The Plant-Based Transition: A Health and Wellness Odyssey

BLUF: The leap into a plant-based diet revolutionized not just my diet but my entire lifestyle, particularly resonating with my love for backpacking and the outdoors.

In 2017, my journey toward a healthier self began in a therapist's office.  Up too this point I survived on what ever meals I could most quickly ingest before the next call went out.  All of my meals revolved around the big P - Protein! Deer, Elk, Beef, chicken- there was never a meal that didn’t fist start with “what’s the protein?”

Struggling under the weight of nearly 260 lbs and a plethora of medications, my body was in constant pain.  My hormones were all over the place, and my mood swings were like watching a tennis match.  My joints ached. Doing any type of cardio was pure misery on my body.

My breakfast included a handful of pills.  Some for my depression, some for my blood pressure, some for my stomach… I was taking pills to combat the side effects of other pills.  I was burnt out under the weight of not just my physical body but of all the medical and mental health issues I was experiencing.

My psychiatrist was the first to suggested plant-forward diet. He had recently started reviewing some impact studies on mental health. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, I embarked on this path, curious but skeptical.

Transitioning to plant-based eating as an avid backpacker brought its own set of challenges. Shifting from a hunter's diet to a plant-based one required overcoming deep-seated beliefs about protein and health. But my research and open-mindedness led me to embrace this change. Mostly it was the research.

Contrary to popular belief, we don’t need as much protein as often claimed. My culinary adventures expanded into new realms, with Indian cuisine becoming a newfound love. With each plant-based meal, my energy levels increased, making backpacking easier and more enjoyable.

A plant-based diet led to a significant reduction in body fat and an improvement in overall lean body mass – findings echoed in research. Studies have shown that individuals on plant-based diets experience mean weight loss and reductions in BMI, contributing to leaner bodies which are crucial for endurance athletes like hikers and runners​​.

For endurance athletes, a plant-based diet offers numerous advantages. Lower body fat from a plant-based diet can increase aerobic capacity, essential for long-distance activities. Studies also show that athletes on plant-based diets have increased VO2 max, leading to better endurance​​. Additionally, a plant-based diet, rich in complex carbohydrates, is ideal for sustained energy, crucial for endurance training​​.

Plant-based diets not only improve performance but also aid in recovery. Increased blood flow, tissue oxygenation, and reduced oxidative stress and inflammation from a plant-based diet enhance an athlete's performance and recovery​​.

Breakfast is my anchor on the trail – a mix of brown rice, quinoa, powdered coconut yogurt, dehydrated fruits, and nuts fuels my hikes. This combination not only provides energy but also aligns with the nutritional needs of long-distance activities.

For those considering a similar path, especially backpackers, embracing a plant-based diet can be a game-changer. Plant-based foods are not only convenient and long-lasting on the trail but also align with the nutritional needs of endurance activities.

My transition to a plant-based diet was a profound journey of health and self-discovery. It reshaped not just my diet but my entire approach to life and backpacking, backed by scientific research emphasizing its benefits for mental and physical health and athletic performance.