Image Credit: Wise’s Instagram
Deatrich Wise Jr., the towering 6-foot-5, 280-pound defensive end for the New England Patriots, is known for his relentless energy on the field. But behind his explosive performance lies a surprising secret: a 100% vegan diet.
As reported by NBC10 Boston, Wise credits his plant-based lifestyle not only for fueling his physical prowess but also for providing quicker recovery times, better sleep, and fewer injuries—benefits that have helped him excel in the high-stakes world of professional football.
For the past several years, Wise has been diligently refining his diet, prioritizing nutrient-rich, plant-based foods to keep himself energized and strong.
“To get the right nutrients and fill up your body properly with high efficiency, you need a great source of energy, and for me, that’s plants,” he shared with NBC10. Consuming an impressive 5,000 calories a day, his diet is thoughtfully designed to fuel his demanding athletic regimen.
A Day in the Life of a Vegan Athlete
Wise starts his day with a carbohydrate-rich breakfast designed to fuel his morning workouts. A typical meal includes a hearty bowl of oatmeal topped with bananas, peanut butter, and honey*, alongside a fresh fruit platter and a nutrient-packed shake.
Lunch shifts towards a protein-heavy meal, often a Mediterranean, Mexican, or Indian-inspired bowl loaded with chickpeas or beans. Dinner, on the other hand, emphasizes greens like kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, ensuring a well-rounded intake of vitamins and minerals.
Though he supplements with creatine and collagen*, Wise insists that the majority of his nutrients come directly from plant sources. Since adopting a vegan diet in 2018, he has seen remarkable improvements in his athletic performance, attributing his enhanced recovery time, improved sleep, and reduced injury rates to the power of plants.
Snacks and Sustainability
Wise emphasizes the importance of snacking to maintain energy levels and resist cravings for non-vegan foods. His go-to options include sliced mangoes, pineapple, and pistachios, which keep him satisfied throughout the day. He advises anyone curious about a vegan lifestyle to start slowly, incorporating plant-based versions of their favorite meals to ease the transition.
Beyond the Field: A Passion for Accessible Vegan Food
Wise’s commitment to a vegan lifestyle extends beyond his personal diet. He is now part-owner of Veggie Galaxy, a beloved Cambridge diner that offers traditional comfort food with a vegetarian or vegan twist.
The menu, which includes items like vegan pancakes, vegan mozzarella sticks, and “chicken parm” sandwich, reflects Wise’s passion for making plant-based eating accessible and delicious for everyone. “The food is delicious,” he says, inviting skeptics to give it a try.
A Winning Formula
As Wise continues to dominate on the field, his success story serves as inspiration for athletes and non-athletes alike. His experience proves that a vegan diet can offer not just the right nutrition, but also significant advantages in recovery, sleep quality, and injury prevention.
With Wise leading the charge, the notion that plant-based diets are incompatible with intense physical performance is quickly becoming outdated.
So, whether you’re an athlete looking to improve your game or simply exploring healthier lifestyle options, Wise’s journey offers compelling evidence that plants might just be the secret ingredient to success.
*Note: While Deatrich Wise Jr. follows a predominantly vegan diet, it’s worth noting that honey and collagen, mentioned in his regimen, are not typically considered vegan. The specific sources of these items were not detailed in the report.
