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sirkinm · 03-11-2009, 05:50 PM

Are there any studies that show that vegetarian or vegan diets can achieve similar gains in muscle size and strength on an intensive weight training program? I see some articles on the internet that say they you won't lose much strength with a vegetarian diet, but they are all conjecture and fall on the same old arguments. Personally, I would like to incorporate a bulk of my protein from non-animal sources, but virtually all of the expert nutritionists and trainers (who have an impressive list of results) swear by the same ol' thing of using animal-derived sources of protein.

I would like to see solid evidence. The bulk of the materials I read on the subject are by trainers and nutritionists who have PhDs or the equivalent -- I refuse to believe they lack the capacity to think critically and are just too conditioned by the status quo.

I eat meat myself for health reasons, but in relatively sparse amounts, and diet -- especially as it relates to animal welfare -- is something I'm mindful about, which is why I ask the question.

Edit: Oops -- sorry about the title! I meant to fill it in when I was done with the question, but I accidentally posted it! 2nd Edit: And sorry about the double post! I pressed the back button and posted again when I meant to edit!

Dan.Linehan · 03-11-2009, 06:18 PM

It's a good question. I honestly doubt there are any studies about vegan fitness specifically; there are hardly even that many studies about the health benefits of veganism.

I will say this: My old roommate is the only US National hand gliding champion -- and he won four times. He has been vegan for 15 years or so, including the entire time he was a pro athlete.

You can't tell from the picture so much but he is ripped. He has to carry his glider up a mountain several times a week, and he also lifts weights and rock climbs.

sirkinm · 03-11-2009, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan.Linehan

I will say this: My old roommate is the only US National hand gliding champion -- and he won four times. He has been vegan for 15 years or so, including the entire time he was a pro athlete.

Cool -- I went hang gliding in California (off Mt. Tam in the Bay Area) and it was one of the biggest thrills of my life. That dude looks like a natural athlete.

Dan.Linehan · 03-11-2009, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirkinm

Cool -- I went hang gliding in California (off Mt. Tam in the Bay Area) and it was one of the biggest thrills of my life. That dude looks like a natural athlete.

Yep, he flies off Mt Tam as well.

Did you do through SF Hang Gliding? He is an instructor there as well.

sirkinm · 03-11-2009, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan.Linehan

Did you do through SF Hang Gliding? He is an instructor there as well.

I think my instructor might've been associated with SF Hang Gliding (there can only be so many). The guy I was with was Gordon, a real lean, laid-back dude who was hella good with a glider.

Dan.Linehan · 03-11-2009, 06:37 PM

Yep, Gordon is on that page.

Quote:

Gordon Pollock can't stop thinking about flying hang gliders. He's been hooked on the sport for 32 years now. Gordon's patient attitude and his focus on safety first makes your experience an adventure you will always treasure. Winner of the MOAB world invitational and 1986 Utah cup, Gordon has flown over 100 miles in a single flight!

painofsalvation · 03-12-2009, 02:54 AM

I've never seen any study about vegan muscle growth. But you'll be able to find a lot of good information and successful vegan bodybuilders on this website.

I personally didn't find it any harder to grow muscles on a vegan diet as compared to a meat-based diet. The good thing was that it became easier to control my body fat.

I'm on a raw diet for two months now and I lost a couple of pounds but I didn't notice any muscle loss yet.

Yesterday I watched an interesting video of a bodybuilder who's on a raw food diet: Internet Archive: Details: Charlie Abel: How to build muscle on a raw food diet.

sirkinm · 03-12-2009, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by painofsalvation

I've never seen any study about vegan muscle growth. But you'll be able to find a lot of good information and successful vegan bodybuilders on this website.

Yesterday I watched an interesting video of a bodybuilder who's on a raw food diet: Internet Archive: Details: Charlie Abel: How to build muscle on a raw food diet.

Thanks -- will have to check out these links on my lunch break. No wait, I gotta hit the gym on my lunch break! I will check out these links tonight!

03-11-2009, 05:50 PM	#1 (permalink)
sirkinm Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 585	Vegetarian/vegan Are there any studies that show that vegetarian or vegan diets can achieve similar gains in muscle size and strength on an intensive weight training program? I see some articles on the internet that say they you won't lose much strength with a vegetarian diet, but they are all conjecture and fall on the same old arguments. Personally, I would like to incorporate a bulk of my protein from non-animal sources, but virtually all of the expert nutritionists and trainers (who have an impressive list of results) swear by the same ol' thing of using animal-derived sources of protein. I would like to see solid evidence. The bulk of the materials I read on the subject are by trainers and nutritionists who have PhDs or the equivalent -- I refuse to believe they lack the capacity to think critically and are just too conditioned by the status quo. I eat meat myself for health reasons, but in relatively sparse amounts, and diet -- especially as it relates to animal welfare -- is something I'm mindful about, which is why I ask the question. Edit: Oops -- sorry about the title! I meant to fill it in when I was done with the question, but I accidentally posted it! 2nd Edit: And sorry about the double post! I pressed the back button and posted again when I meant to edit!

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03-11-2009, 06:18 PM	#2 (permalink)
Dan.Linehan Family Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Rafael, CA Posts: 4,896	It's a good question. I honestly doubt there are any studies about vegan fitness specifically; there are hardly even that many studies about the health benefits of veganism. I will say this: My old roommate is the only US National hand gliding champion -- and he won four times. He has been vegan for 15 years or so, including the entire time he was a pro athlete. You can't tell from the picture so much but he is ripped. He has to carry his glider up a mountain several times a week, and he also lifts weights and rock climbs.

03-12-2009, 02:54 AM	#7 (permalink)
painofsalvation Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Kingdom of Loss Posts: 59	I've never seen any study about vegan muscle growth. But you'll be able to find a lot of good information and successful vegan bodybuilders on this website. I personally didn't find it any harder to grow muscles on a vegan diet as compared to a meat-based diet. The good thing was that it became easier to control my body fat. I'm on a raw diet for two months now and I lost a couple of pounds but I didn't notice any muscle loss yet. Yesterday I watched an interesting video of a bodybuilder who's on a raw food diet: Internet Archive: Details: Charlie Abel: How to build muscle on a raw food diet.

Personal Development for Smart PeopleTM Forums

Personal Development for Smart People^TM Forums