On Saturday, legendary rock climber Alex Honnold completed a history-making climb, becoming the first person to scale Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan without a rope.
He free-soloed El Capitan’s iconic 3,000-foot granite wall in under four hours. According to The New York Times, park guides recommend allotting four days to complete the climb.
But while Honnold is best known for his renowned mountaineering stunts, we’re spotlighting the rock climber for a different reason: his diet. The adventurer has openly discussed his decision to ditch meat, which he made in early 2013.
Today marks 3 months of not eating meat [and trimming back on other animal products]. Feeling about the same as I always have, though I have been climbing/training more than usual. Might be something to it. . .
Posted by Alex Honnold on Monday, March 18, 2013
In 2015, the vegetarian told Bon Appétit that he’s a “transitioning vegan” and is slowly “trending vegan.” His Instagram account is also revealing of his compassionate lifestyle. Between hair-raising photos of his latest ascents, the climber posts snapshots that offer insight into his decision to go vegan.
Last year, before heading to China for a climbing trip, Honnold gave his followers a behind-the-scenes look at what he was packing. Included among heaps of climbing gear was Peter Singer’s Animal Liberation, a PETA favorite.
He even received a heartwarming congratulations from fellow plant-based all-star Jared Leto on Instagram. It seems that vegetarians who climb together stick together.
Most vegan and vegetarian athletes have been asked, at least once in their lives, “But how do you get enough protein?” The truth is, vegan and vegetarian diets can be a winning formula for all types of athletes, and Honnold is living, breathing, ascending proof of this.
Want to be a plant-based badass, just like Honnold?
You’re in luck! Thanks to PETA’s vegan starter kit, going vegan has never been easier. Click below to order your free kit, and click here to order your own copy of Honnold’s pick, Animal Liberation.
