

#1389 - Chris Kresser Debunks "The Gamechangers" Documentary
Nov 21, 2019
Chris Kresser, a respected leader in ancestral health and Paleo nutrition, joins the conversation to dissect the claims from the controversial film 'The Game Changers.' He explores the persuasive yet misleading narratives around vegan diets for athletes, emphasizing the importance of protein quality. Kresser critiques the historical context of dietary choices, including those of gladiators, and discusses the complexities of meat consumption and environmental sustainability. The episode challenges common myths while advocating for informed, balanced dietary practices.
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Gladiator Diet
- The film claims Roman gladiators ate a plant-based diet based on bone analysis.
- However, scientists argue gladiators ate barley and beans to gain fat for protection, not optimal performance.
Vegan Diet for Athletes
- The film promotes a vegan diet as optimal for athletes, but lacks peer-reviewed evidence.
- Anecdotal evidence is also questionable due to the "vegan honeymoon" effect, where initial improvements fade.
Protein Comparison
- The film compares protein in steak to a peanut butter sandwich, misleadingly equating protein grams.
- Chris Kresser shows a beef serving has 24g of protein, while an equal protein peanut butter sandwich would be huge and calorie-dense.