Reddit mentions of Thrive Energy Cookbook: 150 Plant-Based Whole Food Recipes

Absolutely! Watch some of Chris Califano's videos:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TwXHsSE5Vg
  
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-HjescrTWA
  
  Read a few of his articles on efficient exercise:
  
  
• http://www.thefirstsupper.com/efficientexercise.html
  
• http://www.thefirstsupper.com/srengthshapemuscle.html
  
• http://www.thefirstsupper.com/thebestweighblog.php?s=bulked-up-vs-genuine-muscle
  
• https://rawlivingproof.wordpress.com/
  
  I'm also a huge fan of Brendan Brazier, tri-athlete & author of the fabulous Thrive Diet recipe book:
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Thrive-10th-Anniversary-Plant-Based-Staying/dp/0738219517
  
  Check out his TEDx Talk:
  
  
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jqpjap8rewo
  
  I've done vegetarian, vegan, raw vegan, and fruitarian dietary projects. I tried out Brendan's meal plan probably a decade ago or so when his book first came out & got really fantastic results from it...tons of energy & ridiculously fast recovery times. His updated book has a 12-week meal plan that includes raw food options for 125 recipes (he also has a separate book with 150 recipes). I will say two things:
  
  

1. You'll be amazed at how expensive it can get
   
2. For not actually cooking anything, you'll also be amazed at how much time raw-vegan meal-prep consumes (not to mention how often you'll have to go shopping!)
   
   Also be warned that depending on what you're currently eating right now, your GI tract may take a few weeks to adjust to the new diet. If you're really interested in trying out a raw vegan diet with a focus on bodybuilding, I'd suggest picking up the Thrive Diet book & trying out the 12-week meal plan it it & also reading through all of Chris' articles on his website to get started.

If you don't know who Brendan Brazier is, he is definitely someone worth getting to know for resources on these things. I recommend this book as a good place to start.

One thing I will point out is that you mention that you come from a running background. I believe you will have to substantially up your daily caloric intake once you start to incorporate swimming into your regimen.

Hey! I know you didn't message back but I was just looking at cookbooks to buy for this next year (this is my next 'get my shit together' year and hopefully it works this time!) and I saw one for vegan athletes by a professional Ironman triathlete and it made me think of you so I thought I'd send you a link:

• His guide
  
• His first cookbook
  
• His second cookbook
  
  I just wanted to let you know there are vegan options for you that fit with your lifestyle, whatever it is, and it would mean a lot for me if you could help me find the perfect resource for you so you can try to make a change. Thanks for reading :)

Have you read any of the Thrive Books?
http://www.amazon.com/Thrive-Nutrition-Optimal-Performance-Sports/dp/0738212547/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1409777153&sr=1-2&keywords=thrive

Or

http://www.amazon.com/Thrive-Energy-Cookbook-Plant-Based-Recipes/dp/0738217409/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1409777153&sr=1-4&keywords=thrive

Super helpful for vegan athletes!