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Many of us hear the term ‘veganism’ and take it as seriously as an Adam Sandler movie. Vegans adhere to a strictly plant-based diet, forgoing all meats and animal products. No meat, no eggs, no dairy, no tacos, no pizza. Sounds like a prison sentence to me.
But many elite athletes are giving veganism a more serious look, including Damian Lillard and Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler.
The 30-year-old recently talked with Business Insider about conforming to veganism over a year ago on a tip from former NBA guard Chris Douglas-Roberts.
Plagued with injuries and health-related issues from 2011-2016, Chandler turned to veganism in an attempt to combat these nagging problems at the beginning of 2016.
The result: in the 2016-2017 season, Chandler played 71 games, averaging 15.7 points per game and 6.5 rebounds per game (both career highs), and his 54.5% shooting percentage was the second-best mark of his career.
“This is something I’m not really doing for, like, a 30-day challenge or my basketball career,” Chandler told Business Insider. “I think this is a lifestyle thing. It’s up and down — there’s certain food you can’t have, so it’s up and down, but for the most part, I stick to it.”
Chandler revealed that the biggest perk of his vegan diet is that he notices a tangible change in his ability to recover after workouts and an increase in his day-to-day energy.
After working out, the 10-year NBA vet typically vegan protein shake and some carbs. On a typical day, he’ll eat a vegan burger, sauteed broccoli, black beans, and drank kombucha.
The Nuggets forward says he’s 99% sure he isn’t turning back from his vegan lifestyle, but does say he really misses one staple from his old diet.
“The thing I probably miss the most probably would be tacos, man,” Chandler said. “Just, like, authentic tacos. They have plant-based tacos, but it’s different from what you grew up on.”
Thanks for the craving, Mr. Chandler. I think I’ll fill my face with tacos tonight!
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Since I’m too weak and undisciplined to go vegan, please allow me to make fun of it as a defense mechanism…
[h/t Business Insider]