John, Was The Mighty Gama a Vegetarian?

[John Peterson]

Hey Friends,


I have received a pm from a man that tells me that at some vegetarian site there is a bit of a controversy about whether or not the Great Indian Wrestler 'The Mighty Gama' Was a vegetarian or not. He wonders if I know one way or the other.

Let me just say that I don't know because although I have read a great deal about Gama, depending upon which sources you read, there is great contradiction. For instance, there are some sources like The Mighty Atom, (Joseph Greenstein) that stated that Gama was a very 'strict' vegetarian while others state that he ate several pounds of chicken and meat each day. So who is right? I really don't know, but let me just state one fact that may actually be somewhat relevant. It's this. Although Gama was often referred to as a Hindu wrestler, the truth is that he was not a Hindu. His first name was in fact Mohammed and he was a devout Muslim. People of the Muslim faith are not required to be vegetarians as are Hindus. So was the Gama a vegetarian? I don't really know. But he was not required to be for religious reasons.

---John Peterson

[gs300tx]

He was not a vegetarian, I know this because in that region, the phelwans(wrestlers) if they happen to be that of muslim background, like Gama, were not vegetarians. These guys eat alot of meat, and drink alot of milk. My dad used to tell me that his uncles used to practice this form or wrestling and these guys could eat.

[JoeJustice]

During the Partition of India he chose to move to Pakistan, which further codifies his Muslim faith. If think that information lends a lot of credibility to the idea he was not a vegetarian.

-Joe

[Nathan]

All I can say about the Mighty Gama is vegetarian or not he was one strong man and awesome athlete.

[John Peterson]

Hey Friends,


I'm sure the only reason that this even becomes an issue is because someone wants to proclaim one particular type of dietary regimen as superior to all others. It's a controversy with no end in sight.

Personally, I can see the merits of a well chosen Vegetarian dietary regimen. To me it makes sense even though I am not a strict vegetarian. But even when it comes to a well chosen vegetarian dietary strategy, it is still very important to know the sources where the food originates. Even vegetarian food can be contaminated at it's source.

---John Peterson

[kelbiz]

Like any dietary program, one needs to look into how they are getting their nutrition. I know a few vegetarians who are overweight due to too many carbs. It's just bread and pasta.
There are also so lacto-vegetarians who will take some dairy products.
I heard tape by Dr. Bob Barefoot (the Coral Calcium dude) where he stated that vegetarians have a cleaner system but actually have a life expectancy 10 years less than meat eaters. It has something to due with low protein intake. That's his statement, not mine.
I will occasionally have meatless meals, but I also enjoy a nice steak:cow:some chicken:chicken:and every now and then goat:goat:
I personally think a balanced diet from all food groups is the way to go. And Friday night is usually our night to indulge a bit :pizza:

Jack

[JoeJustice]

I'm with you there Jack. I think a varied and balanced diet with whole, unprocessed foods is the best diet. Extremes diets are what the human body was meant to run on.

-Joe

[gs300tx]

You know its funny how only after reading John;s books that I have more respect for these guys. I used to think that they were bunch of fat guys who were stuck in the dark ages of fitness, and always thought that our way (lifting weights) was MUCH superior to them. I stand corrected

[R.ticle One]

I agree that the key is finding a balance, regardless of if you choose to eat meat/other animal products or not, and with this balance can come health.

Years ago, I was practically a vegetarian. Was I healthier than I am now (as an omnivore)? Certainly not. While I am still refining my diet to find what works best for me, I freely admit that I did a rather poor job at vegetarianism.

I overate carbs, too much honey, not enough vegetables (oh, the irony), certainly inadequate amounts of protein, and gluten, unfermented soy, and cheese from pasteurized milk (all of which I have some sensitivity/allergy to, and which were wrecking my guts, literally)...so you can imagine that, while I managed to stay very slim (thanks, fast metabolism!), I scarcely gained a muscle from any work I did, nor did I feel very alive much of the time.

These days, I eat "safe" (I hope) fish - sardines, wild Pacific Salmon, beef (from farms I trust), butter (preferably from farms I trust if available), legumes, gluten free grains, fruits, veggies (organic when possible), eggs, chicken, nuts, seeds, unrefined, cold pressed oils, etcetera.

I'm still working on it, but I think my current diet (no processed food!) is more balanced than it used to be, and combined with more focused working out, is reflected in how I look and feel.

I think the state of how some people eat today is sad. Once, a cashier at the grocery store did a double take when she rang my purchases through. "What?", I said. "You're buying...*real* food!", she replied, amazed. (There were fruits, vegetables, fish and nuts). "I almost never see people buy stuff like this anymore", she continued.

I've seen healthy and unhealthy people on any part of the dietary-choice-spectrum. I believe you can do it well either way. I have nothing whatsoever against vegetarianism, and believe it can be a fine choice for many, if, like anything else, it's approached the right way.

Cheers,

Raphael

[John Peterson]

Hey Raphael,


It's about time that you posted again. Great post I might add. Your experiences pretty much mirror my own.

---John Peterson

[gruntbrain]

It's interesting to speculate about how much one's training can overcome a less than stellar diet. I don't think the fuel in your car analogy applies.
Michael Phelps' reported diet appears to be much less than stellar.

[John Peterson]

Hey GruntBrain,

Michael Peterson, who writes under the Pseudonym of 'Charles Bronson' and is the Author of 'Solitary Fitness' makes a point that his diet in a British Prison is far less than stellar and yet the guy has a level of strength and fitness that is truly remarkable. Bottomline: I agree with you , this whole thing with diet can be a big excuse for too many people not to become incredibly strong and fit..

---John Peterson