“The food still tastes great and I get all the nutrients I need on a day-to-day basis,” reveals the sportsperson.

In a recent interview with Watford Football Club, Premier League footballer Adrian Mariappa revealed that he recently switched to veganism and hasn’t “looked back since.”

Crediting his new lifestyle for his improved performance, he said he decided to try plant-based foods after testing positive for certain food intolerances and has since adopted the diet completely.

“In the beginning it was definitely a health thing, I did a bit of research, had some intolerance tests and cut a few things out of my diet before I went full vegan,” he explained in the interview.

“My diet is all taken care of with meals at the club, and when I’m at home we shop specifically for a vegan diet.”

‘Food tastes great’

He added that he found the vegan transition “quite easy” and has even got used to the lifestyle “quite quickly.”

“I’m well looked after at the club and quite a few of the boys actually have the vegan breakfast in the morning now so I’m influencing a few others too,” said the 33-year-old footballer.

While he admitted that a few skeptics called veganism a crazy diet, he has no complaints as the “food still tastes great and I get all the nutrients I need on a day-to-day basis to help me perform well and that’s the most important thing.”

 Vegan athletes

Veganism is being endorsed by athletes across sports from football, tennis, basketball, racing, bodybuilding, skating, surfing, rock climbing, to powerlifting, and more.

Some of the vegan sportspersons on top of their game include: Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, Lewis Hamilton, Alex Morgan, Tia Blanco, and Chris Paul among others.

• Read: NBA superstar Chris Paul credits plant-based diet for his improved health, energy and game

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