Hello plant based runner friend! Welcome to my blog. In this post, I am going to talk about the 5 best plant based diet books for runners. These books have served me as inspiration and to keep me grounded in this amazing lifestyle.
I know there are a lot of people out there who claim you can’t be plant based and an athlete. I am here to reassure you, they are WRONG. You can do anything you want. I firmly believe if there are Olympic athletes, who perform at the top of their specialty while being on a plant based diet, you, a simple mortal, can do it too.
A lot of people will try to project their own insecurities and fears. Don’t listen to them. Only you are responsible for your actions. Do what you want to do, and try new stuff. Stick with what works for you and ditch what doesn’t.
Many people have tried – and still are—to stop me from going plant based, including family and close friends. However, four years later, I am still thriving and feeling great about this change of lifestyle.
I started my plant based journey because of many reasons, one of them was through watching documentaries, but the one I am going to talk about in this post is reading. My favorite book, the one that got me started on running, was “Finding Ultra”, by Rich Roll. His story was so inspirational, plus it’s a great and smooth read. I wasn’t even finished, when I went for my first run in months.
The other book, the one that got me hooked on running, more specifically, the one that got me loving running on trails, was the iconic “Born to Run”, by Christopher McDougall. This book is hands down, the greatest book on running there is. At least for me. Hey! I know this book isn’t a plant based advocate, however, one of the greatest ultra-runners of all time, Scott Jurek, who is mentioned in the plot of this book, is a vegan, and he has his own book, “Eat & Run”. With great stories and recipes, this book is also a must-read. Even if you are not into veganism or a plant based lifestyle.
All of the books mentioned below are suited for anyone who wants to invest in a great read. They are very well written and don’t have any propaganda. They are just telling their story. If you are an athlete, or into sports you are going to love them.
5 Best Plant Based Books for Runners
1.- Finding Ultra
This is the first book on running I ever read, it was so inspiring in so many different ways. In this book, Ultra-marathoner, swimmer, and podcast host Rich Roll tells his life story in such a detailed way that it is hard not to want to become a better person after reading his story.
He touches on some very interesting subjects that will resonate with you even if you are not a runner or a plant based advocate.
After years of overcoming alcoholism, Rich was almost 40 and a bit overweight, until one night after climbing some steps on his house, he found himself grasping for air. It was right then that he knew something had got to change. He then adopted a plant-based lifestyle and became a lean-mean athlete.
What he has accomplished ever since is very impressive. He is now a well-known person/athlete worldwide in the sports and wellness community.
He has other books on plant based recipes that he co-wrote with his wife.
2.- Eat & Run
This book tells the amazing story of one of the greatest ultra-runners of all time –arguably the best– Scott Jurek, and how he went from being the small kid in the school to winning the Western States 100 race seven times in a row.
If you are not familiar with this race, it’s one of the most famous and iconic ultra marathons in the world. It gathers the toughest trail runners in the world, all of whom want to prove they are the best.
He has accomplished a lot of world records all of which while being on a plant based diet. He is the perfect display of what the human body can do once you control your mind.
Scott is an example of how your discipline and mind can take you places you never even knew you could get.
Scott Jurek shares some incredible plant-based recipes that he uses to fuel his runs. The mushroom and lentil burger is my favorite! You need to try it ASAP.
This book will get you running, cooking, and eating delicious plant based meals.
3.- Thrive
This book is hands down one of the best-explained and well-informed books about a plant based diet for athletes there are in the market.
When he started his journey, Brendan Brazier was one of the few professionals on an entirely plant based diet. His story is very inspiring, I guarantee you will be moved.
Brendan developed an easy-to-follow program, that he tried himself first and polished to perfection. This book includes a 12-week whole foods meal plan, with over 100 easy-to-make recipes.
According to him, with this program, you can lower body fat and increase muscle tone. Diminish or delay aging, increase energy and mental clarity, and sleep better.
Whether you are an amateur or professional athlete/runner, or simply looking to boost your physical and mental health, this is one of the most complete books there are on whole plant based nutrition for athletes.
4.- The Plant Based Athlete
If you are looking for a controversial book, look no further! The Plant-Based Athlete by Matt Frazier and Robert Cheeke reveals proof that the human body does not need meat, eggs, or dairy to be strong.
Research shows that a consciously calibrated plant-based diet offers the greatest possible recovery times, cell oxidation, injury prevention, and restorative sleep, and allows athletes to train more effectively, with better results.
Committing to a plant-based diet isn’t as simple as swapping vegetables for meat. Even the slightest food adjustments can impact performance. This book guides those interested in making this important shift in how to do so with the best, most transformative results.
This book talks a great deal about Macronutrients, micronutrients, and calories. It also has more than 60 delicious and nutritious plant based diet recipes.
The Plant-Based Athlete is the ultimate invitation to join the growing community of athletes who use plants to power their workouts and their every day.
Conclusion
I hope these books will bring you all the information you need to make the best decision for your needs. I know it’s not an easy subject, but you are not in a rush. Easy and steady wins the race. Don’t try to do a lot, just do a little every day, and eventually you will see the results.
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