Climber proves meat lovers quite wrong

The Constantia Waldorf scholar , 18, has been a strict vegetarian since birth.

“The six-month project was the perfect incentive to embark on the physical and mental preparation required to achieve such an ambitious goal,” she says.

This preparation kicked off a year ago with 2km runs up very steep, uneven trails daily and hiking as often as possible with friends and family. Three months before the trip she intensified her training schedule to include two one-and-a half-hour weekly cardio training sessions with her personal trainer that would focus specifically on building leg, core and shoulder strength.

Argue has always followed a strict vegetarian diet that excludes eggs but includes a small amount of diary such as yoghurt and chocolate in her diet. Her healthy and balanced diet did however ensure that she didn’t have to modify her eating in any way to accommodate her intensified training regime.

“The first time I ever had egg for breakfast was when I was on the mountain, the guides could hardly understand no meat, let alone no eggs,” she laughs. “However, being a vegetarian doesn’t mean subsisting on almonds but rather about being mindful of maintaining a balanced and healthy diet that includes vegetables that contain protein – personal favorites include broccoli, green peas, artichokes and spinach – and of course, nuts, seeds and legumes. I also eat soya and Fry’s products that provide a great source of quick, easy and delicious protein. People don’t realise it but even certain fruit contain protein. And of course, bananas are the ultimate energy food so it’s great to include them when doing a hard work out.”

“I believe in the way I live and I have never struggled or been tempted to eat meat. There are so many yummy vegetarian meals like melanzane, Indian curries and of course, I love Italian-style pastas and Oriental-style stir-fries. Supplements have also never been necessary to maintain my energy levels or athletic ability. I don’t take any fish oils or anything like that,” Argue says.

According to registered nutritionist Caryn Davies, nutritional health can’t simply be justified or guaranteed according to dietary exclusions or inclusions.

“It is the overall balance of the diet which is important, and a well-planned vegetarian diet can certainly be complete for sports and endurance.

“As with any type of diet, every ‘body’ is literally quite different and every athlete will have unique dietary needs,” she emphasises.