Texans running back Arian Foster announced on Twitter last week that he was going vegan.
And while it may sound unusual (especially for a guy who lives and works in Texas), a sports nutritionist said it shouldn’t be a problem for him to maintain his strength.
ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky talked to Jessica Bennett, a registered dietitian at Vanderbilt University’s nutrition clinic who works with the school’s athletes.
“The biggest challenge for them is if they get injured, getting the muscle strength back,” Bennett said. “It’s definitely possible to get enough protein, but you have to have the resources. He probably has the resources to do it properly.”
Without meat or dairy, Foster will have to fill up on beans, tofu and legumes for the 175 grams of protein he’ll need in a day. A three-ounce serving of meat has roughly 25 grams, while a half-cup of tofu has 19. A half-cup of black beans has seven grams.
Bennett said protein shakes will help, so long as Foster and the Texans are careful to use regulated supplements that don’t violate the league’s banned substances list.
Foster would be far from alone in the practice. Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez and Patriots running back Tony Fiammetta have also decided to forego eating animal products.
And as long as he has no qualms with carrying a leather football, he should be just fine.
(Photo credit: Full Custom Gospel BBQ)