Green Machine

Plant-based diets may be trending, but will they really help your training? MH met up with Manchester United defender Chris Smalling, one of the Premiership’s first vegans, to see how giving meat the boot has assisted him.

- Paul Wilson

Footballers and food have come a long way since steak Diane was a routine favourite. Today, from Lionel Messi to the fully plant-powered Forest Green Rovers, veganism in the game is on the rise. Chris Smalling, veteran of more than 300 games for Manchester United and with 31 England caps, is one of several high-profile pros who have rejected meat entirely. A book about how he did it – co-authored by his wife, Sam, with meal plans and recipes – will be published later this year.

How hard was it to go vegan?

It took me a long time. I’ve been fully vegan since the end of 2017, but I was trying for about a year before that. First, I cut out red meat, then chicken, then fish. Eggs were the last to go, because I was used to having them every day.

Why did you do it?

My wife, Sam, is passionate about veganism. She’s a great cook and was making vegan breakfasts and dinners. I was just eating what she gave me, and it was delicious. Then, I got more and more into the idea, especially when I noticed the physical improvements.

What were they?

I had tendonitis in my knee for two-and-a-half years. After reducing my red meat intake, I started to feel it less. At training, it used to take me 20-25 minutes to warm up, and it was killing me. I hadn’t totally given up red meat but, after seeing the difference with my knee, I cut it out altogether. Now, the tendonitis has completely gone.

So, breakfast and dinner were already sorted. But what about lunch?