Lewis Hamilton’s decision to adopt a vegan diet has not only defied sceptics but also contributed to his continued success in Formula 1.
Since making the switch in 2017, Hamilton has clinched four additional F1 championships, bringing his total to an impressive seven, tying Michael Schumacher’s record.
Despite doctors’ concerns about his protein intake for the physically demanding nature of F1 racing, Hamilton remained undeterred.
He explained to Vanity Fair: “I mean, I’ve won [four] world titles since then.
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“I’ve been more consistent than I ever was in the past. “So it just takes proving people wrong. And that’s what I did.”
Moreover, he noticed a positive transformation in his energy levels and even observed clearer skin.
Hamilton’s dietary shift was not solely motivated by personal health but also by environmental consciousness.
In a conversation with the BBC, he expressed concern over the significant pollution caused by livestock farming practices.
“The cruelty is horrible, and I don’t necessarily want to support that, and I want to live a healthier life,” Hamilton stated.
Additionally, he considered his family’s medical history, citing a prevalence of heart disease and cancer among his relatives.
The Formula 1 champion is not alone in embracing a plant-based lifestyle among the ranks of professional athletes.
Other notable figures who have adopted vegan diets include Venus Williams, Kyrie Irving, Meagan Duhamel, Jack Wilshere, Colin Kaepernick, and Nate Diaz.
NFL quarterback Justin Fields, during his time as a student-athlete at Ohio State University, embarked on a 28-day vegan challenge with his family, subsequently leading him to permanently adopt a plant-based diet.
Fields, in an interview with Insider, described the positive impact of his dietary change on his athletic performance.
“I think the biggest change for me is just how much lighter and faster I feel all around,” Fields explained in 2022.
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This transformation prompted him to continue following a plant-based diet.
To sustain the physical demands of football, Fields consumes high-carbohydrate foods like fruit, oats, beans, and grains to fuel his workouts.
He also incorporates protein-rich alternatives such as vegan chicken, quinoa, and plant-based shakes for optimal muscle recovery.