by vgpedlr » Sat Jan 17, 2015 9:59 pm
The best approach is to take the Buddha's advice, "Come and see for yourself."
Try it and see. Everyone's experience is different, but this diet is optimum health, and optimum health makes for great training and racing. Optimum performancecould require doing things that enhance short term results but at a cost to long term health.
I race primarily XTERRA, but also some MTB and trail runs. I am slow, generally at the back of the pack. But before I went plant based, I couldn't even get into the pack, because I couldn't train consistently enough tp participate. So for me it's been a revelation.
Concentrated protein powders are not recommended on this plan, and as whey is dairy based animal protein that is a byproduct of the cheese industry, it is doubly discouraged. Its anabolic effect is real, but that comes from raising IGF-1, which also makes cancer grow along with muscles. Bodybuilders seem unaware or unconcerned with this. There are vegan alternatives, but they probably are no better. Sports drinks are generally discouraged along with other forms of drinking calories. They have their place, but their value is overrated. I challenge you to try training without them and see what happens. I still use some Hammer products because I tolerate them well, but less and less as time goes on. I just don't need them except for really long or intense efforts like races. On a starch based diet with regular training, your muscles are always fully stocked with glycogen, and the rich diversity of plant foods means you probably won't need to go raiding all the supplements at GNC.
A lot of the strictness here relates to those who have significant weight to lose, or health problems to resolve. Others may have some more leeway, but everyone has to customize the plan a little.
For more info, you can PM me, or check my blogs for a little insight. I've been a little inactive lately due to focusing my off season on prepping a vintage VW camper van for my 2015 race HQ. There are also some other vegan endurance athletes like Rich Roll (great podcast!) and Scott Jurek worth following. Both have written great memoirs. Vegan Health and Fitness magazine also has good inspiration. And while a little too into supplements, Brendan Brazier has some good food for thought.
Welcome aboard!