Does Mo Farah follow a plant-based diet?

Since his partnership with popular meat-free food brand Quorn, Sir Mo Farah has become synonymous with vegetarianism. The face of multimillion-pound campaigns to grow the brand’s appeal, including memorable TV ads where he promoted the benefits of eating Quorn as part of an active lifestyle, many have since assumed the four-time Olympic champion follows a plant-based diet. But, is Mo Farah vegan? And what does he eat to fuel his world-beating performances and rigorous training schedule, which consists of around 120 miles per week?

Is Mo vegan?

When we asked the double-double Olympic champion at a press event, he replied: ‘No. When I first did it [the Quorn collaboration], it was just about being able to say anybody can be anything – vegan, vegetarian and still be able to run.’

The most important thing, says Farah, is having a healthy balanced diet which does not eliminate any food group. ‘As an athlete, you have to fuel and you have to fuel well,’ he says. 'I don’t have this crazy diet where I don’t allow myself this and that, I don’t go cutting out carbs and protein. I try and live a balance: good carbs, good protein and, after a hard session, I take a protein shake.’

What is Mo Farah’s diet?

So what sorts of meals would you see Farah tucking into on a typical training day? ‘Before a session, I’d get two rounds of bread – some toast – and maybe a bit of porridge, three hours or maybe less before a long run. Then in the afternoon I’d probably have a tuna sandwich or a chicken sandwich, and then in the evening have a spaghetti Bolognese and a bit of salad – just a combination of carbs and protein.’

And when it comes to who does the cooking at home? ‘My wife [Tania],’ says Farah. ‘I try to help out, and do you know what, I do try my best but she’s good at cooking.’

RW spoke to Sir Mo Farah the launch of HUAWEI's new GT 3 fitness smartwatch, which features GPS and heart rate tracking with up to two weeks claimed battery life. Sir Mo Farah is a HUAWEI ambassador. The watch is available to order now from the Huawei Store.