Diet of champions

As New Year’s resolutions go, the one the Williams sisters undertook was no mean feat. On January 1st 2012, both sisters embarked on a raw diet. Venus’s health had been suffering, causing her to drop out of the U.S. open the year before and after consulting a doctor, it was revealed she was suffering with Sjogren’s Syndrome, a disease that attacks the immune system, which can lead to arthritis and joint pain, not a combination a seven times Grand slam winner wants to live with.

Serena chose to support her sister and they both explored the best way to treat this incurable disease. After much investigation they took a raw approach to tackle the hurdle Venus was facing with her health. They lived a raw lifestyle, eating a diet of unprocessed, raw plant food, nuts and seeds, that builds the immune system, reduces inflammation of joints and improves overall health and vitality.

Many critics are concerned that the girls as athletes will not receive enough protein, through this type of diet, yet, superfoods such as maca and bee pollen are nature’s complete protein, Spirulina contains 12 times more protein than meat, weight for weight and nuts and seeds, especially flax are a great source of protein.

The girls need never worry as to whether they are receiving a balanced diet, this diet is abundant in nutrients. What thrilled me about the news of the sisters changing their diet to improve their health and seeing Serena win that season's Wimbledon final, is that they have become ambassadors for not just athletes around the world but for all people out there wanting to improve their health through diet.

With more celebrities and athletes advocating a diet rich in raw, unprocessed foods, information is becoming more accessible. I am seeing more and more people acknowledge that their health and wellbeing can be moulded by the foods they eat. Remember my motto “Small changes, big difference.” Conscious eating really does achieve great results.

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