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Lead Stories: Saturday, September 6, 2008

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.
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VEGA’s “Real Food. Fast” Sweepstakes: Win a signed book by IRONMAN triathlete Brendan Brazier, meal replacement shakes and more!

Posted March 21st, 2007 at 3:00 PM by Adam Jacobs

Section: Nutrition, Healthy Eating, Supplements, Special Features, Sweepstakes

Thanks to everyone who entered the first of three “Real Food. Fast” Sweepstakes , presented by VEGA.

Wasn’t selected? … Don’t worry! … There are still two more chances to win so make sure you re-enter this week and next!

This week we’ll be giving away a prize pack (retail value = $170.90) that includes:

• An autographed copy of IRONMAN triathlete championBrendan Brazier’s book (Thrive: A guide to optimal health & performance through plant-based whole foods”)

• Two large, 1013g containers of Vega’s Whole Food Meal Replacement(one each of the chocolate and berry flavors)
• A VEGA deluxe water bottle

TO ENTER: All you have to do is comment on this post with an explanation of what you look for in a meal replacement (protein/carbohydrate shake, etc.) and why. If you already entered last week’s contest, you MUST RE-ENTER for a chance to win!
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VEGA’s “Real Food. Fast” Sweepstakes: You could win energy bars and more!

Posted March 14th, 2007 at 12:49 PM by Adam Jacobs

Section: Nutrition, Healthy Eating, Supplements, Special Features, Sweepstakes

March is beginning to fly by; hopefully signaling the end of bitter cold temperatures and snow storms.

It also means that our mileage is on the rise, spring marathons are drawing near and proper nutrition is more important than ever. However, with time at a premium it can be a real challenge to properly fuel our bodies.

That’s why we’ve teamed up with VEGA to keep you going strong with “Real Food. Fast” . During this three week sweepstakes you’ll have a chance each week to win high quality nutritional products and other items from Vega.

This week we’ll be giving away: a box of VEGA’s berry flavored Whole Food Energy Bars, the VEGA deluxe water bottle and a copy of IRONMAN triathlete (and VEGA formulator) Brendan Brazier’s book: “Thrive: A guide to optimal health & performance through plant-based whole foods” .

TO ENTER: All you have to do is comment on this post with an explanation of what you look for in an energy bar and why. Please remember to also enter your name and email address in the appropriate boxes.
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Veggie or not to veggie: Can athlete’s really be vegetarian?

Posted November 24th, 2006 at 4:00 PM by Jenna Sumara

Section: Nutrition, Healthy Eating, Vegetarianism, Health & Fitness, Exercise

When I hit my pre-teen years, I wanted to rebel, as most teens do, but by then I was already an active runner and soccer player, so I wasn’t looking to do anything that would be detrimental to my health. I decided to become a vegetarian. I figured it would be a pain for my mother to cook for me and it would at the same time be healthier for my body.

At first, I felt great. I had more energy and I just felt healthier all around. According to Enette Larson-Meyers, Ph.D.,R.D. and author of Vegetarian Sports Nutrition, that initial increase in energy is normal for many new vegetarians due to the fact they have decreased their fat intake and that digesting a plant-based diet is easier for their digestive systems to handle. But soon after my initial increase of energy, I started to feel the opposite effects. I was sluggish and noticed I didn’t have the same speed on the soccer fields any more. This side effect is, sometimes common for vegetarians, specifically vegetarians who are endurance athletes, can easily be avoided. Read the rest of this entry »

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