Vegan Fitness with Bio-Synergy

We hope you’ve been loving your January training with Anytime Fitness so far and are on your way to achieving your goals. If you need any help in the gym, speak to the staff as they’re always ready to give you a hand with any of your fitness questions.

For Veganuary we have partnered with Bio-Synergy, who explain everything you need to know about starting a vegan diet in this short article, from recipes to best practice.

Plant-Based Diets

Plant-based diets are the fastest-growing lifestyle trend in Britain according to the Vegan Society, with at least 542,000 people following a vegan diet, compared with 150,000 a decade ago. Vegan diets are becoming increasingly popular given a greater awareness around animal welfare, the production of meat, and environmental concerns. This trend is also inspired by those wanting to eat less processed food and those looking for a weight-loss diet.

Meatless Mondays for Athletes

Whatever your reasons, as an athlete or regular gym-goer, there are many benefits to eating less meat without compromising your training and performance goals:

• A diet with a larger vegetable, pulse, grain and fruit component boosts your micronutrient intake, which is essential for health and wellbeing
• Plenty of leafy greens, berries and other colourful vegetables can help the body manage recovery and inflammation
• Regular, healthy bowel movements!
• Reduced intake of saturated fats associated with heart disease
• More sating meals due to the higher fibre content (fibre can only be derived from plant foods)
• More colourful and varied meals!

Protein for vegan athletes

So, where do vegans get their protein?

1. Pulses, legumes, grains and seeds. Oats, quinoa, hemp and chia seeds provide 14-17g of protein per 100g
2. Soy-based products such as tofu, tempeh and edamame beans
3. Protein powders & BCAAs. Good quality protein powder can assist the body with refuelling and recovering at critical times. Taking branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) during training or throughout the day are great for sustained energy and maintaining muscle
4. Snack on a high protein soy yoghurt with sunflower or pumpkin seeds and berries or a small handful of nuts
5. Try high protein bean-based pasta in tomato sauce with roast vegetables
6. Nuts and nut butter. Almonds, cashews, brazil nuts, pecans etc not only make a great snack but are also an easy way to get extra protein and good fats in your diet

Recipe Inspiration

Bio-Synergy’s Lean & Green® vegan protein powder combines the power of several rich protein sources into one smooth, great-tasting formula that is amazingly versatile and tastes great too! The unique, raw, plant-based protein has a complete amino acid profile, necessary for energy and wellbeing. Free from soya and hemp, delivering over 20g protein per serving. Lean & Green® is super versatile, and can be used in juices, smoothie, shakes or even added to your favourite recipes. Why not try this protein-packed recipe for breakfast?

Protein Pancakes

Ingredients (all using the same scoop)

• 2 scoops Butterscotch Lean and Green
• 2 scoops Gluten-free self-raising flour
• 1 scoop oats
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed 3 tbsp water)
• Approx 300ml unsweetened almond milk

Method:

1. Make your flax egg. Mix the flaxseeds and water together and leave to one side to come together
2. Put protein, flour, oats and baking powder into a mixing bowl
3. Add your milk until you get a thick consistency
4. Mix in your flax egg
5. Cook in coconut oil on a medium temperature
6. When you start to see the edges have cooked, flip and cook the other side

Discover Bio-Synergy’s vegan range

Visit Bio-Synergy’s Vegan Page to find out more about these products

Don’t forget – all our members get 35% off all Bio-Synergy sports supplement products. For more information on how to redeem this offer, speak to your in-club team. If you’re interested in joining Anytime Fitness, CLICK HERE to find your local club today.