Micronutrients are as important as macronutrients

This goes for everyone – not just vegans. The truth is that our bodies need more than protein and carbs to rebuild after a workout. “We need minerals like iron and magnesium as well as vitamins, especially vitamin B, to give our body the best chance to adapt and thrive after our training,” says strength coach Alice Miller, who has been vegetarian all her life and vegan for five years. “The best way to do that is to focus on eating the rainbow – different coloured vegetables are your friend as they’ll be packed with different micros. My hack for B12, which vegans can’t easily get in their diets, is to add nutritional yeast – a cheese-flavoured flaked food that you can sprinkle onto virtually any meal.”

Adams, who is now an ambassador for plant-based brand Alpro, found that one of the most important things to consider is fortification. “When choosing plant-based alternatives, it’s good to go with those with added vitamins like calcium and vitamins D, B2 and B12.”

Listen to your cravings

“Over five years ago, I had my gallbladder removed and I couldn’t stomach meat after the surgery. That’s when I started eating a plant-based diet,” explains Team Jamaica Olympic lifter Chloe Whylie. Staying this in tune with her body has been crucial to her vegan journey: “I know if I’m craving something, there’s a reason why. We are very good at ignoring what our body wants, but listening to what I want means I can actually satisfy myself on a plant-based diet.”

Plant-based athletes and coaches explain how to eat a vegan diet that supports your workouts