Find your athletic edge: Brendan Brazier at TEDxFremont

www.tedxfremont.com Former Ironman Brendan Brazier believes that excellent nutrition is the key factor in building and maintaining a highly competitive athletic edge. Brazier is a performance nutrition consultant, author of the popular Thrive series and formulator of the award-winning line of Vega nutritional products.
www.brendanbrazier.com
About TEDx, x = independently organized event
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@mchl41rdfrd]

I find it pretty funny how people are saying this guy is unhealthy and what he's saying is not backed by science... This guy participated in IRONMAN triathlons for a living. He dedicated his life to health and he's living proof his system works. He's almost 40 in this video and looks phenomenal. Science my ass this guy is living proof of the benefits of a plantbased diet..

[@leomoe433]

Bro, that is not how this works. People have won 100-milers on pizza-bingeing. It’s even a famous valid strategy. Still, it is probably not optimal (I do believe in plant-based, this is just not proof)

[@mahlawat12]

Philo Logos u met him? Personally?

[@bon12121]

@Sam Callan Scrutinizing outliers can offer non-trivial information. Ignoring them is willful ignorance.

[@ZINGERS-gt6pc]

@Sam Callan Read his first book, The Thrive Diet. Published in the early 2000's, this thing is backed up and supported by actual research of which he sites. In all his books, he will have sources in which you can read up on the facts displayed. I do completely agree with your statement in that anecdote is not a good argument, however. If anyone doubts the information this guy expresses, read up on plant-based, whole food, nutrition. If done right, assuming you hit all of your nutritional needs, you can not only sustain, but thrive on a plant-based diet.

[@rocbola]

What this man says is true. I picked up over 5 MPH on my cycling top speed in only 3 weeks after switching to a plant based diet, heavy on raw fruit and greens.

[@brucegray6887]

I'm an Australian who has lived and worked in the USA for several extended periods since 1982. In my earlier years there, I was always very surprised how little fibrous carbohydrates the majority of Americans eat. I was brought up to have a minimum 4 cups of vege/salad with each meal eaten at home. That's a lot of fiber and micronutrients. These days, I fill a 1 liter (4 cups) tupperware container with salad and a little fruit for lunch, and might have 1-2 cups of legumes/starch with it. Sadly, over the last 30 years, I've noted Australians following the same trend as Americans of eating less salad/vege/fruit, in preference of processed foods primarily starch, fat, and protein. When it is understood that all non fibrous carb foods have higher energy density, look no further for the cause of the obesity epidemic.

[@danas1299]

To the people saying he is skinny and not athlete I just googled him out, he is a legit top athlete.

[@TheBoonWorld]

+DanaS Sort of.

[@SokTamo]

Doping free 100% natural...

[@philologos1502]

Brendan Brazier is a former Professional athlete who won the Iron Man competitions at least three times. He is a PURE VEGAN athlete. He goes around the world speaking on topics like reducing our carbon footprint and good nutrition. He was invited to speak before the US Congress about reducing greenhouse gases and our carbon footprint. He is Canadian-Australian.

[@saravanansevanan]

Thank you so much Brendan Brazier, it was very helpful......

[@kronier]

This is by far the best TED talk I've ever seen.

[@DerekScottOHara]

From my own personal experience, I agree 100%! Change into a plant-based diet changed my life.

[@justingayle7299]

He doesn't out right say veganism but he describes the benefits of a vegan/ raw vegan diet. Which can also be described as a "plant based diet". I find this interesting because there does seem to be a stigma around the word vegan, especially for non-vegetarian or non-vegan people. Yet the science, as he describes, that the way to optimal health is through a plant based diet vegetarian/ vegan diet.

[@justingayle7299]

By the way I use his products, VEGA. And I really like it. It's a great supplement.

[@TheMaloo424]

he doesnt call it vegan because theres a slight difference, veganism brings the whole philosophy and ethics into the equation the die itself is plant based, its to prevent misunderstandings like eating chips and toast all day, vegan but not really healthy

[@backfru]

+Justin Gayle sure, plant based is cool. i love plants and BASE my diet on them, then I heap on some animal proteins too. works like a charm

[@sharozjawed3502]

Justin Gayle most herbivores are born with a special stomach which helps in digesting and processing vegan food. But humans do not just like many other animals. Which means humans are primarily carnivores and were evolved as one.

[@tislife5911]

I just want to point out that plant based diet does not mean raw or vegan. Mediterranean diet is considered plant based. People in the blue zones are plant based but either still eat meat, are vegetarian, or are vegan. Also, there are benefits you get in eating cooked that you don't get in raw and vice versa. In his case he does say that he's 100% plant based which means exactly what it means. But people can still eat meat, or be vegetarian and still have "plant based" diet.

[@medlevinger]

On my way to Ironman, good thing people like Brendan Brazier spread their knowledge.

[@alkalineperformance6421]

This is so spot-on! I've just recently experimented with a fruitarian diet during the week and vegetarian on the weekends and my recovery is through the roof.

[@ciminsblog350]

I like it so much. The way of his thoughts is strictly and direct. I read about this at the moment and I think he is so right...

[@WCooks]

The

[@highheartwellness]

Excellent talk Brendan! Met Brendan a bunch of times through our nutrition network - he's a stand-up guy, full of knowledge and practices what he shares.

[@seriousstrength]

The China Study is an observational survey - not a controlled study. Hypotheses can be drawn from ob studies and then you perform controlled research to see if your hypotheses stand up. The controlled research, which I have posted here many times indicate that high fat, low carb diets are superior to low fat, high carb diets for improving health and metabolic syndrome as well as cancers. Post a controlled study that shows the opposite. Should be easy for you if you're right.

[@julianchosun]

Great to finally see and hear Brendan addressing the TEDster crowd. Exactly 18 minutes of exact fact on how to eat right. Nicely done!

[@phiceleste7508]

Amazing! thank you im vegan and i feel reeeeaallly good!! trying to incorporate more exercise and expand my performance to a new level! great video! truly inspirational

[@hadarliv]

Yoga tx cole full body

[@seriousstrength]

Well my book has been out for 10 years, sold 100,000 copies, translated into 3 languages and thus far all I've gotten is praise and fame.

[@feizalmoolla1946]

KZbin systematically developing my athleticism

[@seriousstrength]

According to the DRIs page 275: "The lower limit of dietary carbohydrate compatible with life apparently is zero, provided that adequate amounts of protein and fat are consumed. There are traditional populations that ingested a high fat, high protein diet containing only a minimal amount of carbohydrate for extended periods of time (Masai) and in some cases for a lifetime after infancy (Alaska Greenland Natives, Inuits, Pampas). There was no apparent effect on health or longevity."

[@terrancemartyr7701]

I love knowledge

[@bloogawhle1988]

Great talk! I know Brendan has been a strong advocate for vegan diets in the past, but at no point in this presentation does he say to strictly consume ONLY plant foods. I never noticed that before... I love that more and more information is becoming available to the masses. Athletes like Novak Djokovic in tennis (went gluten free), and Arian Foster in the NFL (went vegan) have changed their diets and had PROFOUND performance improvements in subsequent seasons. Nutrition is so important!

[@onimushax99]

did i just hear training 35-40 hrs a wk?!

[@ivanvano13]

For a triathlete that's not crazy. Especially an ironman triathlete.

[@daikayll1897]

I'm 56 and spend 20 hours minimum for my amateur tennis game ! Stop counting miles , calories , protein intake , sugars etc. And get out there till you spew up. Then eat healthy , water rest then work on technique. Repeat then work till you spew and so on. Simple. Push YOURSELF HARDER IN TRAINING. SIMPLES !!

[@patrickdarisse5360]

thoughtful, evidence based and tested.... thanks for the insight!

[@jschultzf3]

I'm definitely a meat lover, and I have no desire to stop that anytime soon. But, I have a lot of respect for this guy and his achievements on the "field"...Ironmans are no joke!

[@thewelchexp]

Fantastic! To the point & informative with simple examples. Love the ROI reference.

[@WKraftsow]

Brendan, great presentation and information!

[@organicsuperman]

Brendan's book THRIVE is superb.

[@natures4us]

One of the best You Tube vids online!

[@kan249]

Great talk!

[@11Sirawesome]

well do whatever you want. i dont have the power to make you do anything. just giving my advice. but live your life to where your happy.

[@stevenhenson]

ME TOO I RAN EVERYDAY IN THE MORNING 1 HOUR I NEVER KNEW WHY IT MADE ME FEEL SO GOOD TILL YEARS LATTER WHEN YOU RUN YOU RELEASE YOUR ANDORFENS ON LOWER LEGS ITS THE FEEL GOOD DRIG YOU HAVE IN YOU NOW THAT I RAN ON STREETS AND SIDWALKS MY KNEE CAPS ARE TORE UP FULL OF PAIN WOW TO BAD FOR ME

[@organicsuperman]

I really like Brendan's line of VEGA sports products. I'm trying out the gels at the moment.

[@browntroy101]

Bravo ...very helpful! Thanks!

[@pomaslu]

He is an professional athlete. Go read his biography. Next time before you trash someones reputation just because you lazy to check basic facts better off think twice before making stupid remarks.

[@browntroy101]

I love this guy, Brendan.

[@Constantinului]

Excellent and high value info ! Well done Brendan !

[@morgained4]

He actually does mention a plant based diet several times, and a 100% plant based diet at least once or twice. But yeah, what we put into our bodies is very important.

[@8rochefort]

It's only common sense to see that natural food is best for athletic performance. It doesn't matter who this guy is if it makes sense! And it totally does! People don't like this because it takes hard work and discipline at first. People are lazy and most of all closed minded haters who will never know how it feels to thrive on a healthy diet.

[@JOHNATR]

Thanks I learn something today

[@alegarceau12]

Amazing presentation. Thank you!!! :)

[@tiborkokeny9563]

It's just great! I read his book on Thrive Diet and utilized it for myself and some athletes I work with. They feel and perform better and even loose weight when necessary. In my own case I feel no urge for chocolate and cheese etc.

[@erko78]

Too bad it didn't help with your spelling of loose and lose.

[@tharun960]

Some great points there. He's right when he says most people are eating too many high calorie density foods (meat, dairy, oils) and too little nutrient dense foods (let's add in processed food here).. Swap this out for low calorie density, high nutrient density food (fruit, veg, grains, legumes) and maybe some nuts.. You can eat more low calorie dense, high nutrient dense foods and still lose extra weight or get fitter/healthier. This organisation walks through the research studies in their videos. Check this out! nutritionfacts.org/video/nutrient-dense-approach-to-weight-management/ nutritionfacts.org/video/eating-more-to-weigh-less/ Plant based nutrition ftw.

[@maja8453]

I love this, he is so right!

[@XxZuluBeastxX]

theres a reason the best athletes on the planet have been of African descent. everyone is different, so different people are better at different things, it all depends on how you work with what God gives you.

[@bigd0102294]

Plant based Alkaline forming Whole foods!

[@JBC814]

Alkalinity and starch-based foods (together with high protein) must be emphasized in order to keep a competitive edge in the field of sports.

[@daikayll1897]

Brilliant , thanks

[@FitplanApp]

Phenomenal advice! Thank you Brendon.

[@SataRupaTara]

I wish Ted videos would be captioned ( properly captioned not the horrible google beta program)

[@seriousstrength]

As far as I know, TV puts about 10 pounds on a person. I am 5'10 and weigh 170. I have a 32 inch waist and a 44 inch chest with 16 inch arms. That ain't fat. That's called being jacked.

[@tainted4568]

or give a list of some example foods to eat

[@Phil_548]

read Michael Pollen's In Defense of Food

[@LiviaJapan]

I'm in love with this man. He is so handsome 😍

[@EFsuffolks]

Sounds close to the paleo/primal diets. Veggies, meat, eggs, some fruit, nuts, seeds, no grains, no soy

[@VICTORIAMAKESYOULAUGH]

EXCELLENT TO THE TENTH DEGREE! This needs to be taught in schools all over the world. Well done and well thought out. I have been gobbling up this information for over a decade now, which lead my husband and I to put on the biggest Fruit Festival known to man called The WOODSTOCK FRUIT FESTIVAL! Join us and meet like minded people! Check out my husband known as The Fruitarian and track him winning ultra marathons back to back eating a fruit based diet!

[@JCginja]

Fred, you are very lacking in knowledge, both scientific and knowledge based. This talk is very educational and informative. As a long time athlete, I have both used and taught these ways of eating with very high success.

[@seriousstrength]

Post the research.

[@seriousstrength]

Right. And that's fine since his body must become very thin and almost emaciated to excel at his endurance events. But to say he has a nice physique is silly.

[@lewiscarlan4740]

That was amazing!!!

[@temu88]

OK Fred, you asked for it. Wasn't going to embarrass you too much, but...For those interested, read his exact words on Huffington Post. Google...Fred Hahn,The Fallacy of the Balanced Diet. And you'll read that he said, "We need fat. We need protein. We do not need carbohydrate, at all". When questioned if we didn't need any veggies at all, you said oh yes, we do need veggies for good health. So, meat = no carbs at all, veggies = carbs. See how you are conflicting your own words? Don't try me.

[@TheSailorsPaw]

He is RIGHT

[@seriousstrength]

Post a controlled study that shows that a high fat, low carb diet (

[@seriousstrength]

Explain why my arguments are weak. Be specific. Rather than make blanket, empty statements, say something of substance.

[@Sabadikulforever7273]

Amazing Thank you 💪🏼🌺🌈

[@DaveJay9000]

He's an endurance athlete.

[@KevinBoylanveg]

Only watch this if you are willing to be inspired by someone who walks the talk.

[@seriousstrength]

We don't need fruits or vegetables IF IF IF we eat the entire aminal like the Inuit did. But we don't. So for us Americans, we should include plant matter with animal matter sans grains.

[@2danmor]

[citation needed]

[@seriousstrength]

Yes they ate some plants sometimes. But 95% of their diet was animal matter.

[@nonipunked]

@Erin Hightower didn't hear Brendan mention meat or eggs once?? he's completely plant based!

[@seriousstrength]

Agreed. Some of what he says is true, but the overall message is not.

[@kurtisSimms]

It's sad its so expensive, people who need it most cant attend. In the states it's cheaper to eat SAD diet. @ $1K/ticket -100 if u camp. So $900 for labor/adim/product/fees/function and Food. I Dont know the overhead, but if Fruit provided is 30% of ticket then its 33$/day, i satisfy 2K+ calories/day on 8/1/1 on Half that price. 5$ 2K cal's of dates. $20 for 55 Lrg oranges (3.5K cal's) $6/30 bananas. Fruit cost halved saves $120/ticket. a 700$ range ticket will sell better than a $1K any day

[@gyrate4]

I don't do FB. I can see your TV appearance from your page and Brendan's belly doesn't sag over his belt in that manner.

[@seriousstrength]

I have not once maligned a vegan. None of my posts malign anyone. I am stating the facts RE eating meat which is in no way unhealthy. So desist from lying about my posts. YOU are the one who is rude and foul mouthed.

[@reservoircats1]

Excellent!!

[@williamlee3023]

hey guys

[@williamlee3023]

hey

[@seriousstrength]

Sticks and stones...

[@generalgrevious806]

nice!

[@seriousstrength]

Read about me? What does that mean? Read my book? How do I know or you know what she did? I have hundreds of letters from people whose lives I've helped and saved. Who knows what she did. I think you're making up a story and I may have you found and sued if you keep posting this without providing evidence. That is NOT a joke BTW.

[@11Sirawesome]

its not healthy ive seen powerlifters doing it and they feel very lethargic i wouldnt advise it listen to brendan hope this helped

[@mahlawat12]

Where can i buy his book?

[@Irondo11]

Hello, Brendan! How do I get to a TED event???

[@11Sirawesome]

Did you not read my last comment??? I have been around body builders and the like and all that ive seen taking creatine have been bloated alot and tired and fall asleep everywhere. We do produce our own as all animals do but taking getting it from sources other then our own isnt the best way to go about things.

[@tainted4568]

anyone want to make some cliffnotes on this?

[@temu88]

Chench, he actually stated on record..."We don't need fruits or vegetable. Again this is just dogma." and also " We don't need carbohydrates, none". I want to challenge him to see how long he'll live eating NO fruits, veggies, and carbs. This guy's a public health threat. I think he comes on these forum just to sell his book that's on his avatar. Must be desperate.

[@SwissDHD]

Extremely close, the only difference is meat and fish.

[@user-fk8rb8ue5h]

people gain wt because they eat food which is high in calories and tastes very very nice. if not the food industry would go out of business.

[@yesyoucanalways]

What a load of dribble some of these comments are.. If you think he's talking rubbish, why bother to watch it. I can probably guarantee, you've never tried what Brendan is suggesting.

[@seriousstrength]

Show me the evidence to supprt your claim. I just showed you mine.

[@MultiANTI]

you just made me lol bigtime

[@stianchrister]

this is good shit.

[@theresaheyer537]

a calorie is a measure of HEAT all you have to do is keep your thermostat functioning,core temp,avg. 97'??degrees.and if you're in the body you have to at least keep tuned into it....live in the now bagpipes have that bottom line zzzzzzzzzzzzz music of the universe,spheres droning along the highway of life.....think today is good!!!!it's a question of balance' just eat drink and be merry for tomorrow you may die..."some guy wrote"sing dance live a little.

[@temu88]

What lie. She said she followed your advice since she read about you on Huffington Post.

[@PlantBasedCyclist]

7 Bacon-Lovers Watched this movie.

[@NathanBrayTV]

2 Iron man 1st places? Can you link to these wins? I looked but didn't see any wins 8th seems his best result.

[@2014andon]

So he needed 17 minutes to say "eat clean bros"?

[@MD-pl4ww]

You missed the point, he actually said "eat plants bros"

[@seriousstrength]

ALL rubbish? No. I never said ALL of what he is saying is wrong. I am not here to self promote either. I have not once mentioned my work. Do you know what the word malign means? All I have said is the truth. And all supportable in research.

[@temu88]

Fred Hahn almost killed a lady I know with his diet advice.

[@temu88]

So why do you say we need to eat veggies to be healthy? Veggies=carbs. You are confusing even yourself. Inuit and Masai are known to have high rates of osteoporosis and premature aging.

[@lolo93400]

french please 😀

[@lizsanford7089]

I'm in love hardcore