“Where do you get your protein?” is one of the first questions I get asked when I say that I am an athlete and nutrition fanatic. Just last week during my residency at Rancho La Puerta I was asked about 15 times. It’s no surprise.
In the US we were raised to believe that we need animal products for protein. A clever myth devised by the meat and dairy industries designed to keep us buying their products. In reality, protein from an animal is second source and harder for our bodies to absorb and burn clean.
Most animals people eat get their protein from the primary source, plants! Ever seen a scrawny gorilla?
When designing nutrition programs for clients I find most men are worried they will lose muscle by switching to a plant based vegan diet. I delightfully reveal that nuts, seeds, grains, legumes, dark leafy greens, and especially algaes are protein power houses. Thousands of body builders chisel, sculpt and thrive on plants alone. No hormones, antibiotics, pesticides, herbicides, animal cruelty and environmental destruction necessary!
I promised a few weeks back when I hosted the Vida Vegan Blogger Conference in Portland that I’d share our backstage interview with the worlds most successful vegan body builder, Robert Cheeke. I’m elated to present his boundless energy and inspiration with you. Can you build the body you’ve always wanted, train hard, recover quickly and save the planet? You tell me…
Robert’s massive community of vegan athletes and endless free resources motivates me daily over at
Veganbodybuilding.com. Robert speaks about adding bulk with a high carbohydrate semi cooked plant diet in this video, but for those who want to slim down I’d take a different approach.
Luckily, Robert’s book Vegan Body Building and Fitness: The Complete Guide to Building Your Body on a Plant Based Diet goes indepth with various plans for your specific goals.
Through Robert’s book I also found the fabulous raw vegan body builder Giacomo Marchese. What an inspiration! Professional Ironman Triathlete/Best-Selling Author Brendan Brazier is yet another invaluable resource.
Through Robert’s book I also found the fabulous raw vegan body builder Giacomo Marchese. What an inspiration! Professional Ironman Triathlete/Best-Selling Author Brendan Brazier is yet another invaluable resource.
His passion for sports nutrition blossomed into the Vega line of products and plant loving online community. Koya Web is yet another stunning example. Just reading their profiles is enough motivation.
I’m off to train now.
I’m off to train now.
The ballet barre awaits after my delicious breakfast of berries, apples and raw almond butter. Though I’m a little sore this morning after yesterdays modern class and gym session it’s nowhere near the strain I felt years back. When I made the complete shift away from dairy and meat three years ago I immediately felt a change. Today I embrace the increase in energy, quick muscle opening and recovery, while other dancers lumber in after a breakfast of mucus forming yogurt or a greasy ham/egg burrito and muscle cramping coffee.
I’ve experimented with what works best for my activity level and still stand by my raw green smoothies, seaweeds, fruit, seeds and nut butters. Eating cooked grains not only makes me sleepy, but puts weight back on my frame at lightening speeds! Maintaining a water and nutrient dense high raw diet keeps my energy stable and flying all day long. I also eat small meals every few hours when hungry. This keeps my metabolism on fire!
I must stress the point that every body is incredibly unique. You must find what works best for you and the specific type of exercise you enjoy. As a dancer I want long, lean, clean and green muscles with explosive power. My diet is designed to fuel and support me. A long distance runner will have completely different energy and nutrition needs. Vegan body building nutrition needs varying as well
Also remember to balance your food intake with your activity on a daily basis. It can be challenging to tame that urge to over eat on days off. That’s where mindful eating and awareness are so vital.
If hunger is not the problem, eating is not the answer!
Bottom line… There is no reason to fear plants and lack of protein. Most people just fear change. Realize that massive industries and our society shape a lot of your beliefs about nutrition.
Don’t know how to start the transition to more plant based whole foods?
If hunger is not the problem, eating is not the answer!
Bottom line… There is no reason to fear plants and lack of protein. Most people just fear change. Realize that massive industries and our society shape a lot of your beliefs about nutrition.
Don’t know how to start the transition to more plant based whole foods?
My free ebook The Guide: Move, Nourish and Be Epic breaks down my top 12 nutrition guidelines for clients. Grab your copy and get started today.
