F1 Champ Lewis Hamilton Says People Tell Him He Needs More Protein

Lewis Hamilton has spoken out about the criticism he has faced over his decision to transition to a vegan diet.

The Formula One champion went plant-based in 2017 – as reported in a global news story broken by Plant Based News. Since then, he has talked about feeling his best on the diet, and has continued to win major accolades.

Despite this, he has revealed that people tell him he needs more protein, or that his diet is somehow insufficient – claims he has branded ‘absolute rubbish’.

View this post on Instagram

Every year I try to find the right balance between being the fittest athlete I can be, a good businessman and deliver on all platforms. It is far from easy but I give it my all. I listen to my body, fuel it to the best of my knowledge. This year, I’ve managed to push further and be fitter and stronger than the years before which I’m so happy about. I feel more ready than ever as I embark on my journey to the first race of the season. I just want to encourage you all out there, your body and mind are one. Take care of it, feed your body and your mind with the right ingredients. Health is wealth! If you believe you can’t do something that is just the wrong attitude because you can do anything you put your mind to. You need to develop a positive frame of mind and working out will help you do that and feel better about yourself. I know you can do it, now you need to know it too!! #teamlh #youcandoit #believeinyourself

A post shared by Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton) on Mar 7, 2020 at 12:36pm PST

‘Better and better’

“I think my health has just got better and better over the last couple of years as I’ve gone to the plant-based diet. It is not the easiest thing to straight away go to and you’re constantly learning about the foods and discovering more foods,” he told The Express.

He added: “I do feel a large part of the reason I have gone that way is because of the environment and for the animals. It’s a little bit difficult, sitting up here, because I know not all of us do… you know, vegan, not everyone continues but not for me, I’ve definitely felt the benefits from that on the health side of things.

“Physically…you know people do think you’re going to lose muscle if you don’t have your protein. A lot of the time people say I need my protein but it’s absolute rubbish. You just need to do some reading online. Last year I bulked up, I put a lot more weight on. This winter I trimmed down, like cut but have more muscle and I’m able to lift more weight than I’ve ever done before and I haven’t been able to run further than I’ve ever been able to run before.”