It takes a tremendous amount of focus, grit, intelligence, clarity, and energy to become a working actor. After all, the hustle in Hollywood is nonstop: work out in the morning, audition at any number of locations throughout the day, hit class in the evening, work a jobby job at night, and socialize and network after hours. This kind of work ethic demonstrates a level of commitment and energy that most people can’t sustain. Consequently, it would behoove anyone serious about an efficacious experience in the theater arts to take a comprehensive approach to attaining desired results and maximum output. And for many athletes, actors, business gurus, and masters of the universe, diet is key.
In the Netflix documentary Game Changers, James Wilks, former MMA Fighter and self-defense instructor, chronicles his journey from being a meat eater to a vegan with heart-felt introspection and evangelical fervor. And although the doc uses some questionable science at times, Wilks nonetheless makes a rather compelling argument in favor of a “plant-based” diet.
The thesis is simple: Wilks argues a diet based on animal products leads to an assortment of health problems including heart disease, chronic inflammation, loss of libido, thyroid issues, among many other negative health outcomes. Conversely, a plant-based diet, he asserts, leads to much more positive health outcomes including better cardiovascular function, increased libido, less stress, deeper sleep, and improved energy levels. So, it seems your mom was right all along—eat your vegetables!
Game Changers boasts a very impressive roster of producers and consultants, which definitely takes the film up a notch in terms of production value and technical distinction. With heavyweights James Cameron, Jackie Chan, and Arnold Schwarzenegger flexing their Hollywood muscle, and top-tier athletes like Novak Djokovic and Chris Paul lending their athletic prowess and biophysical knowledge, Game Changers is a documentary that is hard to ignore. The varied locations, substantive interviews, slick production value, and exciting music makes for an affecting gestalt of inspirational health cinema.
There appears to be many convincing benefits to a strict plant-based diet, but one should use caution and consult a physician or health practitioner before embarking on the aspirational lifestyle. Indeed, here are a few caveats if you decide to go with a plant-based approach. Firstly, it’s important to understand that just because one is vegan or vegetarian does not make that person automatically healthy. A person can be meat-free and still have a less-than-ideal diet. For instance, there are “junk food vegans” who might skip the produce section of the supermarket and rely too heavily on processed plant-based “burgers” which are often high in saturated fats, consume snacks and desserts high in refined carbs and sugar, as well as frozen meals high in sodium and additives. The goal is to eat “whole foods” that grow naturally in the environment: especially fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Something else to be aware of with a plant-based routine is it’s more challenging to consume sufficient amounts of certain nutrients like vitamins B12, D3, K2 as well as Omega-3 fatty acids; so, supplements are often encouraged.
It’s interesting to note that Cameron is the ambitious founder and CEO of Verdient Foods, an organic pea protein company; indeed, the documentary nudges viewers to consider incorporating processed pea-protein-based food products that “taste like meat” into their diets. For a more critical evaluation of the Game Changers scientfic assertions, read the Tactic review.
Regardless, if you’re an actor or an aspiring actor, making healthy eating choices will certainly empower you as you pursue your dreams.
How about you? Have you tried a plant-based diet? If so, did you notice a significant increase in your energy and overall improvement in your health? Please share!
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