F1 News
How going vegan in 2017 helped Hamilton to "cleaner state of mind"
- Nicolás Quarles van Ufford
Over two years into his plant-based diet, reigning Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton has explained how his new way of eating has impacted him positively, saying his mental state has helped him to a much "cleaner state of mind" both on and off the track.
Coming off of his third consecutive championship and his fifth title in six years, Hamilton now is the second driver in history to win six F1 championships after Michael Schumacher.
The 34-year-old is just as prominent off the track as he is on it as well, working on his clothing line with Tommy Hilfiger while also educating his social media following about environmental issues.
After converting to veganism over two years ago, the Brit explained to The Edge in Malaysia how much it's changed him as a man and as a driver.
“I cannot put into words how much better I feel," he said.
"I used to eat all that stuff [meat and dairy products] and enjoy it like most people do, but I would wake up feeling groggy, have mood swings and my energy level would go up and down through the day. I always had stomach problems and a swollen belly and I thought it was normal.”
Athletes often think veganism would impact muscle mass, but Hamilton himself is evidence of this being false.
“I often see messages on my Instagram saying ‘I need my protein because I am trying to bulk up. Well, I just bulked up.
“I put on five kilograms this year and have gone from 68 to 73kg on a fully vegan diet. Meat being the only source of protein is absolutely rubbish. I can train just as much and do just as many reps, if not more, and I get through races with a much cleaner state of mind.”