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Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 champion, has openly discussed the significant positive impact of his vegan diet on his mental and physical health. Since adopting a plant-based lifestyle in 2017, he has reported a notable reduction in mood swings and other health issues that plagued him before the switch. In interviews, he explained that before changing his diet, he often felt groggy upon waking, and experienced fluctuating energy levels throughout the day.
His transition began after he was introduced to veganism by friends who highlighted the benefits of a plant-based diet. Claiming the fact that a vegan diet affects his mood swings, a study reveals how a plant-based diet can positively influence mood.
“I cannot put into words how much better I feel”: Lewis Hamilton On His Vegan Diet
Speaking to a media outlet, the F1 racer described how he used to feel unwell before changing his diet. He revealed that he used to eat meat and dairy products and would wake up feeling groggy. With mood swings, his energy level would also drop throughout the day. He credited his diet saying, “I cannot put into words how much better I feel.” Lewis Hamilton further added that he had stomach problems and a swollen belly which he thought was normal.
"I wake up feeling way better, clearer in thought and fresher in my body,” he told the outlet. The champion also revealed that he recovers quicker, sleeps better, has clear skin, and has fewer allergies because of the plant-based diet.
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How Vegan Diet Can Help In Reducing Depressive Symptoms
‘The Association between Vegan, Vegetarian, and Omnivore Diet Quality and Depressive Symptoms in Adults’, a study published on PubMed claims potential mental health benefits associated with a high-quality vegan or vegetarian diet. It reveals that dietary choices can significantly impact mood and emotional well-being. The study found significant differences in diet quality among the three groups. Vegans had the highest diet quality scores, followed by vegetarians, while omnivores had the lowest.
Regarding the depressive symptoms, a moderately negative correlation was observed between higher diet quality and lower depressive symptoms across all groups. It meant individuals with better diet quality (vegans) tended to report fewer depressive symptoms. According to the study, a plant-based diet offered greater protection against depressive symptoms compared to meat-based diets indicating that nutrient-rich diets can positively influence mental health.
Conclusion
The story of Lewis Hamilton's switch to a vegan diet has been an inspiration for fitness enthusiasts alike. For him, the plant-based diet significantly enhanced his mental and physical health, leading to reduced mood swings, increased energy, and quicker recovery times. Supporting his experience, studies show that higher-quality vegan diets are linked to fewer depressive symptoms and improved mood. His journey serves as an inspiring example of how dietary changes can positively impact overall well-being.
However, it is always advised to consult a professional before opting for any kind of diet.