#51: Does a Plant-Based Diet Improve Athletic Performance?(NBA All-Star Nutritionist Julia Furlipa)

🧠Start healing today with our #sponsor BetterHelp and get 10% off your first month by going to:https://www.betterhelp.com/ichoosehealthCan you be plant-based without becoming nutrient deficient? Can plant-based athletes really perform at a high level? In this episode, NBA All-Star nutritionist + body transformation coach Julia Furlipa breaks down what “doing plant-based correctly” actually looks like—especially for performance, recovery, fiber, and energy.We also dig into inflammation, the pH/alkaline conversation, why many people feel worse when they switch too fast, and how stress can sabotage even the “cleanest” nutrition plan.🎙️ Guest: Julia Furlipa (NutriFit Julia)• Plant-forward performance nutrition (80–90% plant-based approach)• Author: The 7+ Lifestyle (pH-focused, whole-person health)• Free fiber guide + newsletter available on her platforms========================CHAPTERS 02:43 Welcome + guest intro (NBA All-Star nutritionist Julia Furlipa)03:41 Julia’s origin story: why she became a nutritionist04:37 Family cancer experiences + “fiber” moment that changed everything06:12 Research mindset + building evidence-based nutrition knowledge08:15 Plant-based journey + certifications/workshops (Cornell, seminars, Dr. Greger)10:22 Why she didn’t choose the RD route + continuing education12:35 Becoming an NBA All-Star nutritionist (80–90% plant-based approach)13:04 Plant-based performance + recovery + common misconceptions14:51 Plant medicine / herbs talk (soursop, moringa, etc.)16:53 Behavior change problem + “microwave society” + GLP-1 clients needing guidance18:35 Plant-based performance nutrition: everyday vs elite athletes19:58 “You have to eat” + under-eating + calories for performance21:27 Tracking approach + fiber-first + easing into higher fiber23:46 Elite athlete fueling: carbs, timing, small meals, hydration/electrolytes26:18 Alkaline vs acidic: Julia’s 7+ Lifestyle framework29:08 What to cut first for inflammation (and why)31:47 Anti-inflammatory supports: amla, turmeric + black pepper, water, movement34:10 Stress, rest, and lifestyle choices that impact health35:04 NBA client buy-in + family response to plant-forward plan37:07 Chef collaboration + practical swaps (nutritional yeast, etc.)38:13 Julia’s book + free fiber guide + newsletter + Academy preview40:10 Coaching offers + transformation program overview========================🔗 Connect with Julia ForlipaFollow Julia for plant-based performance nutrition, fiber education, and whole-body health insights:📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nutrifitjulia/🎵 TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@nutrifitjulia📘 Book – The 7+ Lifestyle(Plant-forward nutrition, inflammation reduction, and pH-focused living)https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CR5KQM2R🥦 FREE Fiber Guide + Health Tips (Opt-In)Learn how to increase fiber safely and sustainablyhttps://www.bestlifebyyou.com/opt-in💪 Work With Julia (Coaching & Body Transformation Programs)Nutrition strategy, performance fueling, and 1:1 coachinghttps://www.bestlifebyyou.com/workwithme🎧 Best Life By You PodcastConversations on nutrition, mindset, performance, and whole-person healthhttps://open.spotify.com/show/0Horu0fe1v0bkRJIlBgvUoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bestlifebyyou🔔 Subscribe & Connect with I Choose Health:🎥 YouTube Podcast Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@IChooseHealthPodcast 💪 Fitness Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mindcorefitness1 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ichoosehealthpodcast/🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ichoosehealthpodcast🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://anchor.fm/mindcore-fitness🛍️ Shop Merch: https://bit.ly/45Xd3r0#plantbasednutrition #vegan #athlete #eatlikeanathlete