Powerlifter Gert Koovit attributes his switch to a vegan diet nine years ago to alleviating his joint pain and enhancing his overall health. He reports significant improvements in his recovery since adopting the diet.
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Growing up with six brothers and a sister, Koovit recalled consuming a substantial amount of dairy, stating his family would go through eight liters of milk a day. However, after experiencing health issues related to his training, he decided to follow the dietary suggestion of his wife, who had been vegan for a longer period.
As a powerlifter, Koovit now consumes between 180 to 240 grams of protein daily, sourced entirely from plant-based foods. He emphasizes the variety available in vegan options, stating, "I'm fully vegan, but that doesn't mean I only eat onions and potatoes. There’s a very wide choice of vegan food."
Koovit noted that he quickly felt the positive effects of a vegan diet. "After four days of eating vegan food, I realized there was no way back, as I felt so good. For an athlete, the best thing is that the recovery becomes faster," he said.
During his training in London, Koovit mentioned being one of the smallest athletes at his club. As his performance improved, he began breaking Estonian records and winning medals, inspiring fellow athletes to explore veganism. He explained that meat dishes can lead to inflammation, which, combined with intense training, can overwhelm the body.
He highlighted the appeal of plant-based eating, explaining that it allows for more frequent meals, providing better nutrition and faster recovery. Koovit added, "Protein can be obtained from vegan food in concentrated form."
This weekend, the annual Veganmess food festival will take place in Tallinn.