How to Shop Vegan as an Athlete

The experts at Beyond Sushi are dedicated to healthy lifestyles of all kinds. Above all, they want to help diners all across New York embrace the feel-good nutrition available in a diet that is as positive for the planet as it is for your life! If you’re an athlete who is looking to go vegan, check out this vegan athlete shopping list, our complete guide. 

For inspiration on how many delicious options that a vegan lifestyle can hold, explore the full Beyond Sushi menu. Curious about trying these flavors for yourself? Place an order for pickup or delivery. 

Tips for Vegan Athletes

Life for everyone– vegan or otherwise– is about balance. There is no “one size fits all” method for maintaining healthy lifestyle choices. It’s about listening to your body’s individual needs and responding to those as necessary.

For most athletes, you want to be sure you are taking in enough calories to power through your day, with an emphasis on proteins.

Don’t Skimp on the Leafy Greens

Though increasing your daily activity levels is doubtlessly the right thing to do, doing so without the proper nutritional foundation can be detrimental to your long-term health. To ensure you are receiving the energy you need to power through your day, stock up on dark, leafy greens during your next trip to the grocery store.

In addition to containing an extra dose of protein, dark green vegetables hold a host of the vitamins you need to help your body recover from a hard workout. Spinach, kale, and dark salad greens are all rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K. For the B vitamins that energize your body, turn to broccoli, bok choy, and mustard greens. 

Not especially fond of that signature bitter flavor? You aren’t alone. While at the store, be sure to pick up a few extra lemons. The acidity in the juice provides a bright flavor that is great for helping cut through the otherwise strong flavor of these dark veggies.

Embrace Healthy Fats

All too often, athletes forget the vital importance fats hold in maintaining our muscles and joints. Without a balanced amount of fat, the body is unable to retain the nutrients it gains from other foods. In other words, without fat, you may as well not consider your otherwise “healthy diet” to be healthy at all!

The key lies in learning which fats are healthy and which to avoid. Avocados and olive oil are both two famously heart-healthy options. After your next session at the pool or intense hike, indulge in a luxurious drizzle of olive oil over your bowl of vegan pasta. Enjoy both the health benefits and the delicious boost of flavor.

Invest in Protein Powder

Every vegan dreads those words: “But where do you get your protein from?”

While it is a false, tiring cliche that vegans are unable to maintain enough protein in their regular diet, unfortunately, hard-working vegan athletes may occasionally find the words ring true. Never fear! With help from today’s inclusive market, vegan athletes have just as easy of a time as any other athlete finding the protein sources they need to keep their bodies fueled for easy recovery.

Invest in pea protein to take advantage of a safe, easy way to add the protein you need in your athletic diet. Simply throw an extra scoop of powder in with your regular morning smoothie, blend, and enjoy!

Nutritious Vegan Meals, Ready to Go

On busy days when a full workout, shopping trip, and cooking session won’t fit into the schedule, turn to the expert chefs at Beyond Sushi for a nutritious vegan meal that won’t leave your body craving more. 

At Beyond Sushi, you will never feel pigeonholed into a small, neglected section of the menu. Instead, our inclusive restaurant is designed with all dietary needs in mind! By taking advantage of farm-fresh ingredients and big, world-inspired flavors, our chefs have created a menu filled with nutritious options anyone can enjoy, be they vegan, vegetarian, or anywhere in between. 

For a full dining experience, come down to any of our conveniently located restaurants all over the city, or take advantage of pickup and delivery options to take the flavor to-go.