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A group of dairy-free Olympians is launching a campaign offering free advice on how people can thrive on plant-based diets.
Eat Like An Olympian provides ‘Olympic-level nutrition’ as well as exclusive discounts, plant-based recipes, and prizes. And it’s launching on day one of the Tokyo Olympics, on July 23.
Dairy-free Olympians
Among the 16-strong group of competing and retired Olympians is the renowned silver medalist, cyclist Dotsie Bausch.
Bausch is the Executive Director of Switch4Good, an advocacy organization campaigning against the dairy industry, and the benefits of going plant-based.
The hope is to ’empower, educate, and equip’ people on how they can optimize health with plant-based nutrition through the scheme.
As part of this, the group is running exclusive Instagram Lives with fellow Olympians and plant-based changemakers.
On July 28, participants can join five athletes alongside Switch4Good for myth-busting facts about athlete nutrition.
Eat Like An Olympian
During the Tokyo Olympics, which commences on July 23, the scheme includes a virtual bingo game. Each day during the games, Switch4Good will release a ‘new healthy habit’.
Then, participants can compete to win gold, silver, and bronze prizes donated by plant-based brands. For example, one bingo habit is to order non-dairy milk at a cafe or to be active in some way.
Winners will be announced after the closing ceremony on August 9.
Throughout the campaign, anyone who takes part will receive discounts from Eat Like An Olympian’s partners. This includes Miyoko’s Creamery, NadaMoo!, Loca Food, Forager Project.
Growth in the dairy-free movement
The dairy-free lifestyle is gaining traction in the sports community. This is in part due to the health and performance benefits athletes report, according to Switch4Good.
Moreover, athletes often report reduced inflammation, better respiratory functions, faster recovery times, and more energy as a result of ditching dairy.
‘Without bloat, gas, stomach pain, or other digestive issues, individuals enjoy a higher quality of life and feel enabled to live better and do more’, says the organization.
Athletes competing in this year’s Olympics that are on dairy-free diets include Perris Benegas, Sue Bird, Amelia Brodka, Vivian Kong, Alex Morgan, Mikey Papa, Ali Riley, Kaylin Whitney, and Victoria Stambaugh.
Among the dairy-free Olympians backing the campaign are Rachael Adams, Heather Mitts, Rebecca Soni, David Verburg, and Dustin Watten.
