Olympic Fever: Athlete Friendly Vegetarian Recipes

DSC_3630 copy by Jamiesrabbits (CC BY 2.0)

The Olympic Games are in full swing! If you’re planning to get moving and train like an athlete, the Winter Games are a great excuse to fill your body with yummy, healthy vegetarian dishes! After all, for an athlete, food is fuel. We could all stand to view the food we consume that way! And did you know that a vegetarian athlete on the Olympic team isn’t all that rare? Check out this list of historical vegetarian Olympians, and get cooking!

Athlete Fuel: Snacks

Photo by: Nikki L.
Photo by: Nikki L.

Every athlete needs a boost; this smoothie formula will help you balance and customize your smoothie based on what you like. Or, try an energy bar! Processed-sugar-filled, store-bought bars can be an athlete no-no. Make your own, like these delicious carob strawberry energy bars.

Athlete Fuel: Pasta and Pizza

Yes, when you move as much as an athlete, you can eat healthy pasta and pizza, too!  Try this delicious gnocchi recipe, or this yummy spinach and eggplant lasagna, both healthy enough for any athlete! Your vegetarian Italian feast fit for an athlete continues with one of these amazing pizzas: grilled veggie or classic Margherita!

Photo by: Ginny
Photo by: Ginny

Athlete Fuel: Soups, Salads and Sandwiches

Every athlete craves classic comfort foods. Start off with soup, like Thai Lemongrass or Curried Cauliflower and Chickpea! If you want something really different, check out the recipe for this Plantain and Pinto Stew! An athlete loves greens, so try the Xagave Breakfast Salad (mmm, strawberries!) or the Chickpea, Carrot and Parsley salad.You can toss any of these athlete friendly salads into a wrap for an on-the-go meal (an athlete has to keep moving!) or settle in for this Grilled Onion and Eggplant Sandwich with a side of sweet potato fries!

Photo by: megan.chromik
Photo by: megan.chromik

Athlete Fuel: Sweet Treats

Even an athlete needs the occasional sweet treat. Chocoholic? These vegan chocolate cupcakes have an amazing coconut ganache. Love fruit? These steamed peaches or this vegan fruit sorbet are healthy treats any athlete would flip for!

Athlete Fuel: Russian Bonus

Photo by: Liz West
Photo by: Liz West

The Olympic Games are in Sochi this year, which means you might be in the mood for some delicious Russian fare. Try making this yummy Pelmeni dough and filling it with your favorite veggie! Got beets? This vegetarian borscht will excite the heart of any athlete! You can also try making blini, traditional Russian pancakes.

What are your favorite vegetarian meals fit for an athlete? I’d love to hear more recipes in the comments!