Santa Monica College Track Coach Credits Vegan Diet in Trek Across Pacific Crest Trail

No meat? No problem. That’s what 30-year-old Pacific Palisades resident and Santa Monica College track coach Joshua Garrett says, after crossing the Pacific Crest Trail in what may be a new record time, reports the Los Angeles Times.

Garrett, who completed the 2,650-mile trail from the border of Mexico to Canada in 59 days, 8 hours and 14 minutes, possibly setting a new record in the process. And Garrett says he believes his vegan diet helped him complete the grueling task.

Part of Garrett’s motivation was to raise funds for  Mercy for Animals, an animal rights group.

In an interview with The Los Angeles Times, Garrett spoke about obtaining his protein via a plant-based diet and eating Pro Bar vegan energy bars. He added that while he was raised on a ‘traditional’ diet seeing videos like "Forks Over Knives" helped him give up meat.

Garrett also spoke about his favorite vegan foods and where he loves to eat, including Santa Monica’s Veggie Grill,Native Foods Cafe, Cafe Gratitude, and Thai Vegan.

Click here to read the full interview with the L.A. Times.