SWAP-MEAT With Athletes for MC-URC: Three Diets on Athletic Performance

The SWAP-MEAT study compared the impact of consuming diets containing animal meat (primarily beef and pork) vs. plant-based alternative meats (Beyond Meat products) on health risk factors, cardiometabolic risk factors, and the gut microbiome in generally healthy adults. The SWAP-MEAT Athlete pilot study explored the impact of these diets on athletic performance instead of health biomarkers and cardiovascular disease.

The purpose of this study is to replicate the pilot study with the exception of using undergraduate students who have access to Stanford dining halls, rather than graduate students who have to buy and prepare their own food. It will be a 2x4-6 week randomized crossover trial that contains two arms: animal meat and plant-based alternative meat. Generally healthy recreational athletes will be recruited and complete athletic performance field tests at the end of each diet in order to assess athletic performance outcomes. From the SWAP-MEAT: Athlete pilot study, the investigators can attest to the feasibility of the trial and have justification for conducting this larger study.

This study will aim to focus on BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) undergraduate students. By doing so, the investigators can gain a better understanding of the potential barriers and challenges to their adoption in diverse populations, for example, understanding of how cultural differences influence dietary choices and preconceptions about plant-based diets and animal protein alternatives. This study aims to address these limitations and provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of plant-based diets for recreational athletes, as well as potential barriers and challenges to their adoption in diverse populations.

Inclusion criteria

• Generally healthy omnivorous adults between 18 and 35 years of age who report typically consuming at least 1 serving of meat per day and are willing to consume ~2 servings per day of animal meat, plant-based meat alternatives, and whole-food plant proteins.
• Participants will have been consistent recreational runners or weightlifters (3-4 times per week) for at least the prior 1 year, and currently run or lift 3-4 times per week.
• Runners will engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. All participants will have habitually consumed an omnivorous diet for at least months.
• Participants will have self-reported good health and BMI 18.5-30.0.
• Participants must be able to commit to running or resistance training at least 3-4 times per week for the duration of the study.
• Participants will be on a Stanford meal plan which allows them access to the nine dining halls on the Stanford campus.

Exclusion criteria

• Individuals who have participated in any restrictive diet within the last month, have any known nutrient intolerances, have orthopedic limitations, are participating in any other physical activity or diet study;
• Individuals consuming any performance-enhancing drugs or medications known to interfere with athletic performance;
• Individuals who have a chronic disease or eating disorder, are currently pregnant or intend to become pregnant in the next three months, or have an intent to compete in any physical activity competition within the next 3 months.