Canadian fitness expert Brendan Brazier, author of Thrive: The Vegan Nutrition Guide to Optimum Performance in Sports and Life, is a big fan of a eating a plant-based diet. Here, he fills us in on some of the benefits of cutting out animal products.


Q: What are the primary health benefits of a plant-based diet?

A: There are quite a few. For me, I got into it to be a better athlete -- I wanted to be a professional triathlete. When I made the conversion to a plant-based diet, I had considerably more energy. I think that's because the food was easier to digest and I didn't have to expend so much energy digesting heavy food. You gain energy through conservation as opposed to consumption. I also noticed a reduction in inflammation, which meant that I could recover quicker. Plant-based foods are alkaline-forming, but dairy and other animal products are acid-forming, which actually promotes inflammation. More inflammation means that you can't exercise with the same intensity and you have to rest longer between exercise sessions, so you can't do as much training as you'd like to and won't improve as fast.

Q: Are there certain foods you find most beneficial to your workout regiment?


A: Plant-based proteins are very important. I eat hemp on a regular basis, and also flax seeds and salba (which is a form of chia). Also, a root vegetable called maca is high in trace minerals and is really good for the adrenal glands, so that when you feel fatigued, your sleep improves and you wake up feeling better rested (which means that you don't have to rely on caffeine or sugar). Chlorella, an algae, is another one. And, of course, I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, as well as big salads with different types of greens. All of these things are part of a long-term approach, not a quick fix.

Q: What impact has this dietary shift had on your performance as an athlete?

A: The main thing is recovery. It doesn't actually make you a better athlete, but it allows you to train more, which is what makes you a better athlete. It allows you to work harder. Your muscles become more functional because the inflammation goes down, and stronger muscles can lift heavier weights, making you even stronger.

Q: Does a plant-based diet best service a serious athlete, or can it also benefit someone who has a more moderate workout regimen?

A: People who have followed my program and who are just mildly athletic have found it really helpful. You can gain real mental clarity with it, and you're also better rested with less sleep. It enables you to work harder and smarter, and to get more done. It's not just about training; it's about living life and being able to get things done without additional stress, sleeplessness or an addiction to sugar.