Book Review: “Thrive” by Ironman Triathlete (and vegan) Brendan Brazier
Posted May 22nd, 2007 at 9:50 AM by Katie Drummond
Section: Motivation, Books, Nutrition, Healthy Eating, Vegetarianism, Special Features, TFS Reviews
Ironman triathlon champion, overall elite athlete … and vegan? Anyone who still thinks a vegan lifestyle can’t support intense athletic training hasn’t met Brendan Brazier. A professional athlete who consistently places at the top in international Ironman triathlon events, Brazier is a formidable example of the potential for a plant-based diet to yield impressive athletic results.
In his bestselling book, “Thrive: A guide to optimal health & performance through plant-based whole foods”, Brazier goes beyond merely guiding readers through the world of vegan nutrition, and instead offers an entirely new way of seeing food: as the fuel necessary not only for sports, but for overall wellness.
Brazier argues that stress – whether physical or emotional – has a powerful connection to eating, exercise, and attitude. According to him, stress can be beneficial; the right balance of exercise can strengthen the body, clear the mind, and promote natural healing. However, Brazier rightfully points out that the North American lifestyle is a magnet for negative stress: from our unhealthy eating to our sedentary exercise habits, Brazier offers studies that support what so many already know – Americans are overworked and unhealthy, and our bodies and minds are suffering as a result.
The book moves from outlining the modern American health crisis and its connection with lifestyle to providing specific advice on how to promote regeneration, wellness, and optimal athletic training through nutritious, plant-based eating and exercise. While much of the advice Brazier offers is focused on improving athletic performance, his suggestions are useful for anyone who wants more energy and less stress in their daily routine. From the advantages of eating alkaline foods to the healing powers of “superfoods” like flax and hemp, Brazier presents readers with clear and accessible information about healthy, plant-based eating, along with recipes for vegan cereal, energy bars, and curries that incorporate his dietary suggestions.
While many of Brazier’s ideas, suggestions, and favorite foods might be foreign to some (not everyone is familiar with chorella and maca, two staples of his diet), he offers comprehensive, well-researched information, from the benefits of veganism to the history of maca, a Peruvian root vegetable that stabilizes hormones. You might need to make a special trip to the natural food store for many of the ingredients in Brazier’s recipes, but each one is simple to make, remarkably nutritious, and part of Brazier’s own diet – and if an Ironman athlete eats them, these recipes must be worth a try.
Brazier has clearly done his research, and his own athletic success is proof in itself that a plant-based diet can support an active way of life – whether intense marathon training or recreational running. More important than athletic prowess, the eating habits and lifestyle changes Brazier prescribes are meant to alleviate the stress that overwhelms American culture. He isn’t militant about his vegan approach, advocating gradual changes and writing that “every bit counts” when it comes to making positive transitions towards plant-based eating. Still, Brazier’s own passion and personal success make a compelling argument for applying his principles to one’s own diet and training.
You may not overhaul your pantry, restructure every meal, and incorporate daily servings of maca into your protein shakes, but after reading Brendan Brazier’s book, you’ll likely want to know more about the potential benefits of plant-based nutrition. Brazier offers the perfect starting point for any athlete interested in improving their performance, though it might take a little trial and error to find out whether some, or all, of his suggestions will work for you.
To learn more about Brendan, “Thrive” and his brand new book, “The Thrive Diet” (Available in Canada and to be released in the U.S. this fall), please visit: www.brendanbrazier.com
To learn more about Vega (Brendan’s line of nutritional shakes, energy bars, smoothies and supplements) please visit: www.myvega.com
***Note: We encourage EVERYONE to see a doctor before altering their diet, taking a supplement and/or performing athletic, fitness or other strenuous physical activity. It is your responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, completeness and usefulness of any information, instruction, opinion or advice contained in the content. Please also see our complete disclaimer.***
Tags: alkaline, book review, healthy eating, ironman, maca, plant based diet, review, suprfoods, thrive, triathlete, vega, vega energy bars, veganism
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The Final Sprint