Plant based surfers have started to make waves in the media. A few surfers who’ve adopted a predominantly plant based diet (and spoken about the benefits) include: Kelly Slater, John John Florence, Tia Blanco, Alana Blanchard, Jack Freestone, Nikki van Dijk, Dave Rastovich, Rob Machado, and Anna Ehrgott. The advantages of a plant based diet likely come from a combination of reducing meat, increasing the amount of plant foods, and the incorporation of other lifestyle factors. When looking at a healthy diet for surfers, we’re not just talking about the fuel they need for a session. We also need to consider the type of support they’ll need for recovery. A quick recovery is one of the main advantages plant based surfers experience.
Plant Based Surfers Recovery
The faster an athlete, including the everyday surfer, can recover, the better. Each time we surf we use energy, and potentially create some inflammation in the body (in a helpful muscle building way). So the key is to make sure the food we refuel with is providing the right kind of energy, and anti-inflammatory nutrients.
Phytochemicals, antioxidants, and nutrients such as potassium can increase blood flow, repair damaged cells and help protect the arteries from future damage.
Where do we find phytochemicals, antioxidants and minerals like potassium? In plants.
Some amazing plants to consider adding to your diet include:
- Beets + beet greens
- Potatoes
- Beans of all kinds
- Spinach
- Pumpkin seeds
- Tahini (sesame seeds)
- Collard & mustard greens
All plants have some beneficial properties and the best thing to do would be to start incorporating them into your diet as a main staple.
Plant Based Surfers Energy
As for energy, we need carbohydrates as fuel for optimal performance. They are important to help maintain our glycogen stores in the muscles and liver. This is where we get our fuel from during a surf session. Having a diet high in carbohydrates helps us surf for longer before exhaustion. All plants contain carbohydrates. This is something to keep in mind next time you need a “low carb” diet being promoted. All foods have a place, carbs are especially important to surfers.
For some quick energy hacks for plant based surfers, check out this blog.
Here are some simple ways to incorporate more plants into the diet
- Keep eating the way you are and add in sides of veggies and greens
- Incorporate smoothies made from fruits, veggies and greens in your weekly rotation
- Add more vegetables and greens into recipes you already make such as soups, stews, stir-frys etc.
A plant based diet does not have to be complicated, and there are so many benefits to be experienced by making the switch. If you have questions or would like to learn more about how a plant based diet can help you reach your surfing goals, book a free call with me.
Slightly confused about what a plant based diet entails? Check out this blog where I bust the top 5 myths about surfing and plant based diets.
And if you’re looking to connect to a community of like minded women, join the free community on Facebook! We’d love to see you there!