Meat-free Athletes

I stumbled across this great article "Who says you have to eat meat to be a successful athlete? " (via Savvy Veg) about athletes who are becoming vegetarian or vegan:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=keri/080616

Its wonderful to see athletes promoting a vegetarian (or vegan) lifestyle. Their reasons vary: for some it’s about personal health, a love for animals or their concern for earth’s finite resources. But they are all prime examples, especially for those of machismo mind set, that a meat-free diet can still equate strength, power, and athleticism.

There was also a part of Mac Danzig’s story that really rang true for me (even despite my non-professional athlete status): "They just seemed like these fanatical vegan people," he said. "They kind of wore it on their sleeve, and I wasn't into that.”

I also was a little intimidated (and kinda turned off) by the fanatical, elitist attitude that comes from many veggers and it was one of the reasons I delayed becoming vegetarian even though I felt very strongly about it.

I didn’t (or don’t) want to be scrutinized for “not-being vegetarian enough” or for not “following the rules entirely”. I wasn’t planning to be a true vegetarian – I would want to eat fish and cage free eggs – and I felt like many vegetarians would condemn that and criticize that. I was afraid it was like the “our way – or the highway” group and I didn't want either.

But then I got to point where I just said: Screw it. I’m gonna do it. I’m doing it for me - and I don't really care what other's think. If there are people out there who aren’t supportive or if there are people who condemn me because they think I’m not “true” enough - it doesn't matter. Its my choice – for my heart, my health and my peace of mind.

For you veggers out there - have you ever felt similiarly?

PS - There's also some great vegan/tarian book rec's by the athletes in the article. Worth checking out.