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[–] BW-414 0 points 1 point (+1|-0) ago  (edited ago)

that's true.
even if strong herbivores don't apply to humans, i've been vegan long enough to know "vegans are weak" is an untrue stereotype. many vegans are liberals who aren't interested in physical activities. they were weak before they were vegan.

it seems most people think vegans don't get enough protein. and that makes them weak. protein isn't hard to get. vitamins, minerals, amino acids, etc. are hard to get. in nature, you know how the predator alpha male or female gets to eat the prey's liver? liver is rich in vitamins, minerals, etc. and those vitamins and minerals aren't really in the plant kingdom.

i would say a vegan who takes vitamins, minerals, amino acids, etc. supplements probably can build as much strength as an omnivore.

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[–] itssomatic 0 points 1 point (+1|-0) ago 

It definitely is possible. The difficulty seems to be that vegetable protein is either bound up with a large amount of carbs or a large amount of fats. I subsisted off peanut butter and split peas for a long time, not that I was trying to be vegetarian/vegan, and it worked for my endurance training & bodyweight strength training. Although, I was able to fill-out easier and retain muscle mass once I added cottage cheese, yoghurt, and eggs.

With plant fats it is easy to get enough Vit E, but the main problem is with Vit D - especially in winter. I don't seem to get the same results taking Vit D supplements as I do with fatty fish and quality eggs.

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[–] BW-414 0 points 1 point (+1|-0) ago  (edited ago)

you're right. 2 winters ago, i had a blood test for nutrition. vitamin d was low. protein was good. i take a supplement with vitamin d, magnesium, and calcium, now.

vitamin d deficiency can cause permanent nerve damage. there are a lot of vegan websites about animals' rights, recipes, etc. but there aren't enough about the need for vitamin and mineral supplements. i read about vitamin d deficiency at veganhealth.org.

i don't know if there have been many long term studies of vegan nutrition. you mentioned fatty fish. 1 nutrient i think is important is omega 3. i haven't taken it. and i guess i'm low on it.