The Oklahoma City Thunder guard has managed to get back in form and is feeling lighter, stronger, and more energetic after adopting a plant-based diet.

While Chris Paul has enjoyed an impressive NBA career since entering the 2005 NBA draft, injuries have marred his career and had him sidelined even at the peak of his game.

But, the 10-time NBA All-Star has rebounded and is playing at his best. In fact, he has played the entire 2019-20 NBA season making 58 appearances in that year.

The American basketball player reveals that it all started in the summer of 2019, when he decided to switch to a plant-based diet and the star has been feeling ‘pretty damn good’ since then.

The diet has not only helped him feel more energetic and spirited, it has also allowed his body to recover faster after grueling practices and games.

“I chose a plant-based life. So far, so good. Not easy. But for me, it’s working. I started plant-based in June,” he told Men’s Health.

“I went cold turkey. I tell you: I was itching. I thought I needed a chicken wing or something. But somehow I made it through.”

The 34-year-old athlete has already played in 14 seasons, but with his new found fitness he believes he can easily play for 20 seasons.

The Game Changers

Paul’s transition to a plant-based lifestyle started when he got on board to co -produce the pro-vegan documentary -The Game Changers. He said he realized the benefits of going plant based and “eventually decided to fully commit to it.”

After going plant-based, he took to Instagram to urge his million followers to take care of themselves, and eat a healthy diet.

Posting his image from the ESPN 2019 Body Issue, he wrote: “Man listen! It seems counterintuitive to think you would start feeling better in your body as you get older, but that’s EXACTLY the path I’m on!

“34, recently turned plant-based, and feeling pretty damn good! Stay disciplined and take care of yourselves, it all starts here! #ESPNBody.”

Beyond Meat ambassador

Paul is also an investor in high-tech vegan meat brand Beyond Meat.

As part of the brand’s ‘Go Beyond’ campaign, the vegan meat company filmed a video in which, the NBA All-Star and Beyond Ambassador is heard saying: “When my son asks me what is most important… I tell him that my job is to make a difference off the court and to fight for progress. It all begins with taking care of myself so I have the fuel to push harder. What I put in my body matters now more than ever. As a parent, I’m always reminded of that. And to #GoBeyond in everything I do.”

He added that he had, “a Beyond Burger after every game to aid with recovery times and inflammation,”

“It’s a game changer, literally.”

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