Nate Diaz victory

Anyone still dubious about the benefits of a plant-based diet need look no further than vegan mixed martial artist Nate Diaz, who stopped Irish powerhouse Conor McGregor in his tracks.

Diaz is one of a growing list of elite meat-free athletes, including boxer David Haye, footballer Phil Neville and Olympic cyclist Lizzie Armitstead, who understand that plant-based foods provide all the protein, complex carbohydrates and other nutrients our bodies need to get stronger and faster, minus the saturated fats and cholesterol found in animal products.

Of course, when one also considers that in the time it took Diaz to defeat McGregor, more than a million animals were killed globally for their flesh, the decision to go vegan, whether or not you’re striving to be a champion athlete, becomes a no-brainer.

PETA offers a free vegan starter kit for anyone who wants to feel the benefits of plant nutrition while sparing animals the agony of slaughter.

Calum Proctor

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