Wife’s vegan meals inspired Chris to go plant-based too
CHRIS Smalling revealed it was trying some of his wife’s vegan meals that convinced him to go for a plant-based diet.
“She’s been vegan for about four years now and then I was almost just a by-product,” he said.
“That I was trying some of her food and for dinners, and I started to notice the odd benefit. She’s a good cook anyway, which helps and then almost went from there.
“If anything, I’m eating better than I was before, not just in terms of vegetables, different proteins, all different cuisines, Jamaican, Thai, even if you wanted a burger, there’s so many different types of burgers.”
The club’s nutritionists have also been supportive with his diet change. “Yeah, that was the last step,” Smalling says.
“Being in football, you’re quite used to eating together off the buffet, so I spoke to Mark [Ellison] nutritionist and chef [Mike Donnelly], and it was just about coming up with different dishes because Mike hadn’t cooked much vegan food, he got influenced by my wife, her recipes and it became quite easy actually.”
Smalling insists he is the same weight as he was three years ago and is clocking personal bests.
“In terms of my protein shakes, it’s just vegan protein,” Smalling stresses.
“I’m the exact same weight as I was three years ago.
“We do a lot of testing on our hamstrings and on the bike in the gym and I’m constantly hitting a lot of PBs.
“I know I’m getting stronger and fitter.
None of Smalling’s teammates have converted, though some have expressed interest in a Thai red curry in the Carrington canteen.