NO MEAT MUSCLE

The biggest myth out there about veganism is that it’ll leave you weak, at risk of anemia, lacking in energy and struggling to build muscle. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth.

Protein, like the other macronutrients (carbohydrates and fats), is an essential part of a healthy diet. To build and repair muscle tissue, organs and bones, we undoubtedly need protein. But how much?

Protein has become big business, with vested interests perhaps distorting our perception of how much we really need. The whey (milk-based) protein industry alone is worth US$6.9 billion globally, which is predominantly a result of the body-building and fitness industries. Supplement companies sponsor athletes and celebrities who promote their products, which in turn inspires their fans to purchase the product.

The protein myth

I’ve been eating a vegan diet for more than three years now. When I started, I believed I already had an excellent understanding of nutrition and how it affected the human body. It’s something I’ve been interested in for a long time, and as a bodybuilder, I’d spent a lot of time researching. But since becoming vegan and adapting my diet, I’ve radically changed my perspective on nutrition.

I discovered that I’d bought into a