3 Plant-Based Power Meals for Athletes

2. Soups and Stews

I love throwing a bunch of random vegetables into my slow cooker and letting it do its magic overnight. I use a vegan broth, and load up the slow cooker with vegetables like:

  • Brussel sprouts
  • Cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Sweet potato
  • Herbs
  • Spinach
  • Seaweed
  • Lentils
  • Chickpeas
  • Mung beans
  • Cauliflower
  • Various spices

A few hours in, my slow cooker starts making the entire house smell amazing. I love having these stews for breakfast because they're so warming and comforting. They're great to take for lunch as well, and I'll often look forward to more when I come home from work.

MY SECRET TIP: I love the taste of lime juice, so I always add some to my soups. Lemon or lime juice is a powerhouse of both taste and nutrition. It's low in calories and full of immune-boosting antioxidants and vitamin C.

3. Smoothies

I love experimenting with smoothies because I can add pretty much anything and it tastes great.

Here are some of the ingredients I've tried:

  • Berries
  • Melons
  • Pomegranate juice
  • Bananas
  • Ginger
  • Celery
  • Carrots
  • Spinach
  • Almond or coconut milk

MY SECRET TIP: I always add some type of healthy fat, such as Udo's oil, an avocado, or chia seeds to my smoothies. Omega-3s are very easy to miss in our daily diets, but so important for overall wellness.

Do not be limited by conventional nutrition. Have dinner for breakfast. Taste "weird" foods. Never snub new things because of how they look or sound and don't be afraid to experiment.

These meals provide a great opportunity for experimentation and added nutrition. So go ahead and try some seaweed on your pizza. Whether you're vegan, paleo, or just love food—eat something new today. You might love it.

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About the Author

Vanessa Rodriguez 

Vanessa Rodriguez is the former nutrition editor for Active.com, and author of The Summit Seeker. She is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and an avid ultra-distance trail runner. Keep up with her adventures at vanessaruns.com.
Vanessa Rodriguez is the former nutrition editor for Active.com, and author of The Summit Seeker. She is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and an avid ultra-distance trail runner. Keep up with her adventures at vanessaruns.com.

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