The Top 7 Must-Read Books
for Every Raw Vegan Athlete
When I first considered going vegan, my biggest concerns were that I wouldn’t get enough protein and that I would never be the best athlete I could be without meat.
Fortunately, my fears were squished when I discovered some of the best athletes on the planet (who, coincidentally, just happened to be vegan).
Photo Credit: Jeff Sanders
I know that you may not be ready for BIG changes to your diet or lifestyle, like I was a few years ago.
So, I narrowed down my list to the absolute best books for every raw vegan athlete, even if you’re just merely curious, getting started, or a seasoned pro.
Laying the Foundation for Optimal Health
From my research and personal experimentation over the last few years I have determined that there are 5 key categories that span the foundation of transitioning to a raw vegan lifestyle.
Essentially, these categories encompass the many questions and concerns most people have when they want to know if going vegan is possible, healthy, or the best option for them.
If you are ready to dive in to your freshman level research class, Raw Vegan Athlete 101, start with these books and don’t look back.
1. Plant-Based Science
I am not much of a science guy. I’m an early adopter on almost everything. I don’t often need research to validate my decisions, but many people aren’t like me. If you love peer-reviewed studies or you are looking for strong evidence to support a whole foods, plant-based diet, then I highly recommend The China Study.
2. Hardcore Raw Vegan Diet
I stumbled upon the diet that I consider to be the healthiest on the planet. I don’t eat this way all the time, but it’s always my goal. If you want to know what it looks like to eat the best mother nature has to offer, you will love The 80/10/10 Diet.
3. Dreaming Big with Extreme Fitness
Sometimes the best motivation comes from those who have defied the odds and succeeded where everyone else has fallen short. If you are ready to be deeply inspired to change your lifestyle, start by reading Finding Ultra and Eat & Run.
4. Transitional Diet and Fitness Plans
Most people will not even attempt The 80/10/10 Diet, that I mentioned above, because it is quite radical when compared to the standard western diets of cooked, meat-based meals. If you want to more easily transition into something healthier, without big changes just yet, start with No Meat Athlete and Thrive Fitness.
5. Ethical Considerations for Humans, Animals, and the Planet
I went vegetarian for my health and vegan for the animals. Both the book, Slaughterhouse, and the documentary, Earthlings, radically changed my worldview and I believe they will change yours too.
The Top 7 Books for Raw Vegan Athletes
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The China Study by T. Colin Campbell, PhD
Starting anything significant will require lots of energy and stellar health and making an important dietary switch begins with the facts.
Dr. Campbell lays out the facts of nutrition and health in a very compelling way. You don’t even have to read the whole thing.
Just the first 100 pages could change your life.
The 80/10/10 Diet by Dr. Douglas N. Graham
This is THE book that my diet is based on.
Dr. Graham describes the foundation for eating the most abundant and energetic raw vegan diet in existence. He describes how humans are not carnivores, omnivores, or herbivores. In fact, we are frugivores, designed to eat the majority of our calories from raw fruits and the rest from raw veggies.
Not only do I highly recommend this book, I require it.
Finding Ultra by Rich Roll
Rich Roll is my new hero.
I found his story to closely resemble my own transformation, except that Rich blew away my progress and left me in the dust.
His story is truly inspiring and worth modeling after.
Between the raw vegan diet and the elite training program, Rich lays out a lifestyle that anyone can benefit from, even if you have no plans to compete professionally.
I HIGHLY recommend this book!
Eat & Run by Scott Jurek
Scott Jurek is an ultramarathoning legend.
He won the Western States 100-mile ultra 7 years in a row, all on a vegan diet!
His story is very down-to-earth and humble.
Scott makes you realize that you too can make small changes over time and accomplish huge goals.
Great read.
No Meat Athlete by Matt Frazier
If you’re new to a plant-based diet or especially fitness on a vegan diet, you will love Matt’s book.
Matt is a very down-to-earth guy who recommends food and fitness plans that just about anyone could start today.
I have know Matt for a while now and his book exemplifies the best of the “No Meat Athlete” brand: good food, fun fitness, and lot’s opportunities to run to your heart’s content.
Thrive Fitness by Brendan Brazier
Looking for a vegan training program?
Brendan lays out a very approachable program that you can easily implement today.
Complete with dozens of vegan recipes, Brendan also offers training advice that can get you off the couch and across the finish line.
Great resource.
Slaughterhouse by Gail Eisnitz
Don’t be fooled by the title.
Slaughterhouse is more about the people who work in these conditions than about the animals themselves.
The stories are real, touching, and ultimately moving.
Along with Earthlings, this book is every vegan’s reason to stay vegan for life.
