In recent years, boxers David Haye and Mike Tyson, the Williams sisters, UFC fighters, cricketers and footballers have all reportedly “gone green” — following the example of Popeye, who built huge forearms on a plant-based diet way back in the 1930s. 

If you are thinking about making the change and worried about your protein intake the good news, experts say, is that with a little planning, plant-based protein can be just as effective to maintain an active lifestyle and repair and build muscle. 

Can I get enough protein from a plant-based diet?

After speaking with several nutritionists, the general response was “yes, but…” The proviso is that vegans should plan meals carefully.

“You need a variety of different plant-based sources to make sure you’re still getting all the essential amino acids”, says Bethan Hamilton, registered associate nutritionist and National Educator for Vega. 

Dr Adam Collins, Director of MSc and BSc Nutrition at the University of Surrey, agrees: “In the UK people eat around 150pc of their protein requirement. You’re probably still meeting your requirements on a vegan diet in absolute terms. If you’re combining plant protein sources you could equally get a full complement of amino acids.” 

“I think there’s a big misconception that a plant-based diet is devoid of protein,” says nutritional therapist Lily Soutter. “Make sure you are focusing on the good-quality protein sources, like tofu, tempeh, beans, lentils, chickpeas, quinoa, nuts and seeds. When you combine them it almost makes a jigsaw puzzle and can help to make a complete protein.”