Plant Versus Meat-Based Diets: “The Game Changers” Movie Review from Odyssey Open Water Swimming

What helps you become the best version of yourself? When swimming, working, or doing any physical activity, what helps you be your best? Athletes and those trying to perform at a high-level rely on their diet to give them the strength and energy to give their best. As we’ve seen throughout the years, assumptions that have lasted for decades or even centuries are often wrong, including those surrounding what we eat, drink, and physical activities.

Several members of the Odyssey Open Water Swimming team, both meat-eaters and those who rely on plant-based diets, watched The Game Changers -- a documentary exploring meat versus plant-based diets, and looking at outdated ideas on nutrition and the thought that meat protein sustains energy. 

The Game Changers 

The Game Changers is a 2018 documentary that explores the truth about meat, protein, and strength. The film highlights soldiers, athletes, and scientists who are trying to change the way people eat. From fighters to ultramarathoners, the film showcases stories of athletes who were able to recover from injuries and improve their performance, even when in the later years of their careers. 

The movie focused on the journey of former mixed martial artist James Wilkes, who suffered an injury shortly after winning Spike TV's The Ultimate Fighter. During his long recovery, he spent thousands of hours researching and learning about recovery. James concentrated on how the Romans trained for and recovered from battle. This information led him to dive deep into plant-based diets. 

James was also dealing with his father working to recover from a heart attack and prevent future attacks. The film featured many cameo appearances from athletes, and has a star-studded list of producers that include Jackie Chan and Arnold Schwarzenegger. 

The Game Changers calls animals “the middlemen for protein consumption,” since the protein they consume is what helps them provide protein to meat-eaters. Animals consume around six times the amount of protein they provide according to the film. By going directly to the source, you can avoid the downsides of consuming meat, which range from environmental impact to an increased risk of disease. 

“When I stopped eating meat, I got stronger and bigger.” -- Patrik Baboumian

Strength athletes found themselves lifting more than ever before after switching to a plant-based diet, including German strongman Patrik Baboumain. Plant-based diets have become popular in various sports. Martial arts fighter Nate Diaz scored a massive upset of Conor McGregor, which he attributed in part to his meat-free diet while his opponent stated that it was a mistake to eat multiple steaks a day leading up to the fight.  

As part of the film, several experiments were carried out, including testing the blood of NFL football players after eating meat with vegetables and just vegetables. There was a visible difference in their blood. Another study, which was not scientifically validated, included monitoring the size and frequency of men’s erections while they sleep when eating meat versus when adhering to a plant-based diet. 

The film crew also visited New York firefighters to introduce them to the benefits of a plant-based diet. A staggering 67% of firefighters that die in the line of duty die because of heart attacks. Several of the first responders were able to drop from 6-12 pounds and 100 cholesterol points in just a week of switching to a plant-based diet.  

The shift away from meat-based diets, explained in the film, would also have a tremendous positive impact on the world in addition to helping individuals decrease their chances of suffering from a wide range of diseases. 

Our Thoughts on The Game Changers 

The Game Changers is an educational and entertaining look into the benefits that athletes gain from plant-based diets and potential dangers of consuming meat. The documentary was well shot and helpful, but did not introduce or interview many opponents of plant-based diets. The information presented was one-sided and created to lead the viewer to the conclusion that eating meat is harmful and all plant-based diets are beneficial. 

Regardless of your current approach to your diet, we think it’s worth the watch. Watch The Game Changers here on Netflix. 

Have thoughts on The Game Changers and plant-based diets? Feel free to share with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. We will be continuing this discussion in a separate article that will look at the responses to claims made in The Game Changers and similar research. 

Note: We are not doctors or scientists, and your diet is your choice. Consult with your doctor before making drastic changes to your diet.