Would the average athlete be better off if he/she ate a vegan diet prepared by a nutrition expert?

Do athletes perform better on carefully managed vegan diets, or a diet that is recommended by The United States Government? (FDA %26amp; MyPyramid.org)



Best Answer will have reputable source(s) attached.Would the average athlete be better off if he/she ate a vegan diet prepared by a nutrition expert?
Edit: Short answer? Yes.



The data out there notes that athletes have noticed quicker recovery times and more alertness when on a well-planned vegan diet. Also, there is plenty of research to suggest that there are large numbers of health risks inherent in a meat and dairy consuming diet that would obviously be avoided in a vegan diet.



Also, the idea that protein only comes from soy and beans has long been debunked. Protein can be obtained through lentils, beans, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and soy products... all of which have shockingly less pesticide and chemical residues than dairy and meat products.



In fact, if you focus on the information available on MyPyramid.gov (don't go to .org - it redirects you to a website touting the corruption of the USDA..), the revised pyramid and accompanying food information meet up with the recommendations of a vegan diet anyway. The dairy section now focuses more on "calcium-rich" foods, and the protein section more on variations of choices... including nuts, seeds, beans, etc.



There are some diet-specific problems that athletes may encounter when beginning a vegan diet: low dietary protein, low dietary fat, low sodium, low calcium, and anemia. These are problems that are all avoided with proper planning (by a nutritionist) and including the correct grains, veggies, fruits, etc in the diet.



Here are some specific tips for vegan athletes, so they can get started off right: http://vegkitchen.com/tips/vegan-athlete鈥?/a>Would the average athlete be better off if he/she ate a vegan diet prepared by a nutrition expert?
Of course. Lots of athletes don't eat right, and with a nutritionist, they would be better off. same goes for the rest of us.Would the average athlete be better off if he/she ate a vegan diet prepared by a nutrition expert?
No, I wouldn't say vegan. The only sources are beans and soy protein (as far as I know) and soy has a bad (and widely disputed) rep for containing estrogen. Personally, what I think would be better is someone who eats like a vegetarian, but includes fish and chicken (just stay away from red meat). Eggs (preferably just the whites) are a great source of protein and shouldn't be excluded from the diet. Same with chicken and fish (especially tuna). If you MUST be vegan, then go ahead, but be sure to have a reliable protein source. Don't forget your grains! The best for you is always 100% whole grain. Also, eat brown rice as opposed to white rice. Pasta is great too. As for government diets, they are made for the average person, NOT an athlete. All athletes should have a very regulated diet, but it ultimately depends on what kind of athlete you're talking about.





Edit: And yes I suggest you get it set up by a nutritionist