22nd September, 2021

Tennis star Venus Williams recently opened up about how she’s expanding her Happy Viking brand to offer more superfood powders. One of the key factors you notice when you consider popular protein powders in the market is that they are powered by whey as a core ingredient. Hence choosing a vegan alternative necessitates stepping away from the dairy-derived ingredient without compromising the nutrition on offer.  

Williams’ new line shall use peas and not whey as a protein source. This is because the Tennis legend herself oversaw the carefully devised plant-based protein powder to ensure that it is formulated without harming animals or the environment. 

Discover what prompted Venus Williams to go vegan

Known around the world as a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion and four-time Olympic gold medalist, Williams has always focussed on fitness. Nevertheless, in 2011 doctors diagnosed Venus with Sjögren’s Syndrome. This is an autoimmune disorder that results in tremendous fatigue and joint pain. Shortly after excusing herself from the 2011 US Open, Williams chose to transition to a plant-based diet. 

While doctors aided her endeavor, so did her sister, fellow tennis champion Serena Williams. As a result, Venus managed to alleviate symptoms of the chronic illness. Her new lifestyle then aided her return to the tennis court within the next 365 days so she went on to win multiple titles. 

The true reason why Williams launched Happy Viking

Venus wished to share the means to improve her own health with the rest of the world. Hence she sought to promote plant-based nutrition with Happy Viking. Williams revealed that she named the brand after her own warrior spirit. It was initiated as a partnership with Dyla Brands. Happy Viking was conceptualized to support full mind and body wellness. When it started, it launched vegan nutrition shakes in Vanilla Bean and Triple Chocolate flavors, which interestingly, all sold out within 24 hours. These nutrition shakes and the new protein powders were all created with Complete Body Mind Macronutrients (CBMM).

This is essentially an amalgamation of 9 essential amino acids that is intended to promote protein synthesis, nutrient absorption, and tissue repair. For the uninitiated, these are termed as critical criteria for speeding up post-workout recovery. In an attempt to additionally encourage people around the world to transition to plant-based living, Williams became an investor in PlantX. It is a vegan marketplace that Williams is also the ambassador of.

Take a closer look at her plant-based protein powders

Williams’ new line is all about plant-based protein powders. The Happy Viking Superfood Plant Nutrition Powders contain 20 grams of plant-based protein in each serving. This is specifically formulated to consist of core ingredients like energy-boosting MCT oil, brain-boosting omega-3s and one billion probiotics that promote digestive health. Moreover, they are graced with a spate of  collagen-boosting ingredients. 

The superfood plant-based protein powders boast of 50 other whole-food ingredients that are designed to proffer optimal nutrition. Just in case you are curious, these include okra, camu camu, pomegranate, kale, mangosteen, and carrots among others. 

Intriguing flavours offered by her new vegan line at Happy Viking

If you’re intrigued by Venus Williams’ vegan protein powders at Happy Viking, then you should know that she offers them lots of flavours. At the moment, they are sold in Vanilla Bean, Triple Chocolate, Strawberry Smoothie, and Greena Colada flavors. Sold in multiserve containers, they are on offer at the Happy Viking website as well as on Amazon. 

A testimonial from the tennis legend herself: “I’ve found that plant protein is what works best for my body and overall health. I truly believe the better fuel you drink and eat, the better you perform and feel,” Tennis legend Venus Williams reportedly said. “Since switching to a plant-based diet, I’ve seen the benefits for my body, mind, and performance firsthand, and that’s why I’m so excited for people to try the Happy Viking Superfood Powders.”

Happy Viking co-founder Neel Premkumar affirms, “We really believe in promoting and supporting others on their journey to be healthier with a plant-based lifestyle that also doesn’t impact our environment as much as dairy. Dairy milk production utilizes a significant amount of land, fertilizer, and water to grow food for cows, and the cows themselves generate a significant amount of methane, which is more harmful to the environment than carbon dioxide.” 

Therefore, the brand opted for a more environmentally friendly option like peas as a protein source. Research reveals that it is comparable to dairy when it comes to protein, omega-3, and calcium content. Happy Viking co-founder Neel Premkumar further explains, “Peas often grow without irrigation and are easily rotated by farmers, naturally fixing nitrogen in the soil and reducing the need for artificial fertilizers. Growing peas require up to six times less water than almonds, and peas have a much smaller carbon footprint than dairy.” 

Venus also puts a keen emphasis on Mental Health

Along with physical well-being, Williams understands the importance of holistic health and mental health. Hence, she partnered with a mental health company Better Help as well as the Women’s Tennis Association. The endeavour is to offer tennis fans around the globe access to $2 million in free therapy.

Speaking of striking the right balance, Venus says, “For me, overall wellness is taking care of your whole self—not just half. My body and my mind are of equal importance, so I try to treat them with equal care. Happy Viking is all about that balance of being a fighter and pushing yourself, but also knowing when to check in on yourself, too. I’m so glad to be working with companies like Happy Viking and Better Help who are encouraging others to prioritize their mental health as much as their physical health.”

Read More:  Actor Ranveer Singh Takes To Instagram, Reveals He Is Currently Following A Vegan Diet!