Veganuary: Running on a Vegan Diet
Veganuary: Running on a Vegan Diet
We’re well and truly into 2021 now! And while many people are still recovering from all the excessive treats they may have enjoyed over Christmas and New Year, others are well on their way to fulfilling their New Year’s Resolutions and making significant lifestyle changes for the better!
One of these lifestyle changes that seems to have caught on in recent years is Veganuary. As you can probably tell, this is where people adopt a vegan diet throughout the first month of the year, and potentially longer!
But, for us here at The Running Bee Foundation, the question is this:
Is running on a vegan diet a good idea?
Well, as it turns out, not only is running on a vegan diet very possible, it might actually be a really good idea, even if you’re a lifelong carnivore!
Let’s take a look at some specific examples of how you can keep running on a vegan diet, and how it may even be more beneficial to your health and your training as a whole:
Replacing meat proteins
It’s a longstanding myth that consuming more meat-based proteins will help “keep you strong” and “fill you with energy” for your training sessions. Nowadays, we understand these ideas to be exactly that – Myths.
In fact, when running on a vegan diet, many runners found themselves experiencing a boost of energy by swapping out their steaks and their chicken thighs for something a little more vitamin-filled.
Many modern-day athletes have chosen to avoid meat proteins altogether in order to improve their overall fitness; An idea that was once considered completely ridiculous!
But it’s true… you can cut out your meats and replace them with things like beans, nuts, seeds, and leafy vegetables to give yourself the energy you need to dominate your favourite running routes! Many athletes now prefer using this method, and found training after consuming meat, in comparison, made them feel “sluggish.”
Balance is key
It will be a massive shock to your body if you suddenly make the switch from training while eating meat to running on a vegan diet. That’s why it’s essential that you find the right balance between what you were eating before and what you plan on eating once you’ve taken the leap.
The key word here is ‘plan’ – try to plan your meals (and snacks) in accordance with any essential vitamins and nutrients you may lose from removing meat from your diet.
Iron is a big one, and a lot of people who suddenly begin practicing a Vegan diet can struggle to fit in their daily dose of Iron. But it is doable!
Certain cereals, fruits, and nuts are excellent sources of Iron and can offer just as much, if not more, than you might gain from consuming red meat.
Take the time in advance to plan your meals effectively and put in the research necessary to make sure your body is well-balanced and ready to go once you begin running on a vegan diet.
Speak to others who are running on a vegan diet
If you’re wanting to transition to a vegan diet this Veganuary, and you’re also a passionate runner, you won’t be alone!
Chances are there will be others who have been partaking in a vegan diet for a long time, and who also happen to be runners!
If you have any concerns or questions about running on a vegan diet, why not seek your answers from the very best source? People who have been there and done it!
If you’re on social media platforms like Facebook, try looking for groups specifically aimed at people who enjoy exercise while maintaining a vegan diet. Heck, there might even be some people in your local area who would be willing to help you out!
Beyond this, or if you have any other specific medical concerns before you switch to a vegan diet, speak with your GP and they’ll be able to assist you with any nagging queries you may have with regards to a vegan diet and your health. This is recommended if you’re over 60, overweight or have any other medical conditions which may be effected through a drastic change in your diet.
But if you are planning on running on a vegan diet from now on, and are taking the bull by the horns this Veganuary, we wish you every success in the world.
And we hope you’ll be in tip-top shape on your new diet to join in with The Running Bee Foundation’s amazing running events! Take a look at our official events calendar to find out more.
And remember…
#BeeActiveBeeHealthyBeeHappy!