Corey Webster

The pro basketballer, who is returning to the New Zealand Breakers after a stint away, sings the praises of the vegan diet he adopted two years ago. “You never feel like you’ve overeaten, so you can still go out for a run straight after a meal. And you don’t get sleepy like you do after a big steak.”

How did you switch to a vegan diet? I experimented with being pescatarian, then vegetarian and eventually vegan. I did have to revert to being a vegetarian while playing in China, though, as it’s difficult to maintain a healthy vegan diet there.

How was it in Israel, where you’ve also been playing? Very easy. Israel has incredible produce.

Why did you become a vegan? For health reasons. I’ve experimented a lot to find what works for me and I’ve felt healthiest eating a vegan diet.

Have any of your fellow players followed suit? My brother, Tai Webster, who’s also a professional basketball player, is vegan, and I have a teammate from the US who is vegetarian. But it isn’t the norm.

What are your tips for potential vegan athletes? A vegan diet isn’t going to help you if you eat lots of processed foods. It’s important to eat a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and nuts, and to eat frequently, to have enough energy. I find I eat more often, but the quantity isn’t much greater.

What do you eat after a match? Fruit – for example watermelon, with its electrolyte and water content – helps repair muscles and is rehydrating. Watermelon has really helped me reduce muscle pain.

Do you take any supplies when competing overseas? I pack a plant-based protein, vitamins and supplements such as magnesium, just in case the country I’m visiting doesn’t provide easy access to everything I need.

What’s your typical breakfast? Today I had watermelon, melon and coconut milk.

What about lunch? A vegan omelette and vegetables.

What’s your favourite evening meal? Vegan nachos or pizza.

Do you snack? Yes, every couple of hours, on fruit and nuts.