Sage Mountain: When and why did you decide to go vegan?
Damian:
I decided to go vegetarian starting in 2000 and went vegan in 2008. I choose to eat plant-based for greater health, animal rights, environmental reasons and optimal athletic performance. Being vegan is an important part of who I am.
SM: What has benefited you most about being vegan?
D:
My entire life has benefited from being vegan. I have phenomenal health, my running gets better every year and my energy levels are incredibly high. I have run 37 ultras marathons (mostly 50 and 100 milers) and have not had a major running injury in over 11 years.
SM: What sort of training do you do and how often?
D:
I run 3-5 days a week and in the winter I ski and practice yoga.
SM: What do you think is the biggest misconception about vegans especially being an athlete yourself?
D:
Many people believe you cannot get adequate nutrition eating a vegan diet or that your health will suffer. Many athletes including myself prove this to be not the case. My health and performance gets better every year. For me, I love food and getting being vegan is simple, quick and convenient.
SM: What do other runners think of you being vegan and what is the most common question you are asked?
D:
I often get asked "Where do you get your protein?" As someone who runs 50 and 100 mile races often, recovering is very important. I have found that a vegan (whole foods, plant-based diet) helps me recover incredibly quickly. I tell people that I get protein from plants just like gorillas and elephants.
SM: What do you eat on a typical day?
D:
I love food! I usually have a delicious fruit and veggie smoothie for breakfast, lunch and after a run. I snack on fruit, nuts and seeds. Dinner is usually brown rice, potatoes or quinoa with plenty of veggies.
SM: What are your favorite "go to" foods for protein, calcium, and iron?
D:
My quick answer is plants. A variety of whole foods provide adequate nutrition including protein, calcium and iron. When I track my micro and macro nutrients for free via www.cronometer.com, I am amazed by how much nutrition I get from a whole foods, plant-based vegan diet.
If folks are worried about getting enough protein, they can consume lots of nuts and seeds or vegan protein supplements but even foods such as quinoa, oats and potatoes have quite a bit of protein. All whole plant foods have protein (yes even fruit). Leafy greens and other plant foods have plenty of calcium as well as iron. From my experience, I do not worry at all about if I get enough nutrients. I am confident that a vegan, whole foods diet provides adequate nutrition for me without the need for supplements.
SM: What is your advice to those looking to get stronger/gain muscle? What is your advice to those looking to lose weight?
D:
One of the most important and beneficial aspects of a vegan diet is that plants are nutrient dense yet low in calories. This is great for weight loss however you must still eat an adequate amount of food to have energy and get sufficient nutrients. Focus on eating whole foods such as fruit, veggies, nuts, seeds, quinoa, rice, potatoes etc. Also, focus less on exercising and more on enjoying being outside moving and doing what you love.
Athletes and those looking to gain muscle need to do the same but eat a larger amount of food. I eat up to 6,000 calories a day when I'm at my peak training. This ensures I get the protein, nutrients and calories my body requires to recover, build muscle and improve performance.
