Justin Fields has had a tough journey trying to make it in the NFL. That’s largely because he hasn’t had much help since being drafted 11th overall by the Bears in 2021, and his new coach isn’t using Fields’ athletic gifts to give him the best chance of succeeding.
Nonetheless, Fields took steps to reach the top. Most notably, the Ohio State alum rejected meat for tofu and dairy for soy milk. Fields has been a vegan since 2020. He decided to take the plunge after participating in a 28-day herbal detox with his family while under COVID quarantine.
Fields isn’t the first athlete to swap burgers for black bean alternatives. From the soccer world (USWNT star Alex Morgan) to the tennis court (Venus Williams, 23-time major champion) and beyond, athletes have gone vegan over the years to gain that extra edge.
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“I think the biggest change for me is how much lighter and faster I feel,” Fields said, according to Business Insider. “This change was very drastic for me after taking on the challenge I took on with my family and ultimately was the reason why I chose to continue on a plant-based diet.”
What does Justin Fields eat as a vegan?
Swapping out meat for meatless options might seem like a daunting task, but according to Fields, it wasn’t too much of a problem. In fact, it has a healthy share of vegan favorites.
“Plant-based burgers are the most common for me at different restaurants,” Fields told Business Insider in 2021. “Once in a while I’ll have falafel or vegan chicken nuggets.”
He’ll also prepare hearty meals filled with carbohydrate-rich foods, including rice, beans, oats, sweet potatoes, and a good old-fashioned protein shake.
AFTER:
Fields told Business Insider that his teammates are committed to Fields’ food choices, even embracing some of the protein shakes he makes in conjunction with brand sponsor OWYN.
Fields still has some way to go before establishing himself as the long-term solution to the Bears’ quarterback problem, but he’s trying to go the extra mile with his dietary restrictions.
“I really don’t feel like I’m missing anything,” he said.
Athletes who have gone vegan
As mentioned, many athletes have let go of their meat cravings. Here are a few:
Lewis Hamilton
As one of the best Formula 1 drivers in the world, Hamilton has a massive voice. This allows him to speak out against perceived injustices. Hamilton has been particularly vocal against the treatment animals in captivity receive.
For Hamilton, it was an easy choice to ditch meat given the environmental effects animals like cows can have on the production of carbon-emitting gases like methane.
Alex Morgan
Morgan is one of the greatest footballers in United States history. She credits her vegan diet with helping her maintain her performance on the court while motivating her to speak out against animal cruelty.
Venus Williams
Williams is one of the greatest tennis players of all time, but she credits her change to a plant-based diet for helping her play at the highest level even after she turned 40.
“I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and wanted to maintain my performance on the court,” Williams said, per Insider. “Once I got started, I fell in love with the concept of fueling your body in the best possible way. [through raw, vegan food].
“Not only does it help me on the pitch, but it feels like it’s doing the right thing for me.”
Nate Diaz
The former UFC fighter says not eating meat makes him feel smarter inside and outside the Octagon.
“I think you’re a smarter, smarter fighter [when you go vegan]. Me and my brother (Nick Diaz) are at the top of the game and have been for a long time. We are obviously doing something right. Along with knowing how to kick someone in the head, you should know how to feel good tomorrow,” Diaz told Men’s Journal, per Insider.
Colin Kaepernick
Kaepernick has also opted for a vegan diet, although why he made this decision is still unclear.