Professional Athletes Who Bet Big on Veganism
Edited by The VEGPRENEUR Team
Some of the biggest names in tennis, poker, and F1 have gone vegan, and it has changed their lives for the better.
Veganism has been undeniably popular in recent years, with an estimated 230 million people adopting a vegan diet. These vegans make up about 3% of the global population, encouraging more and more food establishments to consider their dietary preferences and restrictions.
These include sporting venues like NFL stadiums in the US, which serve vegan foods and snacks, allow vegans to bring their own food, or both. For example, SoFi Stadium, which hosts the home games of the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams, has vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dining options. Meanwhile, the AT&T Stadium, home to the Dallas Cowboys, recently introduced plant-based versions of classic stadium fare, such as the Vegan Hot Dog, Vegan Chili Dog, and Vegan Ultimate Nachos.
However, the intersection between sports and veganism doesn’t begin and end with vegan-friendly stadiums. Research published in the journal ACS Omega highlights the positive impact of plant-based diets on sports performance, mainly through improved blood flow, reduced oxidative stress, and healthy weight management. Thus, veganism is also popular in the sporting industry, with professional athletes joining the movement for a healthier diet and lifestyle.
From tennis to poker, these pro players prove that veganism can benefit their health and help them succeed in their chosen discipline.
Venus Williams
Photo Credit: Jared Preston on Flickr/Wikimedia Commons
In 2011, tennis star Venus Williams was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome, a long-term autoimmune disease that affects the body’s moisture-producing glands. The condition also causes joint pain and fatigue, urging Williams to pay closer attention to her diet and nutrition to alleviate these symptoms and continue playing her sport.
Fortunately, going vegan allowed her to manage her disease, as plant-based diets reduce inflammation and support the immune system. Since then, the former World No. 1 in women’s singles has advocated for plant-based diets, even encouraging fellow pro athletes to cut down their meat consumption. Williams also released her own vegan protein brand, Happy Viking, which aims to help vegan athletes like her maintain muscle mass and replenish their energy after workouts.
Jon Pardy
In addition to strengthening the body, vegan and vegetarian diets can support the brain, as evidenced by a recent review article in Nutrients. Specifically, plant-based diets rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients can protect the brain from neurodegeneration and support cognitive function and well-being. These mental health benefits are especially important for players of intellectual games like poker, which has recently been recognized as a mind sport.
A notable poker player who has gone vegan and reaped its holistic health benefits is Jon Pardy, a former Big Brother Canada winner and a current member of the leading American online poker site, Americas Cardroom’s ACR Pros. Before joining the elite team of poker pros, Pardy, together with fellow ACR Pro Drew Gonzalez, was part of the Thirst Lounge Team. While he was a Thirst Lounge host, Pardy interviewed with PokerNews and shared that he was working with performance coach Elliot Roe to overcome his mental struggles with poker. This decision influenced him to not only change his mindset but also transform his diet and lifestyle, mainly by accepting a prop bet to go vegan for six months.
Lewis Hamilton
British racing driver Lewis Hamilton is among the pro athletes who have successfully disproven the myth that veganism can hinder athletic performance. Since going vegan in 2017, Hamilton has won four Formula One championships, bringing his career total to seven. The Scuderia Ferrari racer has talked about how a vegan diet has helped him maintain consistent energy levels and recover more quickly, which are essential for a physically intensive sport like F1 racing.
Additionally, Hamilton shared that his decision to go vegan was as much influenced by his support for animal rights and climate action as his health. Along with actor Leonardo DiCaprio, he also backed a chain of vegan fast-food restaurants called Neat Burger in 2019. However, the plant-based burger chain recently shut down its UK operations due to financial strain.
These pro players are living testaments to the remarkable results that switching to veganism can have on one's personal and professional life. However, athletes are particularly advised to consult with their doctors, coaches, or trainers before making the switch to ensure that their desired vegan or plant-based diet meets their nutritional and performance needs.
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