Vegan/Vegitarian athletes and martial artists

**Godhand** · Posted On: 12/29/2006 10:20pm

Hey guys.
Ive been vegitarian for two years (For moral reasons) , and have had no problems concerning energy levels or building muscle. In fact, I was in the best shape of anyone I knew.

At this time, I trained 5 days a week for two hours a day in kickboxing, freestlye wrestling and Bjj.

As of about a month ago, I stopped training (Im moving to a different country for a year) and I also became vegan. I did so cold turkey and Im still grappling with the dietary ajustments. Since then, Ive lost 4 kg of weight, which is a bad thing, putting me at 63 kg.

Part of this weight loss can be attributed to loss of muscle since I stopped training, I am sure, but I think alot ofit has to do with my change in diet.

I wanted to know if there were any other vegan or vego athletes out there who could share their experiences with training. The reason I specified athletes is because their needs are different to other martial artists who train purley for self defense.

Being in great physical condition is a part of the sport.

Thanking you in anticipation for your sincere input, and damming those trolls in advance.

**CrapKnee** · Posted On: 12/29/2006 10:28pm

Start eating meat, or at least drinking milk. A good white moustache is good for you: it'll have protein and possibly calcium, depending on the composition.

**PointyShinyBurn** · Posted On: 12/29/2006 10:36pm

There's some stuff called Quorn which is a fungus meat-replacementy stuff. It's basically pure protein, and they sell it in a variety of more or less weird tasting flavours. Not sure if you have it down under, but it's worth a look if the prospect of eating endless bowls of beans fails to appeal.

**Godhand** · Posted On: 12/29/2006 11:00pm

Thanks for the advice, Ill check it out!
Are you a vegitarian/vegan? And if so, for how long?
What challenges have you encountered and how have you overcome them?

**RunningDog** · Posted On: 12/29/2006 11:36pm

Astounding. 2 years as a vegetarian, and you still can't spell the word.

On a non-trolling note, I went veggie for one year. I did a lot of MA based fitness training that year, and my strength and endurance increased just fine. I ate a variety of beans and pulses and every veggie you can think of, along with lots of whole grain.
I think veganism's a bad idea, eggs milk and cheese are good sources of protein...

But for ****'s sake, just eat meat, it tastes so damn good. Bacon sandwiches will be your downfall in the end, guarantee it.

**hoodedmonk** · Posted On: 12/30/2006 12:00am

Originally Posted by Godhand

Hey guys.
Ive been vegitarian for two years (For moral reasons) , and have had no problems concerning energy levels or building muscle. In fact, I was in the best shape of anyone I knew.

At this time, I trained 5 days a week for two hours a day in kickboxing, freestlye wrestling and Bjj.

As of about a month ago, I stopped training (Im moving to a different country for a year) and I also became vegan. I did so cold turkey and Im still grappling with the dietary ajustments. Since then, Ive lost 4 kg of weight, which is a bad thing, putting me at 63 kg.

Part of this weight loss can be attributed to loss of muscle since I stopped training, I am sure, but I think alot ofit has to do with my change in diet.

I wanted to know if there were any other vegan or vego athletes out there who could share their experiences with training. The reason I specified athletes is because their needs are different to other martial artists who train purley for self defense.

Being in great physical condition is a part of the sport.

Thanking you in anticipation for your sincere input, and damming those trolls in advance.

You stated that you quit eating meat for moral reasons but why did you stop drinking milk,ect.ect.?

**Ming Loyalist** · Posted On: 12/30/2006 12:20am

Originally Posted by PointyShinyBurn

There's some stuff called Quorn which is a fungus meat-replacementy stuff. It's basically pure protein, and they sell it in a variety of more or less weird tasting flavours. Not sure if you have it down under, but it's worth a look if the prospect of eating endless bowls of beans fails to appeal.

we eat this in my house because i don't eat meat (but i do eat dairy and fish) i like quorn a lot and if you know how to cook (like my fiancee does) you can do great things with it.

i find it hard to get enough protein (personal goal is over 70g/day, with me weighing 145lbs) so i supplement with whey protein in powders - cooking and shakes, bars and pre-made shakes i can take with me when i'm out. i also try to vary my protein sources as much as possible, with my main sources being: whey, fish, eggs, quorn, and soy.

i try to avoid soy as a portein source, as it is quite difficult to turn it into muscle, but when i eat out, any veggie food will have tofu, so i do end up eating some.

from a vegan point of view there are some other sources you can look to besides soy, but i haven't seen many and have no idea how easy they are for the body to turn into muscle. i think quorn and maybe wheat gluten would be your best choices in terms of protein if you want to avoid dairy (whey.)

i have my own reasons for my choice in diet, but often wish i could just eat meat, cause it would be so much easier to meet my protein goals that way, but i am cool with the way i am eating now.