Being a healthy and successful athlete is possible with a vegetarian or vegan diet. In fact, many of the world’s best athletes have made the switch and almost all of them believe that this change in diet has helped them perform better. If you question the results that can be expected when you take meat out of your diet, then the following list of vegetarian and vegan athletes might change your mind.

• Venus Williams - Tennis Champion
• Carl Lewis - Olympic Gold Medalist and World Champion, Track
• Tony Gonzalez - NFL
• Hannah Teter - Olympic Gold Medalist and X Games Champion, Snowboarding
• Brendan Brazier - Championship Endurance Athlete
• Fiona Oakes - Record-Breaking Marathon Runner
• Bode Miller - Olympic Gold Medalist, Alpine Skiing
• Ricky Williams - NFL
• Christopher Campbell - Olympic Gold Medalist, Wrestling

The list could be longer since there are many more, but the point is that a vegetarian athlete can compete at even the highest levels. The key is to manage the change and make sure that you are getting all of the nutrients that you need.

References:

• http://www.bu.edu/themovement/past-issues/spring2011/being-a-vegetarian/
• http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1710093
• http://www.ausport.gov.au/ais/nutrition/factsheets/special_diets/vegetarian_eating
• http://www.livestrong.com/article/445770-the-importance-of-good-nutrition-for-athletes/
• http://www.vegkitchen.com/nutrition/vegan-athlete/
• http://www.vegetariantimes.com/blog/7-top-protein-sources-for-vegetarians/
• http://www.wsj.com/articles/how-can-vegetarians-get-enough-protein-1454350903
• https://www.healthaliciousness.com/articles/vegetables-high-in-protein.php
• https://www.healthaliciousness.com/articles/fruits-high-in-protein.php
• http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/
• http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/carbohydrate-loading/art-20048518
• http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/nutrition-tips-athletes