A growing number of NBA players are adopting plant-based diets for performance, health, and ethical reasons.
Vegan diets have become increasingly popular in recent years as more evidence emerges on the benefits of eliminating animal products. For professional athletes who exert tremendous physical demands on their bodies, what they eat can have a significant impact.
Top Vegan NBA Stars
Today, dozens of players follow full or part-time plant-based diets. Here are some of the biggest names leading the charge:
Chris Paul
The 12-time NBA All Star went fully vegan five years ago and has never looked back. Noticeable improvements in energy convinced Chris Paul that plant-based eating was for life, not just for performance.
As one of the league’s most famous ambassadors for plant-based living, Chris Paul has worked with Beyond Meat, Eat Just and Sproud Kids to promote delicious and nutritious vegan options.
DeAndre Jordan
Currently playing center for the Denver Nuggets, DeAndre Jordan went vegan in 2018 to reduce his environmental impact after learning how resource-intensive meat production is. But he soon discovered advantages for his performance too.
Teaming up with plant-based brands like Beyond Meat and Vega, DeAndre educates fans about veganism through his online cooking show while fronting initiatives helping disadvantaged communities access healthy, sustainable foods.
Kyrie Irving
The Dallas Mavericks’ star adopted a plant-based diet back in 2017 alongside former teammate Al Harrington who mentored him. Kyrie Irving quickly realized the benefits for his physical abilities and energy levels.
He’s championed Beyond Meat, donated 200,000 vegan Beyond Burgers to food banks during Covid-19, and invests in companies expanding access to quality plant-based options.
For Kyrie, veganism aligns with his desire to leverage his platform to drive social change.
JaVale McGee
Now with the Sacramento Kings, JaVale McGee went vegan in 2016 and has been vocal about the performance case for plant-based eating. He’s collaborated with Vega, Outstanding Foods and Beyond Meat in recent years, excited to promote the diet’s transformative effect.
He explained, “Following a plant-based diet has led to an enormous improvement in my performance as an athlete. It’s literally been a game-changer…It’s the best thing I could have done for my career.”
Why NBA Players Go Vegan
There are several compelling reasons why more basketball players are ditching meat and dairy and embracing the vegan lifestyle:
Increased Energy
One of the most commonly reported benefits of plant-based eating is increased energy levels. With their jam-packed schedules of practices, training, games, travel, and more – often playing back-to-back nights in different cities – NBA players need to maximize their energy.
Kyrie Irving first went vegan in 2017 and told ESPN, “My energy is up, my body feels amazing.” Other players like Chris Paul and JaVale McGee echo similar sentiments, crediting their vegan diets for allowing them to keep their high-intensity output.
Enhanced Recovery
The NBA season is a grueling 82 games long, placing intense demands on players’ bodies night after night. Recovery is paramount. Plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds provide optimal nutrition to help muscles heal.
Removing inflammatory animal products also reduces swelling and soreness. Studies demonstrate that those following plant-based diets have less inflammation and faster recovery between athletic performances compared to omnivores.
Injury Prevention
NBA careers progress one injury at a time. Plant-based diets can help players stay injury-free. Whole plant foods deliver antioxidants and nutrients that support durable connective tissue – critical for joints and muscles.
Chris Paul’s transition to vegan eating came after frustration over nagging injuries. He found it reduced swelling and aches, allowing him to keep up with his kids. DeAndre Jordan also turned to plants hoping to prolong his career.
The Future of Plant-Based Performance
With more superstar players thriving on vegan performance diets matched by rapid growth in consumer plant-based options, this movement shows no signs of slowing down.
Their first-hand accounts of achieving elite-level success will compel more basketball stars to realize the competitive advantages of plant-powered eating. Before long, vegan menus could become standard in NBA locker rooms everywhere.
Sources
www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/top-5-nba-players-follow-vegan-diet
vegnews.com/vegan-health-wellness/vegan-nba-basketball-players
