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Introduction
Contemporary society is witnessing a growing interest in, and embracing of, plant-based diets. Numerous athletes are now gravitating towards such dietary choices, motivated by concerns for health, performance or ethics. Consequently, coaches, nutritionists, and other fitness experts find themselves increasingly tasked with guiding athletes who adhere to plant-based diets. For coaches and trainers, understanding the possible impacts of these dietary preferences on athletes’ objectives is paramount, as is devising dietary plans that optimize their performance. This episode discusses the scientific and practical aspects of supporting athletes who have adopted a vegetarian lifestyle and diet.
Related resources
- Join the Sigma newsletter for free
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- Become a member of Alan Flanagan’s Alinea Nutrition Education Hub
- Related episodes:
- 342: Are Vegan Diets Superior for Health?
- 454: Eric Helms, PhD – Plant or Animal Protein: Rethinking Protein & Muscle
- 362: Alistair Monteyne – Impact of Mycoprotein & Vegan Diets on Muscle Protein Synthesis
- 466: Iron Absorption from Foods & Supplements – Prof. Paul Sharp
- 467: Iron Issues in Athletes – Prof. Pete Peeling
- 418: Should We Consume a Direct Source of DHA?
- [01:37]Common claims and narratives
- [03:15]Historical context of dietary guidelines
- [21:57]Sugar industry influence on dietary research
- Glucose Peaks
- Some Pragmatic Considerations
The Hosts
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Dr. Alan Flanagan has a PhD in nutrition from the University of Surrey, where his doctoral research focused on circadian rhythms, feeding, and chrononutrition.
This work was based on human intervention trials. He also has a Masters in Nutritional Medicine from the same institution.
Dr. Flanagan is a regular co-host of Sigma Nutrition Radio. He also produces written content for Sigma Nutrition, as part of his role as Research Communication Officer.
Danny Lennon has a master’s degree (MSc.) in Nutritional Sciences from University College Cork, and he is the founder of Sigma Nutrition.
Danny is currently a member of the Advisory Board of the Sports Nutrition Association, the global regulatory body responsible for the standardisation of best practice in the sports nutrition profession.
Introduction to this Episode
Contemporary society is witnessing a growing interest in, and embracing of, plant-based diets. Numerous athletes are now gravitating towards such dietary choices, motivated by concerns for health, performance or ethics. Consequently, coaches, nutritionists, and other fitness experts find themselves increasingly tasked with guiding athletes who adhere to plant-based diets.
For coaches and trainers, understanding the possible impacts of these dietary preferences on athletes’ objectives is paramount, as is devising dietary plans that optimize their performance. This episode discusses the scientific and practical aspects of supporting athletes who have adopted a vegetarian lifestyle and diet.
The Umbrella of “Plant-based Diets”
- While broad terms like “plant-based” or “vegetarian” diet are used, sometimes differently by different people, there are many variations that may more accurately describe an individual’s diet. E.g.:
- Vegan – No animal products at all.
- Lacto Vegetarian – No animal products except for dairy products.
- Pescetarian – Dairy, eggs and fish are allowed. No meat.
- Flexitarian (or Semi-vegetarian) – Primarily vegetarian with occasional inclusion of meat or fish
- Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian – No animal products except for dairy products and eggs
