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Fitness Friday: 6 Reasons to Go Vegan to Build Muscle

8/14/2015

14 Comments

 
Today's #FitnessFriday post is by the awesome Michael Gales at Everlast. I came across his post and have had so many chats with friends, clients and my instructors on the ability to succeed with building muscle and training well while living a vegan lifestyle. Michael explains it so well, so I've asked my awesome team at Everlast Nutrition if I could share some of his expertise and they agreed. 
A Friendly Reminder: All products purchased through Everlast Nutrition can be bought at a discount with added gifts when using the promo code NOSHEVERLAST upon check out. 
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Historically, plant-based proteins were deemed not as effective for muscle building as their animal counterparts, due to their amino acid profile. For years, soy seemed to be the only alternative to animal-based whey protein. The problem with soy, however, was that it also had the reputation of boosting estrogen levels, so many people were reluctant to touch it.

Vegan protein has evolved significantly in recent years, as more and more people look to alternatives for whey and soy. Not only are plant-based proteins as effective as their animal counterparts, but here are 6 other reasons to go green for muscle building:

1. Complete Amino Acid Profile
Believe it or not, there are vegan proteins with complete amino acid profiles, high in both BCAAs and glutamine. In fact, all-natural rice and pea protein blends now rival the traditional sources of whey and egg. The goal of any quality protein supplement is to deliver proper nutrition, in order for its users to increase lean muscle mass and strength. The new vegan blends have high bioavailability, which increases post-workout recovery. The protein is quickly digested and delivered to the muscles to reduce the catabolic effect of training. Not to mention, the new vegan blends are now quite effective at helping with lean muscle mass growth.

2. No Lactose
Lactose is not only a problem for lactose intolerant people, but for everyone else as well. Proteins with higher levels of lactose can cause bloating, gas and flatulence. Thankfully, vegan proteins are lactose-free, so they’re easily digested (without causing any stomach issues). Believe me, no one wants to be trapped in an elevator next to the guy who just had 2 scoops of low quality protein.

3. No Ethical Issues

Many people prefer to avoid animal-based proteins, foods and other products for ethical, religious or dietary reasons. Luckily, there’s vegan proteins, which are plant based and don’t violate these people’s beliefs or principles.

4. Free of Hormones
In recent years, health-conscious people have clamored for a protein that’s just as effective as animal protein, but is free from all the chemicals that are fed to livestock. Chemicals are typically not present in whey protein, but many people don’t want to take any chances. Many gym-goers also avoid soy out of fear that soy protein will affect their estrogen levels. The new vegan protein mixture of rice and peas eliminates those concerns and also rivals the muscle-building effects of whey.

5. Hypoallergenic
It’s not just what the new vegan blends have; it’s also what they don’t have that makes them so attractive. They’re not only free of dairy products, but they also have no gluten, simple sugar or cholesterol. The new premium vegan protein blends are also sweetened naturally with stevia, as opposed to aspartame. All of these qualities make the vegan blend a good option for those with allergies or high cholesterol.

6. Better Tasting
A big factor for any protein supplement is taste. You can have the most effective protein mix in the world, but if it makes you gag, there’s no way you’ll keep drinking it. Yeah, I’m talking about you, vegetarian protein sources. For years, the taste and consistency were, to put it politely, lacking. The new premium vegan blends are much better, with a smooth consistency and pleasant taste. In fact, in a blind taste test, you’d be hard pressed to pick out the vegan drink.
14 Comments
Trisha link
8/14/2015 06:04:50 am

This is such interesting information. I don't know if I could ever go vegan. But I do enjoy a vegan based meal here and there. It is wonderfull to know that if one of my friends did decide to go vegan that they would still get the proteins he or she would need to live a strong and healthy life.

Reply
Mandi
10/19/2015 04:42:22 pm

Trisha, It's fun to mix it up from time to time and give our bodies a rest from digesting animal products. Would love to hear of the recipes you enjoy!

Reply
Charlene Asay link
8/14/2015 06:40:35 am

That wrap looks amazing. Great points you make.

Reply
Mandi
10/19/2015 04:37:38 pm

Thanks Charlene!

Reply
Lara link
8/14/2015 08:31:07 am

That wrap looks so yummy! Thanks for sharing!
xoxo Lara

www.pepperandstyle.com

Reply
Mandi
10/19/2015 04:43:34 pm

And thank you, Lara, for stopping by!

Reply
Lily Nguyen link
8/14/2015 09:25:39 am

Although I am not vegan, I completely agree with you. I opt for plant based protein over all the others. I just feels more RIGHT. I recently had surgery because of an ovarian cyst, I later found out that the cyst was caused by hormonal imbalances. I am a lot more conscious of what I put in my body now.

Reply
Mandi
10/19/2015 04:43:19 pm

That's so great to hear Lily! Plant based protein is great because there are so many other vitamins and nutrients we get from that too. And thats great to hear that you watch what you eat. Food has everything to do with how our bodies run.

Reply
Rae link
8/14/2015 01:37:09 pm

What an interesting article. Thanks for sharing! When I was younger, I tried a vegetarian diet while swimming in college and sustained career ending injuries mostly due to the lack of protein in my diet, including supplements. A lot of vegan diets seem to have a high saturated fat content which is a no go for me.

Reply
Mandi
10/19/2015 04:40:08 pm

Rae,
You're very welcome! There is definite balance to a vegan/vegetarian approach. There are many plant based sources of protein. If you ever want to chat about options to lessen meat intake feel free to contact me! :)

Reply
Zully Hernandez link
8/15/2015 02:57:06 am

I always dream of becoming vegan, but it would be such a major change in the way I create meals for my family. I wouldn't expect them to do it, so the idea of creating separate meals for everyone is just too daunting. Maybe eventually... this information is super useful, though! Thanks so much.

Reply
Mandi
10/19/2015 04:41:18 pm

Zully,
I know what you mean. I eat meat in moderation but do find the points of veganism very appealing. I have a lot of vegan readers and clients who inspire me everyday and I've learned so much about prepping meals without meat and incorporating plant based proteins (aside from soy) into my diet. If you ever want to chat on menu planning, feel free to contact me :)

Reply
Naomi link
8/18/2015 09:04:06 pm

Very interesting read! I could never go vegan but nonetheless interesting.

x- naomiinwonderland.com

Reply
Mandi
10/19/2015 04:41:34 pm

Thanks for stopping by Naomi!

Reply



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