Ben Foster Reveals the Challenges of James McClean’s Short-Lived Vegan Experience

Former England goalkeeper Ben Foster recently shared an eye-opening story about his ex-teammate James McClean during an episode of “That Wrexham Podcast.” Both players played together at West Bromwich Albion and later reunited at Wrexham during the 2023 season.

James McClean’s Short-Lived Vegan Experience

Foster discussed McClean’s brief attempt at adopting a vegan lifestyle just before the start of their pre-season training in Austria. This endeavor came right before a notoriously rigorous training regimen under manager Tony Pulis.

Transition to Veganism

McClean chose to transition to a vegan diet only one week before the demanding pre-season workouts began. Foster illustrated the difficulties that McClean encountered during this time, emphasizing how the physically taxing training in the mountainous regions of Austria posed significant challenges.

• McClean began his vegan diet shortly before pre-season.
• The training regimen was known for its intensity.
• McClean faced struggles and nearly collapsed during workouts.

Challenges of Plant-Based Diet in Professional Sports

Foster humorously recounted how McClean, feeling unwell for a couple of days, quickly reverted to a meat-inclusive diet to regain the necessary energy and protein for the demanding practices. This experience underscores the challenges that professional athletes face when making significant dietary changes.

While athletes like Lewis Hamilton and Novak Djokovic have successfully thrived on vegan diets, McClean’s story highlights the potential obstacles that can arise in high-pressure sports environments. Foster’s recollection not only provides entertainment but also serves to illustrate the serious physical demands placed on professional footballers as they navigate their dietary choices during intense training schedules.