VibrantVegan

Care for a deadly new strain of swine flu with your pork chop? Since the family farm is a thing of the past, practically all the animals raised for human consumption are raised in huge factory farms. That means very large numbers of animals living in a very small space. The perfect condition for quickly and effectively breeding and spreading diseases. The recent news of the swine flu outbreak in Mexico that has killed over 60 people is a good example. According to the CDC, this particular flu is a never-before-seen mixture of swine, human and avian viruses. Since humans have absolutely no nutritional requirements for the flesh of animals, the fact that we are endangering ourselves by purposefully creating ideal environments for breeding new, deadly strains of flu is unethical, immoral and indefensible. The only reason huge factory farms exist is to satisfy peoples acquired taste for flesh. We put thousands of pigs together in a small space so we can have cheap chops. What is the result? Not only do millions die prematurely from heart disease and cancer because they dine on swine, all of humanity is put at risk by new, deadly diseases! Swine flu, another good reason to stop eating the meat.

That was pretty funny! Thanks for sharing. Nothing like a little humor to brighten ones day.

If you do, go grab your FREE e-book, "The 12 Tastiest, Healthiest Vegan SuperSmoothies of All Time!" http://www.vibrantvegan.com/smoothies.html My wife wrote it and wants to share it with all you on Vegan Bodybuilding & Fitness. Enjoy! Derrick

Here is a great article I came across on Vit. D and Athletic Performance: http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/newsletter/2007-mar.shtml Pretty interesting stuff.

According to two well known vegan Dr.'s, Fuhrman and McDougall, potatoes are more nutrient dense than rice. That means calorie for calorie potatoes are better for you than rice. Regarding getting enough protein: All the best research says that as long as you are getting adequate calories to fuel your lifestyle while eating whole foods you will get all the protein you need. Whether or not you build muscle has more to do with how hard you are working out, and whether or not you are eating enough calories, than it does with protein. I would make sure you are getting plenty of green leafy veggies(the most nutrient dense foods on the planet) and non-starchy veggies like cucumbers, bell peppers, zucchini, etc. and fruit. These are the things shown over and over to prevent and reverse disease and produce the most vibrant health. In addition to your lentils and chickpeas you will be rocking!

I would add more whole foods to your diet. You are getting a lot of calories from processed grains. Go for more calories from fruit and veggies.

Your specific supplementation needs are dependent on your diet and fitness goals. Since you are vegan b-12 is essential. I am assuming you want to bulk up, hence the creatine. Beyond that it is hard to say. If you live in a northern latitude or where there is little sun, a Vitamin D supplement might be advisable. Here is a link to a great article about Vit. D and athletic performance: http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/newsletter/2007-mar.shtml Remember to use supplements as something supplemental. Focus on eating whole, unprocessed, foods. Get all you can from food first, then supplement.

I love kale too. My wife and I are doing a 100-Day Raw Food & Fitness Challenge and we have been eating a bunch of Raw Kale Chips. Here is a link to the recipe: http://www.vibrantvegan.com/raw-food-day48.html If you want to give your Raw Kale Chips a cheesy flavor you can add Red Star Nutritional Yeast. Kale Rocks!

Unless you were holding on to a stabilization bar there is no way physiologically the rebounder would have worked your arms to the degree you described. Rebounders are great for cardio though.

Hello everyone! I just found this forum and have been enjoying all the great posts. I have been a vegan for 16 years and I have been in the health/fitness industry for over 11 years. I started out as a massage therapist and from there went on to fitness where I have been working as a personal trainer, fitness/lifestyle coach, fitness presenter and fitness author for the last 8 years. I love my work because I only work with people who want to be healthy and fit. I get to help people take an active part in making themselves feel great. As you all know, when you eat well and exercise you feel wonderful. When you feel good about yourself you are more likely to feel good about others. Taking care of yourself sets up a virtuous cycle that makes our world a friendlier, fitter, healthier place. Through teaching others how to make fitness, food and lifestyle choices that improve and enhance their lives, I feel like I am doing my part to make our world a better place. I always strive to make sure my workouts, presentations and coaching sessions that increase your well-being, put a smile on your face and leave you feeling strong and vibrant. I train and coach clients an average of 32 hours a week, and spend untold hours writing for a local paper, putting together fitness presentation and working on my new website, www.vibrantvegan.com. I present on topics such as Lifestyle and Weight Management, Coaching Skills, Integrated Training, Yoga, New School Group Fitness, Core Conditioning, Personal Training Program Design, and Muscle-conditioning. I have a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science from the University Of Utah and fitness certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the American Council on Exercise. When I am not training clients or working on other projects I am out running, biking, or hiking with my wife Kirsten, daughter Eris & sons Max and Wes. Vegan fitness makes me happy. I am glad to be here.