Interview w Georges Laraque: Vegan Retired Ice Hockey Player

Leigh-Chantelle

VLV Articles

Georges Laraque is a former 13 years National Hockey League (NHL) player, best selling author, motivational speaker and Deputy Leader of the Green Party Canada.

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Why Vegan?

How and why did you decide to become a vegan?

After watching the documentary Earthlings

How long have you been vegan?

Since 2009

What has benefited you the most from being a vegan?

I recovered from asthma and high blood pressure where I no longer need medication. I’m also stronger, healthier and have more energy.

What does veganism mean to you?

Consuming or wearing no animal products, being compassionate towards animals, beneficial to our own health and the best way to help our planet.

Training
What sort of training do you do?

Running, biking, skating, weight lifting and cross training.

often do you (need to) train?

5 days a week.

Do you offer your fitness or training services to others?

Yes, see my website.

What sports do you play?

Hockey, soccer, also I run half and full marathons.

Strengths, Weaknesses & Outside Influences

What do you think is the biggest misconception about vegans and how do you address this?

People think we don't eat anything. A typical question is “what do you guys eat?” then I give a whole list of various foods I do eat. They're surprised when they realize its even more then what they're eating.

What are you strengths as a vegan athlete?

Definitely my physical abilities.

What is your biggest challenge?

Doing a full Ironman, which I intend to do someday.

Are the non-vegans in your industry supportive or not?

The majority are yes.

Are your family and friends supportive of your vegan lifestyle?

Yes, but they like making jokes about it. For example, if they bring me dinner, they cut their grass and put it in a bag for me. I always respond, “I’d rather eat your grass then eat dead animal corpses.” they change the subject hahaha.

What is the most common question/comment that people ask/say when they find out that you are a vegan and how do you respond?

“How you get your protein?” or “How you keep your muscle?” Then I go on and on about how I eat quinoa almost everyday, lots of grains, all kind of beans, green vegetables, a lot of Vega products especially the 100% protein powder after every work out etc.

Who or what motivates you?

The fact that everyday more and more people are becoming more conscious about the real issues in our world. They are becoming more open to veganism, understanding animal cruelty, understanding what meat and dairy product does to their body, understanding the impact on our environment. Every day, the number of vegans grows as well as restaurants adjusting their menus to cater to vegans. I think we’re on the right path.

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Food & Supplements
What do you eat for:
Breakfast - Vega shake with fruit
Lunch - quinoa salad
Dinner – chilli
Snacks (healthy & not-so healthy) - Vega bars

What is your favourite source of:
Protein - 100% Vega protein powder
Calcium - green vegetables, mostly kale
Iron - green vegetables

What foods give you the most energy?

Fruits. Everything with sugar gets me hyper.

Do you take any supplements?

No.

Advice
What is your top tip for:
Gaining muscle - Vega protein shake
Losing weight - adopting a raw vegan diet
Maintaining weight - eating healthy
Improving metabolism - eating healthy
Toning up - adopting a raw vegan diet and working out

How do you promote veganism in your daily life?

I speak at conferences all over the place but also I have discussions with people every day about veganism.

How would you suggest people get involved with what you do?

Email me through my website, I do so many different things - pick your fight and join forces with me.

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