Gabby Landsverk
·1 min read
NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal said he's switching to a vegan diet, according to a recent interview.
O'Neal said eating plant-based food helps him enjoy healthy versions of foods like cheeseburgers.
He joins a long list of other vegan and mostly plant-based athletes like Kyrie Irving and Tom Brady.
Retired basketball star Shaquille O'Neal said he's switching to vegan eating in a May 2 interview with Rip Micheals, host of the food and travel show Urban Eats & Treats.
The NBA Hall of Famer told Micheals that the Atlanta restaurant slu*tty Vegan offers plant-based alternatives so he can enjoy favorite foods while still getting the health benefits of a vegan diet.
"I like cheeseburgers, right? But the way she cooks it, I can eat healthy, but still feel like I'm eating bad. So whenever I want to cheat, I come over here and cheat," O'Neal said.
O'Neal previously said a high-protein, low-carb diet helped him get more defined ab muscles, and it involved eating lots of chicken and fish such as a salmon.
He previously said his go-to breakfast was a vegan smoothie, and includes blueberries, peanut butter, and bananas, similar to Tom Brady's performance protein shake.
Other high-profile vegan athletes include tennis great Venus Williams, soccer star Alex Morgan, and fellow NBA athletes Chris Paul and Kyrie Irving.
Some pros also follow a predominantly plant-based diet, including Brady, as well as bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger, who said he eats 80% vegan with foods like cucumber salad with pumpkin seed oil.
Read the original article on Insider
I'm a nutrition expert with a deep understanding of dietary patterns, especially those related to athletes and their performance. My knowledge spans various nutritional approaches, including plant-based diets, and I'm well-versed in the intricacies of how these choices impact health and fitness.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal switching to a vegan diet:
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Vegan Diet Transition: Shaquille O'Neal, a retired basketball star, has announced his transition to a vegan diet. This dietary shift involves abstaining from all animal products, emphasizing plant-based foods instead.
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Plant-Based Alternatives: O'Neal mentions his interest in plant-based alternatives offered by the Atlanta restaurant slu*tty Vegan. These alternatives allow him to enjoy favorite foods like cheeseburgers while still adhering to a vegan diet.
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Health Benefits of Veganism: O'Neal emphasizes that adopting a vegan diet helps him enjoy healthier versions of his preferred foods. The article suggests that he believes in the health benefits associated with plant-based eating.
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Athletes on Vegan Diets: The article highlights other athletes who follow vegan or mostly plant-based diets, including Kyrie Irving, Tom Brady, Venus Williams, Alex Morgan, and Chris Paul. This indicates a growing trend among high-profile athletes toward plant-centric nutrition for performance and health.
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O'Neal's Previous Dietary Approach: O'Neal had previously adhered to a high-protein, low-carb diet, incorporating chicken and fish like salmon. This diet aimed at achieving more defined ab muscles.
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Vegan Smoothie Breakfast: O'Neal has mentioned his go-to breakfast as a vegan smoothie, consisting of blueberries, peanut butter, and bananas. This aligns with the dietary choices of other athletes, such as Tom Brady and his performance protein shake.
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Diversity in Plant-Based Diets: The article points out that some athletes, like Arnold Schwarzenegger, follow predominantly plant-based diets without being strictly vegan. Schwarzenegger mentions consuming 80% vegan foods, including items like cucumber salad with pumpkin seed oil.
In summary, the article sheds light on Shaquille O'Neal's shift to a vegan diet, emphasizing the availability of plant-based alternatives and the growing number of athletes embracing plant-centric nutrition for both health and performance benefits. The mentioned athletes' diverse approaches to plant-based diets showcase the flexibility and adaptability within this nutritional trend.
