I'm a Vegan! Get Me out of Here!

Trying to build yourself up and stay healthy while being a vegan may seem like a difficult task, and for a vegan who is into fitness, it seems complicated to get the right kind of nutrition to build muscles, as meat seems to be one of the best protein sources out there. It doesn’t have to be a daunting task, however, and with a bit of research, you will be able to achieve your fitness desires while staying vegan, as fit as a fiddle and virus-free at the same time.

Here are some of the best types of food to eat to help with your bodybuilding regime or workout program, and the best thing is that they are all 100% vegan-friendly!

Pulses and Beans

The best type of food for adding a good amount of protein to your diet if you are a vegan is pulses, also known as legumes. Lentils are rich in protein and contain 9 grams of protein per 100 grams when boiled, making them one of the best plant-based protein sources. They are also low in calories so you don’t have to worry too much about a meal that mainly consists of lentils, and it’s an economical option too, as lentils are considerably cheaper than meat and have a long shelf life so you can buy them in bulk. They also contain fibre which helps keep blood cholesterol levels low and healthy bowels.

Some other types of pulses are kidney beans, adzuki beans, split peas, chickpeas, black-eyed peas, and various types of lentils such as mung and puy. There is such a large variety available so you are spoilt for choice when it comes to beans and pulses. Red lentils and chickpea lentils are commonly cooked in curries throughout Asia and make extremely tasty vegetarian and vegan-friendly meals.

Nut Butters and Nuts

Nuts are surprisingly high in protein and have a fairly small amount of carbohydrates, making them a must-have in your vegan fitness diet. There are many kinds of nuts, so if you don’t like the taste of one kind, then you will definitely like another. Cashews, peanuts, and almonds are all high in protein but do contain fat so you have to keep an eye on how many of them you are consuming. If for some reason it seems difficult to just eat a handful of nuts every day then don’t despair, there are plenty of delicious ways to add them into meals or shakes. Here is a recipe for a simple but very beneficial vegan milkshake...

Banana and Peanut Butter Shake Recipe

1 ripe banana
Any plant-based milk
A scoop of peanut butter

Simply blend all ingredients together and enjoy!

Vegan Protein Powder

If you like your protein shakes then there are vegan protein powders available on the market. Vegan protein powder is made from plant-based protein sources such as peas, soy, rice, and hemp; these sources are different from the common protein consumed from meat and dairy, which can be consumed to increase the diversity of your diet even if you are not vegan.

Research has revealed that vegetarian protein sources such as those from nuts, seeds, and grains, can be just as beneficial for building muscle mass and strength as animal protein sources such as eggs, meat, and dairy products, which is good news as protein helps to build and repair muscle after working out.

Spirulina

Another great protein source for vegans, spirulina is edible dark green algae that originally came from Africa and Asia and has now caught the attention of many fitness enthusiasts. There are also some historical records of Spanish explorers seeing Aztecs harvesting some blue/green substance for consumption which could very well be spirulina.

Despite its exotic origins, spirulina is now commercially grown in the USA and Mexico and can be found in quite a range of products and many shops. Spirulina contains 65% protein which is a massive amount and is available in the form of powder, so it is easy to add to recipes and quite a bit can be consumed at once. If this isn’t enough, spirulina also boosts the immune system and helps combat various viruses; studies also show that it strengthens skeletal muscles and enables individuals to work out for longer.

Although spirulina doesn’t have any serious downsides, experts say that it can be contaminated in the rivers where it is cultivated so make sure you are buying it from a well-known source where safety is assured.

Cereals and Whole Grains

Whole grains such as rice, bulgur, and oatmeal are packed with protein and many nutrients making them a staple to your vegan fitness diet. Rice also makes a great base for a filling meal so try having it with a vegan curry with lentils for a protein-packed dinner. Although brown rice is considered to be healthier than white rice, athletes and bodybuilders tend to prefer white rice as it is considered a safe carbohydrate and is easy to digest. Rice also contains more carbohydrates than potatoes, as carbs refuel muscle glycogen stores therefore rice can be a great post-workout meal.

Grains are such an essential source for so many different kinds of things that even non-vegans include a lot of grains in their diet. Rice is a staple food for many countries and with good reason; it’s delicious, filling, and packed with protein. Rice also helps regulate blood sugar levels and stops the body from developing insulin resistance, in fact, studies also show that people who have rice as their staple food are less likely to suffer from obesity. Rice is also cheap and extremely versatile so it will not cost you a lot to maintain a rice-rich diet and there are so many varieties of dishes that can be cooked using rice or even bulgur wheat.

So if you are already a vegan, or considering going vegan, the good news is you can still keep up with a healthy, active lifestyle just by keeping yourself well informed about the varieties of food that are out there, as well as making action plans for how you intend to implement these into your diet. A key point to note is to avoid vegan “meat” free options that are mostly soy-based and not good for bodybuilding, but other than that, being vegan and keeping fit is easier than it looks!