Vegan diet for athletes: Expert shares healthy sources of protein

“Plant-based diets, which are typically low in saturated fat, high in complex carbohydrates, fiber, and nutrient rich in nature can help to regulate and reduce body fat percentage which is associated with increased aerobic capacity. This has been proven to improve their endurance resulting in better performance in the field,” she told indianexpress.com.

It is also a myth that those on a vegan diet don’t get enough protein, she continued. Although a vegan protein intake of 10-12 per cent is lower compared to non-vegans, it is still adequate to match the even higher protein needs of the heavily-burdened metabolism of athletes. “These values, ranging from 8-15% of daily energy, can be easily met and have been described as being adequate to benefit health and athletic performance,” she added. Some excellent sources are soy, millets, tofu, whole pulses, sprouts, chickpeas, lentils and quinoa; these are excellent sources of protein which also boost your micronutrient intake.

The nutritionist suggests Some excellent sources are soy, millets, tofu, whole pulses, sprouts, chickpeas, lentils and quinoa as sources of vegan protein. (Photo: Pexels)

“So, vegans need to slightly increase their daily protein intake compared to non-vegans to achieve essential amino acids needed for the protein turnover and recovery,” she suggested.

Achieving micronutrient sufficiency is an important concern for all athletes. Attention should be paid to achieving adequacy in vitamin B12, iron, zinc, calcium, iodine and vitamin D intakes when designing a vegan diet in particular. These nutrients are naturally low in vegan foods but can be combined or supplemented based on requirement.

It is also a myth that vegan diets harm recovery. “In fact, the opposite is true. Balanced vegan diets are abundant in phytonutrients and antioxidants which are especially helpful for recovery as they fight oxidative stress and reduce exercise induced muscle damage, which causes inflammation, soreness and fatigue 24 – 74 hours post exercise,” she said.

As long as you have a healthy, balanced diet, training as a vegan is no different to regular training aside from the potential increased recovery and energy levels.

Healthy sources of protein for vegan athletes

The optimisation of protein intakes for vegan athlete requires attention to be to the quantity and quality of protein consumed. Common examples of the limiting amino acids in plant-based proteins include lysine, methionine, isoleucine, threonine and tryptophan. Of these, lysine appears to be most commonly absent, particularly from cereal grains.

Foods such as beans and legumes are rich sources of lysine, however, and leucine can be obtained from soy beans and lentils. Other BCAAs can be found in seeds, tree nuts and chickpeas, meaning that these amino acids can be obtained by consuming a variety of protein-rich, plant-based foods.

Foods such as beans and legumes are rich sources of lysine, however, and leucine can be obtained from soy beans and lentils. (Photo: Pexels)

Foods such as grains, legumes, nuts and seeds should be included in the vegan diet to ensure that all essential amino acids are present.

Examples of high-protein vegan-friendly foods and their protein offering per 100gm, according to Haripriya N

Pumpkin seeds (dried, uncooked) – 30.2
Lentils (red, split, uncooked) – 24.6
Black beans (uncooked) – 21.6
Almonds (raw) – 21.2
Tempeh – 20.3
Tofu – 17.3
Oats (rolled) – 16.9
Quinoa (uncooked) – 14. 1

*Source: Nutrient values from USDA food composition table.

Are supplements needed?

Dietary supplements are recommended only if an individual cannot meet their requirement through natural food sources or if the nutrient demand is higher. “For vegan athletes, it is important to concentrate on micronutrients such as Vitamin B12 and iron which might not improve the performance but, if deficit, can damage or delay the recovery of muscles. Even with proper nutritional preparation, the results of taking any dietary supplements for exercise and athletic performance vary by level of training; the nature, intensity, and duration of the activity; and the environmental conditions. Nutritional supplements like plant based protein powders can be suggested if the athlete cannot meet the desired requirement of protein from food due to various reasons like cost effective and inconvenient in consuming,” she said.

Supplements must be taken under proper professional advice and not to be taken without prescription as overdose might cause toxicity, which is fatal.

Iron: Vegan athletes can achieve iron sufficiency by choosing wholefood iron sources like legumes, grains, nuts, seeds, fortified foods, green vegetables and reducing the consumption of inhibitor-containing foodstuffs such as tea, coffee and cocoa (when eating iron-rich meals), consume vitamin C containing foods concurrently to enhance absorption, and incorporate soaked, sprouted and/or fermented foods in their diets.

Vitamin D: Best way to acquire Vitamin D is to get exposed to sunlight around 11am – 3pm for 10-15 minutes, daily without sunscreen protection. Other than this, dietary sources like soymilk, mushrooms and fortified oils are also good sources.

Calcium- Remember calcium is well absorbed along with vitamin D. Fortified plant milks and juice, broccoli, many local greens, sprouts, cauliflower, bok choi, soymilk, and green leafy vegetables can be consumed for sufficient calcium intake.

Green vegetables are a wonderful source of vegan calcium. (Photo: Pexels)

What should they have on days that they are training, and on rest days?

On the training days, focus on:

Pre-work out- As general rule of thumb, it’s better to avoid eating immediately before exercise as it might cause GI discomfort and reduce the performance. Have one carbohydrate count half an hour prior to the event. Something simple as 1 small banana, a slice of bread with peanut or almond butter which provides instant energy for the event.

During workout- It’s important to have sips of water in-between the trainings to prevent electrolyte imbalances, fatigue and heat shocks during training and to compensate the water loss by sweating.

Post-workout- During this phase, it’s essential to replenish the nutrient losses during training like carbohydrate and protein rich snack within 30 minutes post the training for better absorption and to prevent muscle soreness post exercise.

On the rest days, focus on :

1. Carbohydrates- Eat complex carbs to restore your glycogen levels. Depending on your level of activity, you’ll need 3 to 10 grams per kilogram of body weight per day.
2. Water- It’s essential to drink enough water, even when you’re not working out. Staying hydrated prevents muscle cramps and delivers nutrients throughout your body.
3. Fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds– Have healthy carbs and micronutrients (zinc, selenium, and magnesium) that support recovery.

📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don’t miss out on the latest updates!