As snooker players Ronnie O'Sullivan and Neil Robertson extol the virtues of the plant-based diet at the Masters, we explain the pros and cons of the leafy regime

You might not know that it is in fact 'Veganuary' this month. You might however have cottoned on if you had been watching the Masters, because the plant-based diet has two new poster boys by way of Ronnie O'Sullivan and Neil Robertson.

Yes, that's right; snooker is turning its back on burgers and beer, because veganism is in for 2015, thanks to snooker champions O'Sullivan and Robertson, who by the way join fellow player Peter Edbon in the meat-free corner, himself already a long-standing vegan.

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O'Sullivan thanked his plant-based diet during this week's Masters for his new-found focus, health and energy, but if you didn't listen in, then allow us to redirect to you the Veganuary website. Not only will you find a list of reasons why you too should go plant-based, you'll also see a list of like-minded athletes and sports stars who swear by their meat-free diets for their sporting prowess. "Muscles I didn't even know I had popped out. I was eating more, losing weight, and gaining muscle - all on a vegan diet," reveals American ultramarathon runner Scott Jurek. We're reminded too that track and field athlete, and nine times Olympic medallist, Carl Lewis also recorded his best ever race time after going vegan.

"There's plenty of research into how a vegan diet can improve overall performance and function, particularly your neurotransmitter functions which would help boost mental focus and concentration, both of course essential for snooker players. Plus, there are studies around those extra dietary omegas, found in seeds and dark leafy veg, that also aid with enzymatic conversions, i.e. food conversion in the body," says nutritionist Eve Kalinik, who herself works regularly with companies to improve their employees health and performance through diet.

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"On the flipside too, what a vegan might actively cut out from their diet could help with performance, particularly if you have a slight sensitivity to dairy say," explains Kalinik. "Though you do have to keep in mind that nutrition is so individual - what works for one person may not be true for another."

Which brings us on the big caveat with veganism - in cutting out meat and dairy, you are at risk of cutting out large food groups, essential for good healthy. As Lewis explained, "keep in mind that eating vegan does require a commitment to being good to your body." "Quite right," adds Kalinik. "Veganism is probably one of the most healthy diets you can eat - provided you do it properly." O'Sullivan, as well as Edbon and Lewis, no doubt had expert guidance in getting meat and dairy-free health right, because essentially you will need a nutritionist.

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Original post:
Why the snooker world has gone vegan-loopy