What is Chris Paul's diet? Discovering the vegan athlete's performance-focused regimen

January 3, 2026 •

3 min read

In 2019, NBA veteran Chris Paul made a dramatic dietary shift, going completely plant-based to extend his career and improve performance. Since then, his rigorous and nutrient-dense vegan regimen has been widely credited for reducing inflammation, minimizing body aches, and boosting his energy on and off the court.

Quick Summary

This article details NBA star Chris Paul's plant-based diet, outlining his meal plan, motivations for the switch in 2019, and the significant health benefits he attributes to the lifestyle, including reduced inflammation and faster recovery.

Key Points

Plant-Based Foundation: What is Chris Paul's diet? It's a 100% plant-based regimen that he adopted in 2019.
Performance-Driven Decision: The switch was motivated by a desire to improve athletic performance and longevity in the NBA.
Reduced Inflammation: Paul reports significantly fewer body aches and pains, attributing this directly to his anti-inflammatory diet.
Enhanced Recovery: The nutrient-rich plant-based meals aid in faster recovery after demanding games and workouts.
Diverse Meal Plan: His diet includes a variety of plant-based foods, from scrambles and burgers to veggies and grains.
Key Staples: Regular meals often feature plant-based items like JUST Egg, Beyond Meat, and whole grains.
Brand Advocacy: Paul actively promotes the plant-based lifestyle and has invested in vegan food companies.
Initial Challenge, Lasting Reward: While the initial transition was difficult, Paul found the long-term benefits were worth the effort.

The Catalyst: Why Chris Paul Embraced a Plant-Based Lifestyle

Chris Paul's dietary transformation was heavily influenced by the 2019 documentary The Game Changers, which he executive-produced. The film explores the athletic advantages of a plant-based diet, and his competitive nature led him to try it for performance purposes. Previously, his pre-game meals often consisted of burgers and fried chicken. He told Men's Health that the transition was challenging, mentioning he "was itching" for meat, but he persevered. The initial performance benefits were so profound that he committed to the plant-based lifestyle for life.

A Day in the Plant-Based Life of Chris Paul

Paul's daily diet is a carefully crafted regimen developed with his personal chef to provide the fuel necessary for his demanding schedule. He emphasizes nutrient density and consuming a wide variety of plant-based foods.

A Typical Day's Menu

Breakfast: A hearty scramble made with mung bean-based egg replacer (JUST Egg), sautéed vegetables, Beyond Meat sausage patties, and fresh fruit. Paul also loves plant-based pancakes.
Lunch: A vibrant veggie bowl with whole grains like rice or quinoa, and a large, nutrient-packed salad. A protein drink is often incorporated into this meal.
Dinner: A chef-prepared dinner featuring a mix of wholesome beans, greens, and other vegetables. His post-game meal of choice is often a Beyond Burger.
Snacks: In between meals, he'll snack on fruits, nuts, or tacos made with Beyond Meat crumbles.

The Role of Plant-Based Brands

Paul's commitment extends beyond his personal plate. He has become a prominent brand ambassador and investor for plant-based companies like Beyond Meat, JUST Egg, and Koia. This partnership reflects his belief in making healthy, sustainable food options more accessible to the public, particularly in communities of color.

The Health and Performance Benefits

The transition to a plant-based diet has yielded tangible results for the aging NBA veteran. Paul credits the change for reducing the inflammation and general body aches that previously plagued him after games. This has not only extended his on-court longevity but has also allowed him to maintain a more active lifestyle with his family. The nutrient-rich nature of whole-food plant-based meals aids in faster recovery, helping him feel less sore after intense workouts.

Plant-Based vs. Traditional Athlete Diet: A Comparison


Aspect	Chris Paul's Plant-Based Diet	Traditional Athlete Diet (Pre-2019)
Primary Protein Source	Plant-based sources (legumes, meat alternatives)	Animal-based sources (chicken, burgers)
Inflammation	Significantly reduced due to high anti-inflammatory food intake.	Can be higher due to consumption of red meat and processed foods.
Recovery	Faster recovery times, fewer aches and pains.	Longer recovery periods with more muscle soreness reported.
Energy Levels	Reported boost in energy and stamina.	Variable energy levels, potential for post-meal sluggishness.
Micronutrients	Abundant in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.	Can be less diverse depending on food choices.

The Psychology Behind the Shift

For Paul, the diet is not just about physical health but also mental fortitude. Sticking to a disciplined routine is key to his success, and this mindset carries over from his training to his nutrition. He sees his diet as another crucial part of his professional regimen, noting that his body doesn't feel right if he deviates from his plan. The change helped him realize the sheer diversity of foods available within a plant-based framework, discovering vegan versions of beloved treats like cookies and pancakes.

Conclusion: A Game-Changing Legacy

Ultimately, Chris Paul's diet is a testament to the power of deliberate nutritional choices for athletic longevity and overall wellness. What began as a competitive experiment has transformed into a deeply ingrained lifestyle that has demonstrably benefited his health and career. By committing to a nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory plant-based regimen, Paul has not only defied Father Time on the court but has also become a powerful advocate for healthier eating among athletes and the general public. His journey highlights that proper nutrition can be a "game-changer," proving that high performance and a plant-based lifestyle can go hand-in-hand.

For further reading on how professional athletes are embracing plant-based diets, check out VegNews' feature on the topic: https://vegnews.com/plant-based-chris-paul-nba-all-star.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chris Paul was inspired by the 2019 documentary The Game Changers, which he executive-produced, to try a plant-based diet to see if it would boost his athletic performance and longevity.

Chris Paul made the switch to a fully plant-based diet in 2019, at the age of 34, and has maintained it ever since due to the positive health and performance outcomes.

For breakfast, Chris Paul typically has a scramble made with a mung bean-based egg replacer (like JUST Egg), sautéed vegetables, Beyond Meat sausage patties, and fruit. He also enjoys vegan pancakes.

Paul credits his diet with reducing body inflammation and aches, giving him more energy, and speeding up his recovery time, which has helped extend his career.

While he sticks to his plant-based plan, he has incorporated vegan versions of his favorite treats, like cookies and churros, into his diet, demonstrating the diet's flexibility.

Paul identifies as plant-based, which refers strictly to his diet, as opposed to veganism, which encompasses all aspects of life. However, his diet is entirely free of animal products.

According to his personal chef, Chris Paul often enjoys a Beyond Burger after a game to refuel his body, satisfying his hunger with a plant-based option.

Yes, Chris Paul is a brand ambassador and investor for several plant-based companies, including Beyond Meat, JUST Egg, and Koia, helping to promote healthier food options.