The Health Catalyst: From High Blood Pressure to Veganism
At just 19 years old, Spencer Strider faced an uncommon diagnosis for a young athlete: high blood pressure. Though he was prescribed medication to manage the condition, he felt uncomfortable relying on daily drugs at such a young age. This health issue, combined with the forced inactivity during his 2019 recovery from Tommy John elbow surgery, prompted him to seriously re-evaluate his diet. Seeking a more natural solution, he decided to make a radical change by switching to a plant-based diet. The results were swift and dramatic. Within just two weeks, his blood pressure returned to a consistent, normal level without medication. Strider also noted a marked reduction in inflammation throughout his body, which he credits as a contributing factor to his remarkably fast 11-month recovery from elbow surgery—a process that typically takes 1 to 2 years.
A Shift in Nutritional Philosophy for Peak Performance
Prior to adopting a vegan diet, Strider, like many athletes, was overly fixated on consuming large amounts of protein. This protein-centric approach inadvertently led to consuming excessive fat and, more critically, insufficient carbohydrates, which are the body's primary fuel source. By transitioning to a vegan diet rich in complex carbohydrates and lean plant-based proteins, he realized a more efficient and effective way to fuel his body. He explained that this dietary change provided him with a new source of vitamins and essential minerals that his previous diet lacked, leaving him feeling better every day. This optimized nutrition strategy is a key component of his success on the mound, where he's known for a powerful, high-velocity fastball. He has even jokingly challenged teammates who tease him about his diet by asking, "how hard they're throwing," highlighting his vegan-fueled performance.
Ethical and Environmental Commitment
Strider's decision was not purely self-serving; it was also motivated by a deep sense of environmental and ethical responsibility. He recognized the unsustainable nature of industrial animal agriculture, noting that more food is grown to feed livestock than to feed humans directly. While acknowledging he can't solve global problems individually, he believes he can do his part to help. This aligns with his politically progressive views and his overall commitment to making conscious choices. For Strider, his diet is a daily action that reflects his values, making his plant-based lifestyle a holistic choice that benefits not only his body but also the planet. This ethical perspective adds a layer of purpose to his personal health journey, showcasing a mindset that extends beyond the baseball field.
The Rise of the Vegan Athlete
Spencer Strider is part of a growing movement of professional athletes who are embracing plant-based diets to optimize their performance and well-being. He joins a list that includes other impressive figures, both within and outside of baseball.
- Pat Neshek: A former MLB player who went vegan after reading The China Study.
- Tia Blanco: A professional surfer who became vegan for health and ethical reasons at a young age.
- Scott Jurek: The legendary ultrarunner known for his incredible endurance on a vegan diet.
- Venus Williams: The tennis icon adopted a plant-based diet to manage symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome.
These athletes demonstrate that a plant-based diet is not a hindrance but a powerful tool for achieving and sustaining athletic excellence.
Comparing the Vegan and Standard American Athlete Diet
| Factor | Vegan Diet (Spencer Strider) | Standard Athlete Diet (Pre-Vegan) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Fuel Source | Carbohydrate-rich foods (grains, legumes, fruits) | Protein and fat-heavy foods (meat, dairy) |
| Inflammation | Reduced inflammation due to nutrient density | Can contribute to inflammation |
| Environmental Impact | Significantly lower carbon footprint | Higher carbon footprint due to animal agriculture |
| Nutrient Density | Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants | May lack certain vitamins and minerals if not carefully managed |
What does Spencer Strider's vegan diet look like?
Strider's diet includes a wide array of plant-based foods. As reported by The Athletic, a typical meal might be a large bowl of berries with granola and coconut milk yogurt. He also enjoys avocado toast, which he now says he can make in a gourmet fashion. His approach focuses on whole, nutrient-dense foods to ensure he gets all the vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates he needs to perform at an elite level. Source: Plant Based News
Conclusion: A Holistically Motivated Choice
To answer the question, "Why is Spencer Strider vegan?" requires looking beyond a single cause. His journey began with a personal health crisis—the diagnosis of high blood pressure at a young age—which led him to discover the profound physical benefits of a plant-based lifestyle, including faster recovery from surgery and enhanced performance. This personal experience was reinforced by a deeper conviction rooted in his ethical beliefs and environmental awareness. Strider's story serves as a powerful example of how athletes can challenge conventional wisdom and embrace alternative methods to achieve peak physical conditioning while staying true to their values. His success on the mound is a testament to the fact that strength, speed, and endurance can be achieved and maintained on a purely plant-based diet, proving that the decision to go vegan was a multifaceted and highly effective one for him.
