Meet Brendan Brazier!!
Jun 22nd, 2009 by jenna
Now for a VERY special ELR post—-meet Vegan Professional Triathlete, formulator of the Vega nutrition line and writer, Brendan Brazier!!!
Hi Brendan! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with ELR readers 
I know most of us are familiar with your book, The Thrive Diet, and what you say in it really “clicks”, especially to us endurance athletes. For those of us who haven’t read the book yet though, could you briefly explain what The Thrive Diet actually is?
BB: Well, the basic concept is reducing stress through better nutrition. Stress is basically the root cause of all disease and problems. Problems with North Americans is that we treat the symptoms of stress and not the cause. By only treating the symptoms, we are allowing problems to keep going, and eventually you have a much higher chance of getting a disease. By treating the symptoms you have merely covered up all the warning signs. For example, when we get tired we drink coffee or eat sugary food. With The Thrive Diet, we aim to bring down the stress levels to treat the actual cause of the problem; its more of a holistic approach. The downside is that this isn’t a quick fix, its more of a lifestyle. After changing the way you eat you start to crave the foods that are good for you and have no interest in the foods that are bad. You wont crave coffee or sugar anymore. If you allow those problems to keep going, eventually you usually get disease but all the warning signs.
Wow. That’s so true! So often we grab a Starbucks coffee when we are exhausted or an advil when our head aches….but you are saying these things just cover up the real root problem, they don’t fix them. I know after I quit drinking coffee I feel 100% better than I ever did before. Is there a detox period for getting on The Thrive Diet bandwagon though if you are used to eating a SAD (standard American diet)?
BB: Well, yes. It depends on how much you jump into it. I don’t suggest jumping in 100% at one time. Instead, at first I suggest weaning yourself into it. That works a lot better. It might take a good year if you eat a SAD. But then this is a lifestyle, which is the key.
I just love the idea of fueling solely on plants. Its just so clean and healthy. How has your athletic ability changed since you went vegan?
BB: First, I didn’t do it properly. I didn’t feel good and I was tired and hungry all the time. Then, figured out how to do it properly and get all of the nutrients that I needed. I started to recover quicker than others and was able to train more and improve faster. Once I figured everything out, it (The Thrive Diet) became a high performance diet. Any athlete can benefit from a well put together plant based diet.
Now I know many people are curious about protein, since its always such a hot debate. How are you sure you get enough of it? Is it ever a worry for you?
BB: I probably get less than half than what is recommend for someone with my activity level. However, I have no trouble building and maintaining muscle at all. In the beginning, I did lose a little weight but my strength to weight ratio went way up and I became a much better endurance athlete. I get very good quality protein such as hemp and leafy greens. I eat a big salad every day!
I agree, a big salad is a must. Since I’ve starting having a green smoothie and a salad during the day my energy levels have skyrocketed. Can you tell us what a typical day is in terms of meals and snacks?
BB: I eat throughout the day so I really don’t eat big meals. I don’t get really hungry or really full ever and eating throughout the day is truly good for digestion. On a typical day, I’ll get up and will snack on one of the bars from my book (recipes in The Thrive Diet) then go out for a run and have a Vega smoothie afterwards. Then, throughout the day, I’ll graze on a lot of fresh fruit and and a big salad at night. No dessert—if I want something else I’ll have more fruit.
You must go through a lot of produce in your house! Do you count calories at all? What is your take on that?
BB: I never count calories! I eat as much as I want, which is fine if you are eating whole foods. You are getting lots of fiber and nutrients which turn off your hunger signal so you really won’t get as hungry as you used to once your body adjusts. You really cant overeat when you are eating such a good diet made of healthy, whole foods. I eat as much as I want and I gain muscle quickly. Because of this, you will notice the meal plan in my book doesn’t list any portion sizes. You can have as much as you want and never feel guilty since it all is so good for you!
Something interesting I really liked in your book was when you described the benefits of “next level foods”; foods that go up and beyond the nutrition of just the standard healthy diet. Do you have any simple tips for us to incorporate them into our diet?
BB: Goji berries are great but so are blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. I put goji berries in energy bars and smoothies; they are high in vitamin C and antioxidants. Chlorella is great too. It is an algae from Japan that is 70% protein and is in the Vega smoothie mix so you don’t have to worry about adding it separately.
Speaking of these “superfoods”, what do you suggest in form of vitamins? I’ll admit, I’ve been really bad lately and haven’t taken anything except for a calcium supplement twice a day since Spring. I know we SHOULD be taking a good multi-vitamin every day but there’s just so many on the market….what do you suggest for optimum energy and performance?
BB: Well actually, I don’t take any supplements or vitamins. I just eat really well. I used to take a lot of them and when I stopped, nothing bad happened so I just never started taking them again. I think its important for people to know they don’t “have” to take vitamins and supplements if they already have a good diet made up of whole, natural foods.
Well that makes me feel better! There’s so many gimicks out there anyways. I’d rather just eat really healthfully and not worry about it. One of my main concerns is cost, however. You can’t deny that eating healthy can be expensive, especially when you are an athlete and going through a ton of food at one time! Do you have any tips on how to eat on The Thrive Diet while maintaining a strict budget?
BB: Yeah, there’s a few things. I shop at farmer’s markets quite a bit. Near my house in Los Angeles we have some great farmer’s markets. Also, the bulk section of supermarkets is where you can get such things like quinoa, amaranth and buckwheat very cheaply. I always tell people, too, If you buy good, healthy food now, your chances of needing drugs later in life is greatly decreased. You will have your health later on and you won’t need those symptom treating drugs.
So, what are the top five foods you always have in your kitchen at all times? For me, its definitely spinach, bananas, almond butter, peanut butter and almond milk…
BB: Bananas, dates, hemp, a lot of greens for sure and carrots because they are pretty easy and tasty.
I know in your book you talk a lot about how a smoothie is the perfect recovery meal. Why is this?
BB: A few reasons. You can get a lot into a smoothie, nutrient-wise and this is great because after you have had a workout your body is very tired and liquids digest much easier than a heavy meal. You can get everything you need in an easily digestible form that is very tasty as well!
Thanks, Brendan!!
Great interview! I just found out about Brendan and his book and I’m going to be reading it soon. I love what he says about protein (we don’t need nearly as much as meat and dairy lobbyists have convinced us that we do) and about counting calories.
I can personally vouch for how great it feels to go vegetarian (I’m not a vegan though) while training for endurance sports. My race times have improved so much as a result!
Ah-ha! I had a feeling it may be Brendan! I need to get this book. I’m hearing so many great things about it!
good tips, but take the supplement advice with a grain of salt. he is neither a medical professional or rd–women do need to take folic acid, even very healthy vegan women. you may be able to get enough dietary folate through, but it will be difficult to do so on a daily basis. better safe than sorry.
Great interview! It’s 2:00 here and I just had a packet of hot cocoa to get me through the afternoon slump. I definitely want to check out Brendan’s book and see what I can do to combat that desire!
Brendan had some really great comments but I can’t help but add my 2 cents about his not needing a vitamin supplement as a vegan…..most vegans do not get enough vitamin B12 which is super important for ENERGY! Also, since mostly women read this getting enough calcium and vitamin D on a vegan diet is very HARD, along with iron. I know that it is possible to obtain calcium and iron from plant derived sources it is just VERY difficult to meet your needs which can put you at risk for osteoporosis and anemia! Make sure that whichever non dairy beverage you are drinking is fortified with calcium and also shake it well because the calcium settles. Also, salads are great and provide lots of vitamins and fiber but last time I checked salad greens don’t have very much protein.
I’m not sure how I feel about the vitamins. Most of the vitamins and minerals that are in supplements will just be excreted from the body if they are not needed, but the body will use them if they’re not getting enough that certain day. I think of it as insurance, just in case.
Great interview, Thanks Jenna! I’m a huge fan of Brandon Brazier because everything in his book, as you said, clicks in my head. It’s just so very difficult to change the way I’ve been eating. Eating mostly raw (I get cold easily so I like warm foods) and no dessert is hard
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Cool interview, Jenna! Thanks for doing that for us!
Most of what he says about the types of foods to eat make sense. I’d be interested in reading his book. About the supplements…if you eat perfectly all the time and keep track of which vitamins and minerals you are getting, it would be possible to get pretty much what you need from your diet. But, that’s not realistic for most of us. An RD will tell you that it’s best to get most of our nutrients from food, but sometimes supplements can help. Re: folic acid, it is actually possible to get too much, especially because now many foods like cereal are now fortified with it. You should check the RDA, and if you’re of child-bearing age or are pregnant, it’s wise to take a supplement, just be careful not to overdo it. And many women are also Vitamin D deficient because we slather ourselves in sunscreen and can’t get it from the sun, and vegans certainly aren’t getting it from dairy either unless they use products that are fortified w/ it…Vitamin D & Calcium work together so that’s also something to consider–a multivitamin might help boost those levels. BUT many vitamins do contain lots of added stuff that we don’t really need, so if you just find a basic one without loads of extras, you will be OK and you’ll save $$ too. (of course I’m no RD either but this is what I’ve learned from my prof, who is…)
Awesome interview! Thanks so much
This is so timely! I’m reading the Thrive Diet right now!!! I really love his food philosophy. While I know that my body is a meat-eater, I truly believe that proper nutrition can ease a lot of the stress your body goes through. And the idea that stress is the main factor in a lot of our ailments makes perfect sense. Thanks for the interview!
Jenna, I’m so happy for you! Great interview and wonderful news about all of the e-cookbooks you’re selling!
What an awesome interview. I loved hearing all his thoughts and advice on nutrition. I’m surprised that he can maintain all his energy without getting in his full requirement of protein, but I guess that’s the power of greens!
Great interview!
Interesting…I want to read this now. I am definitely leaning towards wanting a more vegetarian/vegan diet but am struggling to find lunch/dinner ideas.
Great interview! I met Brendan last year when he came to my school (Canadian School of Natural Nutrition) to give us a talk. Its nice to get the perspective of an athlete who is vegan, because I am asked time and time again what are good protein sources for vegetarians and vegans. He has many good points and his book has some good recipes!
Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. THANK YOUUU!
Great interview, Thanks Jenna!
I am reading his book now. I have already tried one of the recipes too.
Now I really want to get that book! Awesome interview. I really want to try and wean myself off some of the foods I eat (hello? sugar) so I don’t crave them anymore. Thanks for the post!
Great interview! I’m going to have to read that book.
What an awesome post! Thanks so much Jenna & Brendan!
i loved the thrive in 30 videos, this was great too
Good stuff! I thumbed through this book at the library & will get it after I’m done reading the one I have now.
Gotta love Brendan
He’s awesome. Good interview!
Sweet interview, I never woulda guessed! I really love everything he has to say, and am amazed at his athletic abilities on the diet, it’s really inspiring! My only hesitation on going 100% vegan/raw/etc. is the difficulty it presents in social situations. My family is brought closer by food, and I LOVE entertaining…and I don’t think everyone would be down for the switch. I definitely am going to read this book and incorporate as much as possible into my daily diet. Thanks Jenna!
I’m definitely going to look into more about Brendan and his book! I love the idea of training on a vegetarian or vegan diet and noticing even more benefits than on a standard american diet. Thanks for a great interview, Jenna!
Really interesting!! Thanks, Jenna!
wonderful post jenna!!! this really made me want to go buy the thrive book and read up on some vegan-athletic lifestyles.
Thats funny- Brendan was just at the store I work at last week! Planet Organic Calgary! So cool you got to interview him! Small world
Good interview~ thanks! I’m definitely interested in reading his book.
Wow Jenna! So cool! My husband and I are big fans of Brendan Brazier. His book has really changed the way we eat for the better. My husband is a cyclist on a racing team and we’ve seen such a dramatic improvement in his recovery since following Brendan’s plan. Thanks for sharing the interview.
I need to read this book.. great interview!
Thanks for sharing the interview Jenna! I def will p/u “Thrive” @ the library. I consider myself mostly a vegetarian eater w/ the exception of fish (luuuvvv SUSHI!) 3-4 x’s a month. I found that I needed Vitamin B12 so my mom gave me Super Vitamin B Complex (which I admit has ridiculous amounts of Vitamin B6, B12, C, Thiamine, Folic Acid, Biotin & Pantothenic acid). I pop a pill w/ my bananer + almond buttah for my AM Prefuel run and notice it gives me ENERGY throughout the day. I don’t even need my daily Vietnamese coffee in the AM anymore!
Per Lisa D’s (#5) comment, what’s your thought on Vitamin B12 for vegans? Thanks!
this was such a great interview Jenna! I wanted to read the book before and NOW I know I NEED to read that book~
thanks!
I love this interview! Wonderful job. You asked him some really interesting questions.
I read “Thrive” and really enjoyed it, though not all the suggestions/principles in the book really work for me. Brendan Brazier is an amazing and inspiring athlete, and he seems to have found the right combination for him!
Interesting interview – thanks for sharing!! I had not heard of Brendan. I found his views on diet and endurance training very interesting, although I didn’t agree with all his philosophies – mainly the vitamin issue. I’m not great at taking them – but a lot of them, esp. the multi – are to help us stave off future illnesses…years down the road! So, as one other person posted, better safe than sorry!
oh thanks for this interview! i have some vegan friends who are working on getting in shape but have a hard time worrying about their protein intake, they seriously stress about it too much. i think this book would be a good read for them and i suggested it and linked them to this interview. thanks jenna!
Great interview! Thanks.
Interviews are wonderful to have on your blog des temps en temps! Keep it up.
Thank you for a great interview! I picked up Brendan’s book at the library after reading John Robbins’ Healthy at 100 (another fantastic book!) and was truly inspired by Brendan’s approach. I had scoured the vegan cookbooks in our library system and found that hardly any of them were based on whole foods (white flour, sugar are technically vegan and widely used in the vegan community – it’s not always about health!). Brendan’s recipes are easy, quick, and don’t rely on soy – something there is way too much of in our diets. I have been reading about some studies that show that vitamins don’t really work and are a waste of money. I truly think that our bodies were designed to thrive on REAL food. It doesn’t make sense that we are designed to NEED supplements in order to be healthy. I think a balanced, whole foods, plant-based diet can give you what you need, especially if you are eliminating the “empty” foods (like white flour) and replace them with nutritionally dense foods. I’ve read about studies done with calcium supplements where they show no effect at all (but exercise showed significant gains in bone density, without supplements). I also think our over-consumption of protein and our fear of not getting enough are due to misinformation – we simply don’t need that much.
Great interview. Whole foods are definitley the best way to get your vitamins and minerals. Chlorella is a fine addition to any smoothie and can also aid with weight loss and control by satisfying the body’s true need for the right nutrients. Chlorella can also be added to many meals but at the last minute to avoid cooking it too much.