A Fitness Fan’s Guide to Cruelty-Free Supplements
Are you a vegetarian who wants to train harder, bulk up, or recover faster? Or are you thinking about taking the Pledge to Be Veg but are worried that it may affect your athletic performance? If so, then you’ll be reassured to know that there is a wide range of vegetarian-friendly supplements available to help you get bigger, stronger, and faster!
Although a healthy vegan diet can fulfill all your protein needs, some people like to take a protein supplement, as they believe it aids muscle recovery and growth. It is also an easy way to make sure that you get enough protein for recovery if you don’t like eating after a workout. Soy protein is a good basic choice, and powders are available at most supermarkets and supplement stores. You can also find pea, hemp, and rice protein powders, which are all excellent alternatives if you choose not to add more soy to your diet. And, of course, many athletes perform well without consuming extra protein by ensuring that they eat a varied diet that includes protein-rich foods like grains, lentils, beans, nuts, and tofu.
For those of you who feel like you need something extra to perk you up before a workout, many energy drinks
are vegetarian-friendly, including Red Bull, Rockstar, and V. Always check the ingredients on the back of the can, and if in doubt, contact the manufacturers to confirm. Remember: There are natural foods, such as dates and nuts, that can give you extra energy for that workout too.
The post-workout recovery is often the most important part of a hard-training regime, and as a vegetarian, you can still find products to give your body a helping hand!
Glucosamine is a supplement that helps repair damaged cartilage and promotes good bones, joints, and ligaments. It is popular among body builders for aiding fast recovery. Not all glucosamine is vegetarian-friendly (it’s normally sourced from shellfish), but many of the more well-known supplement brands such as Blackmores and Bio-Organics make a clearly labeled vegetarian version.
And for replenishing electrolytes after a hard workout, most sports drinks are free of animal products. Or try coconut water if you prefer a more natural drink!
So please don’t hold back—take the pledge today and get yourself some vegetarian power!
