For decades now, meat consumption has been associated with gains in the gym. If you were looking to bulk up or lean out, your diet was one of chicken breast, steaks, and various cuts of beef that packed a serious amount of protein. But in recent times – and no doubt thanks to documentaries like The Game Changers – we’re finally waking up to the fact that meat isn’t the only source of protein on the market. And as an increasing number of people have sought to reevaluate the quantity of animal products consumed in their diet, opting instead for vegan or flexitarian options, the benefits are becoming widely known.
From tennis champion Venus Williams to Formula 1’s Lewis Hamilton, even athletes are choosing to bypass animal products in favour of going vegan. Adopting a plant-based diet has been shown to lower cholesterol and levels of saturated fat, while also helping to improve blood viscosity, enabling more oxygen to reach muscles and, by extension, improving athletic performance. Not only that, but athletes have reported greater recovery and reduced injuries since going vegan, with diets helping to boost fibre, reduce body fat and fight inflammation.
But don’t just take our word for it. If you’ve been tempted to go vegan – or at least try it out intermittently – these are the recipes we’d suggest. Arriving in perfect time for the warmer months where you want something light but still nourishing, these are the meals that make summer entertaining a breeze as they’re quick to prepare and easy to make. Check them out below.