Brendan Brazier
 Brendan Brazier is a professional Ironman triathlete and a two-time Canadian 50 kilometer Ultra Marathon champion whose diet is 100 percent plant-based. Brendan is also the best-selling author of The Thrive Diet and Thrive Fitness and the creator of an award-winning line of nutritional products called VEGA.
Learn more about Brendan at www.BrendanBrazier.com.
BRENDAN'S NUTRITION TIPS
- After a workout, optimize recovery by eating a snack within the first 45 minutes. Choose something easily digestible that consists mostly of simple carbohydrates. After you’ve pushed yourself, your body is too tired to work at heavy digestion—refuel with liquid or near-liquid snacks, like Recovery Pudding.
- Chill out this January. Plant-based foods reduce stress. By requiring fewer resources to utilize its nutrients, the consumption of healthy foods allows the body to spend its energy elsewhere. As a result, the body can put those resources into improving immune system function and reducing stress.
- To become a great athlete requires hard work. There’s no substitute for training, but nutrition can complement exercise. When consumed post-workout, plant-based foods enable muscle tissue to grow stronger in a shorter amount of time than would be possible with the consumption of refined foods.
- Salt is often added to food during processing. It’s rarely consumed in its alternative form—plants. My favorite source of sodium is raw dulse. A sea vegetable, dulse is exceptionally healthy, offering a plethora of minerals that help prolong hydration and therefore endurance.
- You’re doing something life-changing. Imagine you’re at the starting line of a marathon with thousands of people. There is a great feeling of community with this many healthy people in one space. Plant-based power and the enthusiasm of the other participants will take you across the finish line.
BRENDAN'S RECIPES
Recovery Pudding
This recovery pudding is easy to make, easy to store, and delicious.
Makes 2 servings
2 bananas
1 cup blueberries
1/2 cup soaked almonds
1/4 cup ground flaxseed
1/4 cup hemp protein
1/4 roasted carob powder
2 teaspoons ground rooiboos (ground finely in a coffee grinder)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Combine all ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth.
Chocolate Almond Smoothie
This antioxidant-rich smoothies can be kept refrigerated for up to three days, though it’s best when fresh.
Makes about 3 1/2 cups, or 2 large servings
1 banana
2 fresh or soaked dried dates
2 cups cold water (or 1 1/2 cups water plus 1 cup ice)
1/4 cup almonds (or 2 tablespoons raw almond butter)
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
1 tablespoon hemp protein
1 tablespoon roasted carob powder (or cacao nibs to make smoothie 100 percent raw)
Simply blend all the ingredients together in a blender.
Creamy Pepper Soup
A refreshing, nutrient-packed soup, this one is best served cold on a warm day.
Makes 2 servings
1 avocado, pit and skin removed
1 red or yellow bell pepper
2 cups water or hemp milk
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/2 teaspoon dulse flakes
pinch of oregano
Mix all ingredients together in a food processor. |
