Is 80/10/10 the Key to Health and Athletic Performance?

The 80/10/10 Diet, an eating program devised by Dr. Douglas Graham, is gaining popularity among a number of notable athletes.

This low fat, vegan diet derives its name from its calorie breakdown. Graham recommends consuming 80 percent of total calories from carbohydrates, 10 percent from fat, and 10 percent from protein. All from whole, fresh, uncooked plant foods such as fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds.

Although the plan is designed to optimize health and wellbeing for anyone, Graham noted that 80/10/10 is particularly well-suited for athletes, as it optimizes one’s ability to “uptake, transport and deliver oxygen to the cells,” and thus improves sports performance.

The U.K. Daily Mail recently reported that tennis star Martina Navratilova, NBA star Ronnie Grandison, professional bowler Bruce Hamilton, and elite marathon runner Michael Arnstein have adopted the diet.

Although Graham discusses protein, sugar, carbohydrates, and other potential concerns in the book, many people remain skeptical about the healthfulness and sheer feasibility of this diet. The sample menu plans in the back of the book include lunches like “2 lbs. bananas” and three-course dinners comprised of a pound of leafy greens mixed with various fruits, bell peppers, and the occasional nut or seed.

But testimonials for 80/10/10 abound, and many who have tried the lifestyle swear by it. Have you tried it? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below! If not, would you try it? Tell us what you think!