close look at what you're eating. You might be surprised how some "not so clean" foods like to sneak there way in while you're not looking. There are a couple of great apps you can use for tracking what you eat, one of my favorites is Lose It.

Myth 2: I'll Never be able to Give up Coffee

Coffee is very acidic to your system so it's one of the things any good clean eating program will eliminate. As someone who has been drinking 2 -3 cups of coffee a day for decades, this was my number one concern.

However, the program I'm using is designed to help you kick the coffee habit quickly and easily.  By drinking plenty of water and a special "fizz" drink with B vitamins and antioxidants giving up the "Joe" was really pretty easy. I had a minor headache the first day (which is common) but after that, it's been easy.  I'm sure, even if you're a big coffee drinker (like I was) you'll find you don't miss it and you don't want coffee anymore.

Myth 3: I'll be Tired

Doesn't clean eating make you tired, especially if you're going to cut out coffee. No, in fact just the opposite is true. By introducing probiotics and enzymes your body takes more advantage of nutrients in the foods you eat. Alll those nutrients provide even more energy. You don't need to rely on something like coffee for energy because you're getting it from your food.

Myth 4: Clean Eating Will Leave Me Hungry

I thought clean eating would be about eating vegetables and starving in between meals but I was wrong. I am actually less hungry now than I was 7 days ago. Why? You have a shake in the morning, a healthy snack, a shake for lunch, another healthy snack and then an amazing dinner!

The program is designed to balance your blood sugar so you're not spending your day on a roller coaster of snacking, crashing and snacking.

Myth 5: The Food Won't Taste Good

Actually, the food is amazing! The program I'm following comes with shake, snack and meal recipes designed by registered dietitians and they are so tasty. Every week has a shopping list too so being prepared and making the meals is really simple.

With recipes like "Sweet Potato - Turkey Chili" , "Chicken Avocado Soup", and "Southwestern Quinoa and Black Bean Casserole" I'm eating tastier, healthier food now than I was last week! If you're like me, you'll want to put these into your family's normal meal rotation even after the program ends.

Myth 6: Clean Eating Will be Expensive

You might think organic, healthy food is more expensive right? Nope, by cutting out coffee, sugar, processed foods, gluten and more you'll find your grocery bill is about the same as it was before. And because you're having shakes for breakfast and lunch you're spending a lot less there as well.

Myth 7: I Won't Be Able To Give Up (fill in the blank) for a Whole Month

If you have a sweet tooth or you crave salty snacks you might be concerned that you won't be able to go a full month without them. You'll find it's much easier than you think. Because your blood sugar remains constant you're not crashing and craving that sugar or salt. Plus there are really satisfying healthy snack alternatives that leave you feeling great.

Bonus Myth: Weight Loss = Healthy

There is a final common myth people have about health and weight loss. Some feel weight loss means your healthy and that simply isn't true. It's why a lot of the fad diets on the market aren't sustainable and aren't good for you. However when you reverse your thinking you realize that weight loss is a result of being healthy! It's the smart way, and it's the right way to achieve your weight - loss goals.

Clean Eating Benefits

After just 7 days I am experiencing amazing benefits. I feel mentally sharp, I have more energy and I'm sleeping better than I have in years. I actually wake up feeling refreshed! By cutting out inflammatory foods I'm also experiencing a reduction in bloating around my mid section. (and I like that).

Many people I've coached through the program have experienced significant weight-loss as a result of eating healthy, (weight-loss is a bi-product of a healthy lifestyle).

Conclusion

If you've thought about clean eating but held off because of some of the same concerns I had,  maybe it's time to say "Yes" to clean eating!  I promise you, it will be one of the best decisions you've ever made and you'll look back and be so glad you did it.

If you want to learn more about the program I'm doing, contact me and I'll get you all the information so you can enjoy the great benefits of eating clean too!

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or you can contact me by phone, twitter, facebook or email.

Looking forward to chatting with you and partnering on this amazing adventure with you! 

Steve 

Olive Warrior Muffins

Olive Warrior Muffins were born from necessity and desire: the need for an easy, quick recipe, and the want for staying on track with healthy portion sizes. Here’s the story:

I was just talking to my good friend, Steve Stearns, about how excited I was for warmer weather. This year I’m planning some great hikes in the Garden State. Like the rest of hikers and campers, I’ve already started thinking of a really great staple snack to keep in my backpack. Nothing beats homemade goods, so here is my recipe for Olive Warrior Muffins. You guessed it: the title is a gentle nod to busy weekend warriors who want to eat well while on the go!

Olive Warrior Muffins

Number of Servings: 8

Calories: 70-80 per muffin

Prep Time: About 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup skim milk


• ½ cup oats


• ½ cup whole wheat flour


• ½ tsp baking powder


• ¼ tsp baking soda


• 1 tbsp onion powder


• ½ tbsp. garlic powder


• 4 oz. (or 1 snack pack) unsweetened applesauce


• 3 oz. pitted black olives, finely diced


• salt to taste (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Prepare muffin tin with muffin liners*.


2. Combine dry ingredients (oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, onion powder, garlic powder) in a bowl.


3. In a separate bowl, mix applesauce and milk. Once combined, add in dry ingredients and mix with a spatula until it has a dough-like consistency. If necessary, add a splash of water to get all ingredients together.


4. Stir in olives, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Add salt to taste.


5. Fill cups with dough, making sure to press them in with a spoon so they are compact and fill edges of the liner.


6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove and let cool on a plate or a wire rack.

*Use BPA-free silicone baking cups for easy cleanup!

Food Facts

The food facts in these little cups of joy are pretty fantastic. Coming in at only 70 to 80 calories each, Olive Warrior Muffins are flavorful and satisfying. In fact, they do a body good too; you’ll have a nice amount of protein, fiber, carbs, and healthy fats in these little creations. If you’ve got a savory palate, they’re a great alternative to sweeter treats with berries or chocolate. Olives are excellent for your health from head to toe, as well.

Food Hacks

Yes, you can even have food hacks with the Olive Warrior Muffins!

If you want a slightly different taste, you can make your own buttermilk (1/3 cup milk + 1 tsp vinegar) in place of the milk in the recipe. Throw in some other spices or seasonings to jazz up the muffins, but be mindful of the salt content in spice mixes. I'd give it a try with some black pepper, personally!

Black olives are great since they add a pop of color to the muffins, but feel free to try different types of olives, too. Speaking of olives, have you ever tried to finely dice an olive, while secretly hoping you don’t dice your finger instead? Invest in a mini food processor like this one by Proctor Silex. It’s pretty handy and fits in small spaces.

Do you want a higher protein content? Throw in some PB2 or other protein powder into the dough!

Convenience

A lot of people don’t cook for one simple reason: the lack of convenience. Olive Warrior Muffins are pretty simple to make, and if you pick up some BPA-free silicone baking cups, the cleanup is cut in half.

If you want to make these on a regular basis but worry about freshness, you can either double the batch and freeze the rest, or you can pre-measure (my new favorite plan-ahead tactic). Measure out the dry ingredients and place them in a sandwich bag. Since they all get mixed together, they can all go in the same one. If you’re planning on making Olive Warrior Muffins pretty often, make up half a dozen bags and keep them in your cupboard. Don’t forget to label and date them!

The applesauce snack cups are a pretty standard pantry staple, and you’ll be surprised how often you can substitute applesauce for eggs in some recipes, too. My mother taught me that; thanks Mom!

Wow- writing out this recipe really made me hungry. Luckily I had a batch of Olive Warrior Muffins in my toaster oven this whole time, so I'm going to make my way toward the delicious aroma wafting from the kitchen. Farewell fellow warriors, and I hope you have an exciting hike with your Olive Warrior Muffins!

About the Author

Sian Babish is a writer from New Jersey. Before tearing up the floor in Zumba classes, she was kicking sky-high as a third-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. She also enjoys cooking, Jeopardy!, and stand-up comedy. Sian uses her skills to give back by volunteering as a career mentor and resume writer. Interested in connecting with Sian? Follow @sianbabish on Twitter.

 

Mason Jar Breakfast

Mason Jar Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. While that's common knowledge it's also the meal that a lot of people seem to skip.  For many people, mornings are hectic with little time for making breakfast. Lately we've been enjoying a Mason Jar Breakfast and they might be just the answer if you're someone who wants a nutritious breakfast but doesn't have a lot of time in the morning.

Here's what you need:

• Almond milk


• Rolled Oats


• Chia seeds


• Frozen fruit


• Vanilla


• Cinnamon


• Greek Yogurt


• Honey

It's really easy to make these up ahead of time and store them in the fridge.

Directions

• First add 1/3 cup dry rolled oats oatmeal


• Next add just under a tablespoon of chia seeds

It's important to mix contents as you go by screwing on the lid and shaking the mason jar. (Good work out too....think shake weight ;) )

• Now add 1/4 cup of almond milk


• Then 1 drop of vanilla


• A teaspoon of honey


• Now add one tablespoon of Greek yogurt (flavored or unflavored)


• Then a pinch of cinnamon


• And finally a few pieces of your favorite frozen fruit

Line up your mason jars in the fridge. Now you have a quick, nutritious mason jar breakfast you can enjoy at home or take with you on the road.

How to Eat Them

You can eat a Mason Jar Breakfast cold or pop them in the microwave to heat them up first (just be sure to remove the metal lid). I have them cold and really like them that way. They look a bit scary at first but they really do taste great. They'll also keep you full and satisfied right through to lunch time.

So if you're someone who is pressed for time in the morning and wants a delicious, nutritious breakfast try making your own Mason Jar Breakfast. You'll be pleasantly surprised by how good the taste and how easy they are.

Have you tried a Mason Jar Breakfast? Leave a comment below with your favorite flavors.

How Selecting the Right Rewards Won't Leave you Feeling Guilty

Setting goals and milestones are a perfect way to stay motivated when it comes to fitness. They can help you gauge your progress and plot the path to your ultimate goal. They're also opportunities for celebration. Each new milestone represents another step closer.

Add a reward at those milestones and you can increase your motivation. However, you need to be careful because the wrong reward can leave you feeling guilty and can end up working against you. When deciding on a reward it's important to select something appropriate and in-line with your objective.

For example, a weekend in Vegas would not be a great reward for someone who's working to beat a gambling problem. So why do so many people select food as a reward for achieving weight loss goals?

How many times have we heard someone say they're going out for a big dinner to celebrate their weight loss? Why is it so common to use food as a reward?

Moods and Foods

For many, this idea of food as a reward goes all the way back to childhood. Many parents use food as a reward or consequence and it can interfere with the development of healthy eating habits at an early age. It also can set the stage for an association between certain moods and certain foods.

According to University of Rochester Medical Center

"...Offering otherwise off-limits food as a reward or special treat is also confusing. Children hear that they're supposed to enjoy foods that are good for them and avoid foods with little nutritional value. Being told that they can indulge in foods that are bad for them as a reward for doing something good sends a mixed message. They may also start associating unhealthy foods with certain moods—when you feel good about yourself, for instance, it's okay to reach for a sweet."

To compound things we have cake when we celebrate, ice cream when we win the game and an ice cream when we lose (just to make use feel better). It's no wonder so many people think of food as a reward.

Don't get me wrong, I like cake and I have nothing against food but if you're goal is to achieve a higher level of fitness or to lose weight there are other options that may be just as motivational.

Better Options

Here are some other ideas for patting yourself on the back when you reach a new milestone.

• Buy some new clothes;


• Get some new workout gear;


• Buy some new sneakers;


• Take a vacation;


• Go do something fun like skiing, or a white water rafting trip;


• Get a massage;


• Go to a spa;


• Go see a movie, concert or play;

Conclusion

Whatever you decide, reward yourself with something you can feel good about. You've worked hard and your reward should reinforce that effort not leave you feeling guilty.

How do you reward yourself for fitness success? Leave a comment below!

Achieve a Healthy Lifestyle with Essential Vitamins

Essential Vitamins, A Healthy Lifestyle

Vitamins are among the most vital nutrients needed in the body. Vitamins come in different categories, but not all of them are overly vital in the body. A balanced diet must contain a good supply of protein, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins.

What are vitamins?

A set of substances and compounds that are needed for appropriate cell growth, function and development. They play a huge role in the body, which is why they are necessary. There are thirteen essential vitamins must be provided in the body for proper functioning. They are called essential because of the fact that your body is unable to create them in sufficient quantities and must get them from external sources.

Categories of vitamins

The essential vitamins are grouped into two categories;

• Fat-soluble vitamins. These are stored in the fatty tissues of the body. There are four types of fat-soluble vitamins, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K.

• Water-soluble vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins must be used immediately upon digestion and absorption. Any water-soluble vitamin that is left in the body will be eliminated when you pass water. Vitamin B12 is the only exception and can be stored in the body, in the liver, for years.

Water soluble vitamins need to be eaten daily, while fat soluble can be taken 2-3 times per week.

Types of Vitamins and their functions

Each vitamin has a specific job in the body. When there is not enough supply of vitamins there will be a vitamin deficiency that can lead to some health disorders. Some of the best sources of vitamins include beans, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fortified dairy foods, and lentils. Inadequate supply of such foods can lead to some health disorders like cancer and heart disease. Also, it can lead to osteoporosis or poor bone health. That said, here are the essential vitamins, along with their functions;

Informational source: http://www.dietitians.ca/Your-Health/Nutrition-A-Z/Vitamins.aspx

• Vitamin A forms and sustains healthy bones, teeth, skin, mucous membrane and soft tissues. Some great sources include liver, egg yolk, fish, and beef. Vitamin A has a safe upper limit, and can be stored in the liver for a long time. Supplementation of Vit A should be undertaken carefully. Too much Vit A can be lethal, in fact ingestion of a polar bears liver would be a fatal dose. However, provided that you maintain a healthy, balanced diet devoid of polar bear livers, levels of Vit A in your body will remain safe.


• Vitamin B6 also goes by the name pyridoxine, it helps in the synthesis of red blood cells and the sustenance of brain function. It is also used along with proteins in the body. An excess supply of proteins can limit the levels of vitamin B6 in the body. It is abundant in nuts, seeds, poultry and fish. Also found in high doses in lean beef and offal meats, such as chicken/turkey liver and beef kidneys


• Vitamin B12 is vital in the body’s metabolism, it helps in the synthesis of red blood cells and maintaining brain functions. The best places to find B12 are dairy and meat. Vegans may need to supplement this vitamin as there are only small amounts found in vegetables and grains. Absorption of B12 often declines as we age, so older people may also need to eat B12 fortified food or take additional supplements.


• Vitamin C, sometimes known as ascorbic acid, and is considered an antioxidant that boosts the health of the gums and teeth. Probably the most well-known vitamin. Vitamin C also helps in the absorption of iron, the maintenance of healthy tissues in the body, and it encourages faster healing of wounds. Sources include Broccoli, tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage, spinach and strawberries. Most people will reach for a glass of orange juice for a Vit C boost, but are surprised to learn that the humble bell pepper contains around twice as much. Adding bell peppers is fairly easy to most meals in any style of cuisine.


• Vitamin D. Called the sunshine vitamin as it is produced by the body upon exposure to sunlight. It doesn’t need to be many hours in the sun. Rather, exposure of ten to fifteen minutes, three times a week will help to supply the needed amount of Vitamin D in the body.


• Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium, which is required for developing and maintaining strong bones and teeth. The vitamin also helps in the proper maintenance of phosphorus and calcium levels in the blood. Sources include egg yolks, meat and fish. Red salmon is an especially good source though most fish contain a good amount. Alternatively, plenty of foods can be fortified with Vit D, such as milk and cereals. However, it is difficult to get sufficient Vit D from food alone, so it is recommended to spend as much time outdoors as possible, especially if you live in a colder climate with fewer sunlight hours. Vitamin D deficiency has been links with physical and emotional disorders including cancer and depression. SAD, or seasonal affective disordercan be treated with exposure to sunlight.


• Vitamin E or tocopherol is an antioxidant, it helps with the synthesis of the red blood cells and the proper functioning of Vitamin K in the body. Sources include seed and nuts, mango and papaya, dark green vegetables, avocado, and oils. It is very easy to get sufficient amounts of Vitamin E from food alone; a quarter cup of nuts or seeds almost fulfils the daily requirements for most healthy people


• Vitamin K. Although not strictly speaking an essential vitamin as it is in part made by bacteria in the intestinal system it is included as it is necessary to blood function. This vitamin makes the blood clot; it is believed to assist development of healthy bones. Sources include cabbage, cauliflower, dark leafy vegetables, eggs, fish, beef, and cereals.


• Niacin. Referred to as B3, it helps in the maintenance of healthy nerves and skin. Also, this vitamin helps to limit the cholesterol in the body. Examples include mushrooms, lean meat, fish, eggs, avocados, and legumes.


• Biotin. This vitamin is vital in the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins. Also, it helps in the production of cholesterol and hormones. Sources include chocolate, egg yolk, cereals, yeast, pork, and nuts.


• Folate. This vitamin will work along with vitamin B12 to promote the synthesis of the red blood cells. It is also required for the formation of DNA that will control the growth of tissue and functions of the cells. When a woman is pregnant, she is recommended to have a good supply of folate. Inadequate supply of the vitamin can lead to birth defects, like spina bifida. Sources include beets, broccoli, dried beans and green vegetables.


• Riboflavin or B2 works along with other B vitamins to promotes the synthesis of the red blood cells and the growth of the body. Found in a wide variety of meat and vegetables


• Thiamine, also known as Vitamin B1 helps with the conversion of carbohydrates into energy. During pregnancy and the lactation period, the body must have an adequate supply of carbohydrates. Sources include eggs, lean meats, nuts, peas and sprouts, and organ meats.


• Pantothenic acid. This is a vitamin that is good for the food metabolism and also, it helps in the hormones and cholesterol production. Sources include eggs, legumes, leafy green veg, avocado, mushrooms, poultry, and milk.

Recommendations

Age and gender will determine the amount of vitamins that one needs to consume for perfect nutrition, it is highly advised to take foods in balanced portions. Varying the intakes of meat, fish and vegetables at each meal, and supplementing with nuts, seeds and dairy will cover the majority of your vitamins.

As a rule of thumb, it is advised to weigh your food for a while until you get the idea of correct portion sizes. However, you can get approximate measures by visual comparison. Meats and fish should be in portions around the size of a deck of cards or the palm of your hand. Vegetables should be in a measure about the size of your fist. Nuts, cheese and seeds can be added in portions close to the size of a pair of dice or your thumb. When selecting vegetables choose a wide selection by color. Eat the rainbow, as it were to include as many types as possible. This will aid in getting a balance of nutrients and also with the pleasure of eating as better looking food simply tastes better.

Providing that there is no medical reason, such as illness, age or pregnancy this simple system will enable even the busiest and picky eaters to get their recommended daily intake of vitamins without supplementation. Should a medical professional advise taking additional vitamins in tablet or injection form then eating a full varied diet will assist in those efforts.

About The Author

Alex Morgan – Currently studying in Dublin, Alex is a career writer, by choice! Versed in a number of subjects he mainly specialises in tech,education, health and fitness and gaming; of the video variety. He posts on a number of blogs and websites and harbours desires to begin a great novel, but struggles creating character names - Look for the epic fantasy "Tom the Barbarian" on shelves soon.

He can often be found on twitter under the handle @Al_Exical. He finds it comforting to talk about himself in the third person.

 

Product Review: PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter

Powdered Peanut Butter

I didn’t enjoy peanut butter until I was in college. One day I happened to try some my mother always kept in the “random stuff” cupboard, and I enjoyed it. In fact I enjoyed an entire jar at one time—on multiple occasions. Where was this creamy delicacy all my life? Then what happened next was inevitable: I had to cut myself off from peanut butter. I was out of control.

Years passed after my ill-fated love affair with peanut butter. Suddenly it’s 2015, and I’m changing my diet to make healthy lifestyle changes. Peanut butter is often listed as an ingredient in healthy snacks but I could never bring myself to buy it. I knew what may happen. As much as it’s a healthy option, my lack of self-control would be an issue.

I told a friend of mine about my dilemma, and she recommended trying Bell Plantation’s PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter. Now when she said powdered, I was pretty much disgusted. It just sounded gross. I remembered my mother bought a jar of it a few years ago and said how good it was. I wasn’t convinced until I learned that a serving of PB2 was 2 tablespoons, which amounted to all of 45 calories. I wanted to try it.

For the past six weeks, I’ve been enjoying PB2. It’s delicious and healthy and often times, those two are pretty hard to find in the same food.

PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter

Here are some things you should know about Bell Plantation’s PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter:

1. 45 calories per serving.

Yes, you read that right. A serving is 2 tablespoons of the powder. According to Bell Plantation’s website, PB2 has 85% less fat calories than traditional peanut butter. Two tablespoons of other regular peanut butter brands can have anywhere from 190 to 230 calories!

2. It changes form.

You could eat PB2 straight from the jar as a powder if you want to, but there are other options. You can mix it with water (or any liquid according to the website) to give it a traditional consistency. As you add more water, it becomes creamier and smoother. Add water or liquid in small increments to achieve the desired consistency.

3. Awesome to travel with.

If you’re going on a road trip, throw some PB2 in a container or sandwich bag. It won’t take up much space, and it mixes up quickly. If you’re like me and get headaches when you don’t eat every few hours, PB2 fits in a snack bag to keep in your purse or gym bag.

4. Not bad for the price.

Grocery stores in the New Jersey area sell PB2 for about $4.99 per 6.5-ounce jar. Bell Plantation’s website compares the 6.5-ounce PB2 jar to 18 ounces of regular peanut butter. If buying in bulk is an option, their website offers a 12-pack of the 6.5-ounce jars for $47.88 plus shipping.

5. Tasty? Check.

PB2 holds up in the flavor department against stiff competition from traditional peanut butter. It has a slightly milder nutty taste and is certainly less salty. PB2 also has a soft, sweet aspect to its flavor as well.

6. Great for moderation.

Like I said, I could eat an entire jar of regular peanut butter. Eating powdered PB2 from its jar doesn’t appeal to me in the same way—and that’s not a bad thing. Because you can eat 2 or even 4 tablespoons depending on your diet, you end up with a large serving once you add water. It doesn’t make it feel like you’re depriving yourself, either, which is a reason some people can’t stick to dietary changes.

7. Healthy? Check.

Some “diet” foods are loaded with ingredients that not every eater wants in his or her food. Bell Plantation states their products, including PB2 and others, are “all natural, preservative-free, and contain no artificial sweeteners.” If you have any questions on other ingredients or how PB2 is made, they are happy to provide additional information to customers here.

So there you have it. You can get your fix for peanut butter without so many calories (or the guilt). If you want to try some PB2 recipes, visit www.bellplantation.com. They have recipes for muffins, rice pudding, and even oatmeal raisin cookies. As Bell Plantation says, they’re “achieving great things with the humble peanut.” Try it!

About the Author

Sian Babish is a writer from New Jersey. Before tearing up the floor in Zumba classes, she was kicking sky-high as a third-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. She also enjoys cooking, Jeopardy!, and stand-up comedy. Sian uses her skills to give back by volunteering as a career mentor and resume writer. She is also the author of Medical Authorizations Made Easy, published in May 2015 on Amazon.com. Follow @sianbabish on Twitter.

Top Athletes Adopt Vegan Diets with Incredible Results

Vegan Athletes Prove the Value of Eliminating Animal Products

Many cultures have thrived on vegan diets for millennia, and those for whom veganism is a personal, ethical, or political choice more often than not benefit from improved health in comparison to people who consume animal products. Despite this, many people—including the medical and athletic communities—have been slow to catch on. Concerns about the lesser quality of plant proteins, and adequate intake of B vitamins, have led athletes in particular to avoid choosing a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.

That's all changing now: top athletes are adopting vegan diets, with incredible results. Thanks to these successful celebrity athletes, the public is starting to think differently about veganism

• Murray Rose, Olympian swimmer and holder of four gold medals


• Carl Lewis, Olympian sprinter, holder of four gold medals and a World Championship win, considers his best year of track competition the year in which he adopted a vegan diet.


• Patrick Baboumian, bodybuilder and strongman champion


• Melody Schoenfeld, powerlifter with multiple state and national records


• Brendan Brazier, Ironman and marathon champion


• Mac Danzig, MMA fighter and winner of national and world titles


• Heather Mills, world champion skiier and holder of multiple gold medals and world records


• Venus Williams, who dropped out of the professional tennis world after being diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome, credits her comeback to a newly-adopted raw vegan diet.

Nutritional Research

Nutritional research is starting to catch up, too. An increasing body of nutritional research demonstrates the incredible nutritional and health-boosting properties of plant-based foods. Many top nutritional scientists now realize that a vegan diet, far from being nutritionally deficient in terms of B vitamins and complete protein, is in fact an excellent choice for professional athletes.

As more and more people are learning about the benefits of vegan diets and discovering that not only can they enjoy a greater quality of life, but also achieve some of their most ambitious goals with the aid of high-profile public figures who have embraced the lifestyle and found their own lives more fulfilling because of it, veganism is becoming an accessible and healthy option for aspiring athletes and will continue to do so for years to come. - Curated from http://www.kwikmed.org/top-vegan-athletes-changing-face-vegan-lifestyle/

Plant protein is in no way inferior to animal protein, and while plant-based foods are low in B12, the supplementation of many foods makes this virtually a non-issue.

About The Author

Mel Goulding is a writer and former healthcare worker. She is sharing this information and an article from Kwikmed.org on the Vegan diet and recent adoption by top athletes. Read the full article at http://www.kwikmed.org/top-vegan-athletes-changing-face-vegan-lifestyle/