Former NBA champion John Salley’s nickname during his playing days was “The Spider.” Considering all spiders thirst for blood, you’d think the television host’s diet would consist of loads of meat and dairy, but, much to the surprise of many, John is a strict vegan.

Giving up meat for good five years ago after working with PETA for an event, the 6’11 Basketball Wives reunion host now shares the wonders of his new lifestyle with anyone who will listen. Recently, Salley sat down with the Los Angeles Times to discuss his diet and what he thought his life would have been like if he had found veganism during his playing days.

“If I had a vegan lifestyle when I was playing, I would still be playing,” the 48-year-old, who retired in 2000, told the site. “I’m just rebuilding my body now from all the wear and tear.”

The former co-host of the now-defunct The Best Damn Sports Show (damn, I miss that hour of sports-talk mayhem) apparently still workouts rigorously since he claims that he consumes 4000-5000 calories per day.

“In the morning, I eat organic grits … and I have ginger tea with coconut oil. I eat a lot of kale, and I drink about half a gallon to a gallon of water a day. At night, I’ll make pizza with almond cheese and different vegetables and seasonings; I put turmeric on everything.”

John has clearly taken a liking to the vegan options that are abundant in Southern California. In addition to grubbing, John went to Congress to lobby for the inclusion of more vegetables (not just tomato paste) and fruit options in school lunch programs.

With his advocation and indulgence, John Salley has definitely taken the lead by example for men of color who think plant-based lifestyles are unsustainable and emasculating. Check out this video I found on EcoRazzi, where John and Rachael Ray prepare a guacamole dish.

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3 Comments

  1. I recently began a Vegan and I totally agree with John Salley. Changing my lifestyle to Vegan was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. I did a lot of research before changing my lifestyle and it works totally and I eat much more, feel much better. I did it to prevent health issues that run rampant in my family, and losing so far 25 lbs in 2 1/2 months is the suprise! You may not want to totally give up meat however, eat less of it, eat more veggies, fruits, grains and legumes you won’t even miss the meat:)

  2. i’ve done lots of research and i’ve decided not to give up meat completely BUT the crux of my diet is fruits and vegetables and it’s really true that you eventually don’t miss meat very much after awhile.

    ““In the morning, I eat organic grits … and I have ginger tea with coconut oil. I eat a lot of kale, and I drink about half a gallon to a gallon of water a day. At night, I’ll make pizza with almond cheese and different vegetables and seasonings; I put turmeric on everything.”

    this all sounds yummy, especially the pizza and I am personally OBSESSED with kale. My fridge and plate feels so empty without it. I love my greens…

  3. I’ve changed my diet as well. I am not vegan, but I do incorporate vegan meals into my diet and I must say I feel a lot better!

    And almond cheese? Didn’t know they had it. I want to try some.

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