Is Plant Based a Game Changer?

Here I discuss whether being plant-based is a game-changer, and if one is going to turn plant-based what considerations are needed?

For those that have not seen the documentary Game Changer, in summary large meat-eating athletes of various levels ditch meat and fish and only eat plant-based foods to find that their performance improved. So why is this? The participants change in diet increased their intake of nutrients used in energy metabolism as well as antioxidants that support the immune system, bring down inflammation and aid muscle recovery. Compared to their previous diet that was most likely very high in meat protein, low in complex carbohydrates, fruit and vegetables; an inflammatory diet low in energy creating nutrients.

But the big question is, are the improvements experienced exclusive to a plant-based diet? Based on having studied nutrition at 2 universities for a total of 5 years, been in practice for 10 years and reading 7 hours of new research every week, my view is no, one does not have to be exclusively plant-based to achieve optimal performance. Vegan athletes and non-athletes can perform well on a plant-based diet but if choosing this diet just for performance that is not necessary. A diet high in vegetables, beans, pulses, nuts, seeds with some fish and a little meat will be supportive of good performance (and wellbeing).

However there are good reasons to follow a plant-based diet. Firstly one’s ethical views on eating animals and secondly sustainability. The United Nations has called for a shift by the Western world to move to a more plant-based diet estimating that emissions could fall by up to 8 billions tonnes a year. So what are the considerations needed when turning plant-based? The main challenge is vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is essential for making red blood cells to transport oxygen around the body and is only found naturally in animal-sourced foods. For vegetarians this is less of a concern as milk is high in B12, but as the gas from cows is one of the main contributors to global warming one may choose to go dairy-free. In which case a B12 supplement should be taken or fortified foods consumed. The next biggest challenge is calcium which is essential for strong bones, teeth and muscle contraction.

Dairy is an excellent source of calcium as is fish with edible bones such as sardines. Plant-based calcium-rich foods include sesame, almonds and green leafy vegetables such as watercress; but these need to be eaten in vast quantities to meet daily requirements – 100g of sesame, 300g of almonds, 600g watercress or a mixture of. Most dairy-free milk alternatives are calcium fortified, but not all so do check the label.

The most common question from people considering turning plant-based is ‘where will I get protein from?’. This is not actually that difficult if including protein from beans, pulses, whole grains and seeds with meals and snacking on nuts. Also there are shelves and shelves of meat alternatives and replacements now available in supermarkets. However some of the meat alternatives are very processed which is a consideration if choosing veganism for wellbeing; but also many of the vegetable ‘burgers’, ‘sausages’ and patties available do not contain much protein – always check the label for protein content if using as a direct meat or fish replacement. If choosing to go plant-based I encourage a change in mindset – move away from a meat(replacement) and two veg looking plate and take inspiration from communities that are traditionally vegetarian such as in South Indians. Think dal and chickpea curries.

In summary performance and wellbeing is not the reason to choose a plant-based diet, there is no need to be so extreme. However we do all need to think about sustainability, some will be committed enough to go fully plant-based, for those that are not then adding in more vegetables, beans, pulses, nuts and seeds and reducing meat all contributes, and you’ll feel great.