Name: Kailla Edger
Age: 30
Height: 5’5”
Weight: 140
Size: 6 (off season)
Size: 3 (on season)
Birthplace: Poland
Current Residence: Hopewell, PA (Pittsburgh area)
Sports: Tang Soo Do, bodybuilding
Why did you become vegan?
My sister was talking about the cruelty to animals and she conjured up a vivid image from an email she received of an animal getting skinned for its fur while it was still conscious. I gave up red meat and poultry several weeks after I did some more research of my own. Meet Your Meat was the biggest contributor to my giving up dairy shortly after. I gave up fish a few weeks after that...the pollution factor was the driving force of that decision....oh, and The China Study was the biggest contributor when it was said and done.
As I gave up animal products in phases, I discovered how good I felt, and that was and is my best motivation.
When and why did you become interested in fitness?
I became interested in fitness after grad school...sadly so. I was never involved in any sports. I had always been one of those yo yo dieters, and I hated to exercise. I hated the thought of exercise. I needed moral support to get past it, so I bought a 90 day video program that included weight training and cardio and (this was the vital part) exercised with a roommate ever day for 90 days. It took me that long to start liking exercise, but it worked. She quit after the 90 days, but I kept on going. It’s been an essential part of my life ever since.
How would you describe your nutrition program?
I eat throughout the day but have formal regimen right now. Since I started back to school, it’s been difficult to stay on a schedule, but I eat very healthfully. Tons of fresh veggies, fruit, tofu, beans, legumes, whole grains, and some nuts. It varies due to my schedule. I cook a lot, so I make new dishes all the time. If I want something, I eat it (if it’s vegan, of course). I was never that into sweets, so giving up dairy solved a lot of my diet pitfalls. I don’t crave the same things I used to crave. For my day to day life, I haven’t counted calories since I went vegan. I also juice “fast” once a week or 2 half days a week, which has worked wonders for me.
How would you describe your training program?
I go to karate 2-3 times a week and weight train 2 days a week. I do a lower body and upper body routine. I superset almost everything, so it keeps my heart rate up, and I save time not having to do cardio. I actually enjoy cardio, but I can only pack so much in my schedule. My weight training sessions are only about 45 minutes. I’ve been incorporating more stretching into my routine as well.
What kind of supplements do you use if any, and why?
Just a high quality multi-vitamin. I eat a varied healthy diet, so I find that I do not need much else.
What are some common misconceptions about veganism?
The top two I get, as probably most vegans do: that vegans don’t get enough protein and that there is nothing to eat except salads.
I won’t spend too much time on it since, I ‘m sure, it’s been argued a million times by vegans over many years. I can say that, personally, I have more variety in my diet now than I ever did as a meat eater. I discovered food all over again...there’s so much variety in plant based foods. I couldn’t believe how often I ate the same things over and over again prior to becoming a vegan.
What do you think the most important aspect of fitness is?
Avoiding boredom. I have to constantly mix it up and challenge myself. Exercising just to feel and look better has never been enough for me. I have to love what I ‘m doing...and that’s a hard thing because I get bored very easily! I have taught and/or taken up pilates, yoga, karate, mountain biking, swimming, water aerobics, step aerobics, kickboxing, bodybuilding, boot camp exercises, jogging...and that’s just the few I can remember right now. Need I say more?
I’m always switching it up.
What do you like best about being vegan?
That’s a hard one. If I had to pick only one thing, it would be knowing that I am doing something good not only for myself but for the environment and for other fellow living creatures.
What do you like best about being fit?
How I feel. The energy I get from consistently eating well and exercising is like no other.
What are your strengths as an athlete?
I’m determined. I’m not the best at anything, but I try to be my best.
What advice do you have for vegan athletes who are just starting out?
When setting goals, I have never claimed to set “realistic” goals because I’m not sure what “realistic” means. I think that’s individual to everyone. I set goals that I’m passionate to meet and then I set realistic objectives within those goals. The goal I want to achieve may take me a year or more, but my timeline of objectives keeps me going. That works for me...only because I’m excessively driven. It’s important to know who you are in order to make the best plan for yourself. If you get defeated easily, set shorter term goals to keep your drive high. We’re all different when it comes to that.
What advice do you have for people who are thinking of becoming vegan?
Just do it. It’s way easier to give up animal products than to think about giving animal products. Also, don’t think in absolutes right away. Towards my journey of becoming vegan, I decided, “If I want to eat something, I’m going to allow myself.” This kept me from the “all or nothing” thinking. It’s not so intimidating when you look at it that way. Some vegans may disagree...that’s just what worked for me....though I haven’t turned back yet!
What motivates you to continue to be a successful vegan athlete?
I still need to find something that I love to do. I started taking Tang Soo Do a little while ago and I really love it. That just may be it! The vegan part of it...I feel better and have more energy...that’s it!
How has the website www.veganbodybuilding.com helped or inspired you?
This site has been such an inspiration. I can log on any time for moral support, advice, and motivation. The people are wonderful and so helpful. When I’m feeling discouraged, it’s the first place I go.
