Lewis Hamilton has revealed he’s bulked up since switching to a plant-based diet, and is feeling fitter than ever.

The vegan champ has been following Formula 1 rules for drivers which have required him to weigh in at around 68kg for the past 12 years.

But recent rule changes mean that Hamilton has been able to rapidly fuel muscle growth with his plant-based diet.

He wrote: “This was a couple of years ago, I was 68kg (150lb). I’ve had to be that weight for the past 12 years and finally rules change this year and I can eat a little more and bulk up. I’m at 75kg (165lb) now and happier.”

Protein

One common misconception about veganism is that vegans struggle to get sufficient protein to build strength.

But Hamilton debunked that myth on his Instagram in a post to his 10 million followers.

“Adding weight was easy and I did this on a vegan diet. People say ‘oh I need my protein and that’s why I could never go vegan’. I have plenty of protein in my diet and I’ve gained muscle, and I’m healthier and happier than I’ve ever been,” he explained.

“Wish I did it sooner. I do want to get more cut like this, so that’s a goal of mine. Do any of you have any fitness goals, weight goals you are trying to get to? Let’s do it together!”

Lewis Hamilton went vegan in 2017 in part due to his love of animals, and has regularly posted pro-animal rights messages on his Instagram.

Last year he posted an image of a dead mother pig and her piglets which had been dumped in a bin, beside the message: “This is the price of your bacon.”

And he was named as an ‘ally of animals’ in an award from PETA due to his outspoken vegan activism.

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Oli Gross

Oli’s career and personal ethical values both help shape his reporting of the diverse world of veganism. His background is in local newspaper and magazine journalism, and his work has included reporting court cases, celebrity interviews, business analysis, food and drink features and government legislation.

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