Semi-Vegetarian, Vegetarian or Vegan Diets for runners?

joedfro

I was wondering if anyone has experience with these diets as runners. I feel I'm ready for a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet but wonder about nutrition and energy.

rduhlir

Honestly, just as long as you are getting in your carbs/proteins/fats there shouldn't be an issue.

romyhorse

I am an ovo-lacto-vegetarian going on 30 years, yikes I'm getting old! The 2 main things to check are that you get enough protein (I never manage to get anywhere near my target) and your iron levels. Our bodies don't absorb plant iron very well so even if you think you are getting enough your body may not be absorbing it (I have been anaemic most of my adult life and iron tablets are not fun!). Energy shouldn't be a problem as you'll probably be eating lots of carbs.

rduhlir

I am an ovo-lacto-vegetarian going on 30 years, yikes I'm getting old! The 2 main things to check are that you get enough protein (I never manage to get anywhere near my target) and your iron levels. Our bodies don't absorb plant iron very well so even if you think you are getting enough your body may not be absorbing it (I have been anaemic most of my adult life and iron tablets are not fun!). Energy shouldn't be a problem as you'll probably be eating lots of carbs.

Cooking in an iron skillet will solve the iron issue. I inherited lower iron levels from my father, and that is what I do to keep it up without taking supplements. Works for me, last time I gave blood the nurse said my iron levels were spot on.

joedfro

I looked for iron supplements and potassium supplements(hardest nutrients for me to get) and couldn't find any