Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Rich Roll: inspirational vegan athlete


I just read this profile of vegan triathlete (and "normal" working husband and father) Rich Roll and feel it perfectly showcases the benefits associated with rockin' the vegan lifestyle.

Two years ago at age 40 Rich took stock of his life and pronounced himself unhappy with the middle-age weight gain that'd crept up and, with it, very low energy levels.  So he carved out a specific plan of attack to get his life and his health back on track - and he spells it all out in the article.

After a two week veggie/fruit cleanse - and a weaning off of caffeine - Rich went vegan and never looked back.  This led to a dramatic weight loss and a huge spike in energy levels.  Rich used this energy to transform himself into an accomplished (and hugely buff!) vegan athlete. And he hasn't had a cold in two years!

As someone who's passionate - really, really passionate - about sport and about pushing boundaries and asking the most of oneself - I just can't think of a more inspirational athlete. And the fact that he's accomplished this on a vegan diet makes this story the perfect antidote to false claims that vegans are "soft," "weak," or unable to post big-time athletic performances.

Rock on, Rich!

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