Peter Siddle: Plant-Powered Athlete!
In an inspiring new video interview with PETA Australia, fast bowler and Australian test cricketer Peter Siddle – whose vegan girlfriend, Anna Weatherlake, first inspired him to change his diet – reveals the extent to which his health has improved since he stopped eating meat, eggs and dairy products a few years ago.
“I haven’t been sick once”, says Siddle, who has been playing test cricket since 2008. “I’ve been able to get up earlier in the morning, get through the day. I just feel a lot more energised.”
Siddle is just one of many world-class athletes who have discovered that a vegetarian diet provides them with all the protein, complex carbohydrates and other nutrients they need to get stronger and fitter – without the artery-clogging cholesterol and saturated fats found in meat, eggs and dairy products.
Other meat-free mavericks include Sports Illustrated “Olympian of the Century” Carl Lewis, top ultra-marathon runner Scott Jurek, tennis legend Chris Evert, Ultimate Fighting champ Mac Danzig and boxing champion Keith Holmes.
The fast bowler has also found that the benefits he’s felt aren’t just physical – plant-based meals also allow for a lighter conscience. “Hearing all the stories about the cruelty in [the] meat and dairy industry, I think it changed my mind very quickly, and it made it a pretty easy decision in the end”, Siddle says. “I’ve always enjoyed friendships with animals.”
To find out more about the meat, egg and dairy industries and to try out some delicious, cruelty-free recipes, order your free copy of PETA’s vegan starter kit and start feeling the benefits for yourself!
Posted by Claire Fryer