Milly Gaines
In 2017, Boston Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving revealed that he had adopted a vegan lifestyle. He told NBA Countdown that he had been following a plant-based diet, and that it had given him more energy and improved his performance on the court. Irving's chef, Corey Bryant, prepares three meals a day for him, including a smoothie or power ball snack. Irving has said that he doesn't plan on changing his diet anytime soon, and that it's been working out great.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of diet change | 2017 |
| Type of diet | Vegan |
| Reason for diet change | Improvement in athletic performance |
| Impact of diet change | Increased energy, improved performance in back-to-back contests |
| Continuation of diet | No longer follows the diet |
Explore related products
$9.99 $14.95
What You'll Learn
Kyrie Irving's improved performance
In 2017, Boston Celtics' point guard Kyrie Irving adopted a vegan lifestyle and claimed that his play improved as a result. He told NBA Countdown that he had been following a plant-based diet, "getting away from the animals and all that". He also said that his energy was up and that his body felt amazing.
Irving's head coach Brad Stevens supported Irving's claims, saying, "He’s had great energy all year. The nutrition side is huge". Irving's numbers also show improvement. In 25 minutes of action, he tallied 41 points on 57% shooting while handing out seven assists with no turnovers.
Irving's chef, Corey Bryant, has also detailed the meal prep process for the basketball player on game days. Bryant said he would go to Irving's house in the morning to prepare breakfast, as well as a pregame meal for him to take to the arena. He would then prepare dinner for Irving after the game.
In 2019, Irving was still following a vegan or vegetarian diet, along with other NBA players such as Damian Lillard, Wilson Chandler, and Garrett Temple. However, by 2020, Irving said that he had ended his vegan diet because it ate away at his muscles.
Boosting EPA in Your Diet: Tips for a Healthy Change
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The benefits of veganism
In 2017, Boston Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving adopted a vegan lifestyle, citing improved energy and performance as reasons for the change. Irving's coach Brad Stevens also noticed the impact of Irving's diet, commenting on his "great energy" and acknowledging the importance of nutrition.
A well-planned vegan diet can offer a range of health benefits. Firstly, it can promote weight loss without the need to actively restrict calories. This is because vegan diets tend to be higher in legumes, fruits, and vegetables, which are rich in nutrients and lower in calories.
Secondly, a vegan diet can lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is due to the lower blood sugar levels and higher insulin sensitivity associated with a plant-based diet.
Thirdly, a vegan diet may reduce the risk of certain cancers. According to the World Health Organization, a third of all cancers can be prevented by factors within our control, including diet. Studies have shown that vegans may have up to a 15% lower risk of developing cancer, particularly cancers of the stomach, lung, mouth, and throat.
In addition, a vegan diet can improve heart health by lowering the risk of developing high blood pressure and reducing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, which are risk factors for heart disease.
While veganism can be a healthy choice, it is important to ensure adequate nutrient intake, including protein, calcium, iron, and vitamin B12, which can be more challenging to obtain on a plant-based diet. However, with careful planning, a vegan diet can be nutritionally adequate and provide health benefits for people of all ages.
Fast Dieting: How to Lose Weight Safely and Quickly
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Irving's daily diet
In 2017, Boston Celtics' point guard Kyrie Irving adopted a vegan lifestyle and credited this new diet for his improved performance on the court. Irving's chef, Corey Bryant, has shared insights into Irving's daily diet. On a game day, Bryant arrives at Irving's house at 8 am to prepare breakfast, followed by a pre-game meal for Irving to take to the arena, and dinner for after the game. This routine is repeated daily, with Irving consuming three meals a day and sometimes a snack in between, such as a smoothie or a power ball—a snack made of ground-up nuts that can be customised with chocolate, peanut butter, or white chocolate.
Irving has also spoken about how his new diet has improved his energy levels and made him feel amazing. After a preseason game in October 2017, Irving told the NBA Countdown broadcast crew that he had been following a more plant-based diet and getting away from eating animals. He also noted that his improved energy levels allowed him to excel in back-to-back contests, something he had struggled with in the past.
In 2022, Irving reiterated his commitment to his vegan diet, stating that he had not changed his diet and did not plan to do so as it had been working out great. Irving's performance during the Ramadan season in 2024 further showcased the benefits of his vegan diet. Despite fasting, Irving maintained his consistency on the court, averaging impressive numbers in points, assists, and rebounds.
Overall, Irving's daily diet, characterised by veganism and plant-based meals, has been a key factor in his energetic output and improved play on the court.
Cancer Prevention: The Role of Diet and Nutrition
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The impact of Irving's diet on his career
Kyrie Irving, the star point guard for the Brooklyn Nets, has been on a vegan diet since his days with the Boston Celtics in 2017. Irving's father, Drederick Irving, connected him with chef Corey Bryant, who has been instrumental in helping Irving maintain his plant-based diet.
Irving's diet has had a noticeable impact on his career. For one, Irving's energy levels have increased significantly. He has noticed a marked improvement in his ability to perform in back-to-back games, which had been a challenge for him previously. His shooting percentage in games with no days of rest was 10% lower than in games with more than one night's rest. However, since adopting his vegan diet, Irving has been able to outperform other players in late-game situations, even when they are fatigued. In clutch circumstances, Irving has put up impressive numbers, scoring 41 points in 24 minutes of action, with a shooting percentage of 57%.
In addition to increased energy, Irving's speed has also improved. His average speed has increased by 0.30 mph, or an extra 26 feet per minute on the floor. This has translated to improved defensive skills, with Irving now ranking in the top five in both steals and deflections, a significant improvement from his previous perception as a poor defender.
Irving's improved performance has not gone unnoticed by his coaches and the media. Head coach Brad Stevens has commented on Irving's "great energy," attributing it to his nutrition. B/R Mag's Tom Haberstroh also noted Irving's improved play, stating that Irving's diet is "working out great so far."
Irving himself is a strong advocate for his vegan lifestyle, stating that his body feels amazing and that he has no plans to change his diet. He attributes his improved performance and energetic output to his nutritional choices, and his success serves as an example of the potential benefits of a plant-based diet for athletes.
Cellulite Reduction: Diet, Exercise, and You
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$49.49
Irving's influence on other athletes
Kyrie Irving, the Boston Celtics' point guard, adopted a vegan lifestyle in 2017. He has been vocal about how the switch to a plant-based diet has given him more energy during games and in everyday life, and has also improved his mood. Irving has also noticed a boost in his ability to perform in back-to-back games, which he struggled with in the past.
Irving's experience and results have not gone unnoticed by his teammates and other athletes. Celtics teammate Jaylen Brown, for example, has been inspired to move towards a vegan diet. Brown, who has avoided red meat and pork his entire life, plans to go fully vegan by his 25th birthday. He believes that a vegan diet could give him a competitive edge on the basketball floor.
Other athletes who have turned to plant-based diets include tennis player Venus Williams and ultramarathoner Scott Jurek. These athletes, including Irving, have sparked interest among researchers, who are studying how nutrition optimizes athletic performance. Research suggests that plant-based diets can help athletes improve their performance by decreasing weight, creating leaner bodies, and improving stamina.
Irving's influence on his peers and the subsequent interest in the impact of nutrition on athletic performance demonstrate how he has impacted the dietary choices of other athletes. His experience and the resulting research highlight the potential benefits of plant-based diets for athletes, including increased energy, improved mood, and enhanced performance.
Salt and Cholesterol: Is There a Link?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Kyrie Irving adopted a vegan diet in 2017.
Irving went vegan to improve his performance on the basketball court. He has said that his "energy is up" and his "body feels amazing".
Irving believes that his diet has improved his play. He has said that he has noticed an improvement in his ability to perform in back-to-back contests.
Irving's meals are prepared by his chef, Corey Bryant. Bryant cooks three meals a day for Irving, including a smoothie or power ball snack. An example meal is a vegan burger and a kale and romaine salad with nuts and cranberries.
It is unclear whether Irving has stuck to his vegan diet. In 2019, he said that he had ended his vegan diet a year ago because it ate away at his muscles. However, in 2022, his chef Corey Bryant said that he was still cooking vegan meals for Irving.
