Feel Stronger With a Plant-Based Diet

Professional Ironman and Ultra Marathon runner Brendan Brazier relies on a plant-based diet to sustain him through his rigorous training regimen and physically exhausting competitions. While very few of us need to push our bodies to ultra-marathon levels, there are many lessons we can learn from athletes who rely on their bodies to be in top condition. In his book Thrive Fitness, Brazier designs a plant-based training program to help people achieve maximum strength and health. Plants are arguably the healthiest foods to eat because they are rich in essential nutrients and minerals. Here are a few of the building blocks that are essential for peak performance.

Fibrous Vegetables

• Asparagus
• Beets
• Bok Choy
• Celery
• Cucumbers
• Green Beans and Peas
• Watercress
• Zucchini
• Onions

Dark Greeny Leafy Vegetables

These are a rich source of chlorophyll which cleanses and oxygenates for endurance and stamina.

• Beet Greens
• Mixed Greens
• Spinach
• Swiss Chard
• Collards
• Dinosaur Kale

Sea Vegetables

They have 10 times the amount of calcium than cow's milk and several times more than red meat.

• Nori
• Kelp
• Hijiki
• Kombu
• Wakame
• Arame
• Dulse

Starchy Vegetables

• Potato
• Turnip
• Yam
• Parsnip
• Squash

Legumes

High in protein, fibre, and many minerals. Absorbs indigestible sugars that can cause gas.

• Alfalfa
• Beans and Peas
• Lentil
• Carob
• Soy
• Peanuts

Nuts

• Almonds
• Macadamia Nuts
• Walnuts
• Cashews
• Filberts
• Brazil Nuts
• Hazelnuts
• Peacan Pine Nuts
• Pistachios

Seeds

• Flaxseed (Omega-3 Fatty Acid)
• Sesame Seeds (Calcium)
• Sunflower Seeds
• Pumpkin Seeds

Pseudograins

Gluten-free sources of nutrients

• Amaranth
• Buckwheat
• Quinoa
• Wild Rice

Healthy Grains

• Brown Rice
• Millet
• Spelt
• Teff

Fresh Fruits

• Apples
• Apricots
• Bananas
• Berries
• Cherries
• Dates
• Dragon Fruit
• Figs
• Grapefruit
• Grapes
• Kiwis
• Mangos
• Melons
• Nectarines
• Oranges
• Papayas
• Pears
• Pineapples
• Plums
• Pomegranates

Other Nutritious Foods

• Agave Nectar
• Apple Cidar Vinegar
• Balsamic Vinegar
• Ginger
• Nutritional Yeast
• Stevia Herb
• Hemp Protein

Source: Besthealthmag.ca, Thrive Fitness by Brendan Brazier

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