• NFL lineman David Carter

NFL lineman David Carter (Photo : YouTube)

David Carter, a 300-pound (137-kilogram) National Football League (NFL) defensive lineman for the Chicago Bears, launched a vegan lifestyle due to health issues such as shoulder and finger pain, and tendonitis. After beginning the vegetarian diet minus animal byproducts including eggs and milk, the joint pain was gone. Carter was also able to run faster and farther, and lift more weight.

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Last year Carter weighed 285 lbs. (84 kg) and was consuming jugs of milk and ice cream shakes to get back to 300 lbs. That is when he saw a documentary on veganism that explained why dairy consumption can result in tendonitis, according to Medical Daily. So the next day he started his vegan diet.

The first meal he had was a bean burger, and since then he has not eaten any meat or animal byproducts, according to GQ. However, sustaining weight is very critical for NFL linemen.

Carter shed 40 lbs. (18 kg) during the first month. However, he then boosted his weight to 300 lbs., added lean muscle mass, and is speedier than before.   

However, maintaining such a high weight is challenging without any chicken, beef, or pork. Carter eats 10,000 calories daily, which includes five meals every few hours, and a 20-ounce shake between mealtimes.  

The shakes include no dairy products. Instead, he adds sunflower seeds and cannellini beans for protein and thickness.  

During the day Carter also consumes bean smoothies and homemade sauerkraut. They help rack up vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.  

During the offseason, the NFL player works overtime to gain weight. That includes a daily protein intake of 1.2 grams per pound, from sources such as rice, beans, nuts, whole grains, and supplements.

Carter wants to change people's perception of veganism and vegans. That includes sharing about the many food options available, and disproving the idea that a plant-based diet always makes people scrawny and weak.