As a marathon runner, Orelia Nash often faced skepticism about her vegan lifestyle. “People would ask me, ‘Where do you get your protein?’” she recalled. For athletes, protein is essential for muscle recovery, but Orelia wanted to prove that plants could fuel performance just as well as animal products.
Her daily routine now includes protein-packed smoothies made with pea protein, almond butter, and spinach. For lunch, she builds hearty bowls filled with quinoa, chickpeas, and roasted vegetables. Dinner might be lentil curry served over brown rice, a dish she says gives her sustained energy without feeling heavy.
Orelia’s approach isn’t about tracking grams obsessively but about variety and balance. She explains, “When you combine different plant proteins throughout the day—beans, grains, nuts—you get everything your body needs.” She also prioritizes recovery snacks like hummus with whole-grain crackers or soy yogurt topped with pumpkin seeds.
The results speak for themselves. Since shifting to her vegan protein plan, Orelia has set personal records in her races and feels stronger after training sessions. Her story challenges the old stereotype that athletes must rely on animal-based diets.
By listening to her body, focusing on nutrient-dense meals, and embracing the power of plants, Orelia has created a blueprint that other athletes can follow. Veganism, for her, is not a limitation but a source of strength.
