Lewis Hamilton is widely regarded as one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time, having claimed seven world championships over the course of his career. But beyond the race track, the British driver has increasingly made headlines for his commitment to a plant-based lifestyle. He has been openly vocal about veganism for years, investing in plant-based food brands and speaking up for animal rights at every opportunity. His transformation off the grid is just as remarkable as his achievements on it, and he recently gave fans a closer look at exactly what fuels his day, as reported by EatingWell.
When it comes to mornings, Hamilton is deliberate and consistent. He shared that keeping a steady routine is essential to setting the right tone for the rest of his day. “I wake up, drink water, stretch a bit and take a moment to get my head straight,” he explained. Only after that mental and physical reset does he sit down for breakfast. He tends to keep the first meal simple and protein-focused, usually reaching for oatmeal or a smoothie to get things going.
Protein intake is a priority for Hamilton given the physical demands of his sport and his plant-based diet. He was asked about his go-to high-protein meal, and his answer was specific and enthusiastic. “My favorite is a poke bowl with marinated tofu, quinoa, and toppings like chickpeas or edamame,” he said. For Hamilton, eating well is not about restriction but about finding the right equilibrium. “The key is balance. It supports the way I train, how I feel, and how I function every day,” he noted.
His decision to cut alcohol out of his life was rooted in the same performance-driven mindset. Hamilton has always appreciated a good tequila, but the rigors of professional racing made indulging in it largely impractical. “I always loved tequila, but because of training and a packed schedule I would usually skip it,” he explained. Rather than simply going without, he decided to channel that love into something new and launched his own non-alcoholic agave-based drink as an alternative to traditional tequila.
The motivation behind the product came from a genuine gap in the market, at least from his perspective. He looked around and could not find anything that truly satisfied what he was after. “There are great non-alcoholic options, but I never found a tequila that actually tastes like the real thing. So I started exploring what an agave-based non-alcoholic drink that’s truly convincing could look like,” he said. His commitment to a healthier lifestyle has fundamentally shifted how he relates to alcohol, though he emphasized that social life remains important to him and he still enjoys being around people.
Hamilton’s journey toward veganism began around 2017, when he publicly announced he had adopted a plant-based diet after watching documentaries about the impact of animal agriculture on the environment and animal welfare. Since then, he has become one of the most prominent celebrity advocates for veganism in the world of sports, using his platform to encourage fans and fellow athletes to reconsider their dietary choices. He has invested in plant-based food ventures and partnered with organizations promoting sustainable eating habits, making his lifestyle choices not just personal but also a form of activism.
From a nutritional standpoint, a well-planned vegan diet can meet all the needs of elite athletes, though it requires careful attention to key nutrients such as protein, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc. Foods like tofu, legumes, quinoa, seeds, and fortified plant milks are commonly used to fill these gaps. Quinoa, which Hamilton specifically mentioned as part of his favorite poke bowl, is particularly valued in vegan athletic nutrition because it is one of the few plant foods that contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source. Edamame and chickpeas also provide substantial amounts of protein and fiber, making them excellent building blocks for a performance-focused diet.
The rise of non-alcoholic spirits is also worth noting as a broader cultural trend. The global market for alcohol-free and low-alcohol beverages has grown significantly in recent years, driven by health-conscious consumers looking to cut back on alcohol without giving up the social rituals associated with drinking. Agave-based spirits in particular have become a popular target for non-alcoholic innovation, with several brands working to replicate the complex flavor profiles of tequila and mezcal without the ethanol. Hamilton’s venture taps directly into this growing demand and aligns with his broader wellness philosophy.
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