Vegan Bodybuilding & Fitness

DAY 1:

I am currently preparing for the NPC Team Universe competition held in NYC this coming September. For those of you not familiar with Team Universe, it is the most prestigious drug tested competition in the country each year. The winner of each weight class gets the honor of representing the USA at the World Amateur Championships. In 2007, I just missed making the USA team by placing third (I was defeated by both the 2006 and 2005 winners). I am determined to win my weight class (lightweight) in 2008.

I have posted a couple of progress pics I just took 3-4 days ago. I am 165 lbs in these two pictures. This is the "fattest" that I allow myself to get in the "off season". I am at 165 lbs currently. I compete at about 150 lbs. Not to bad for a skinny malnourished vegan........LOL.

It's funny that I'm starting my training blog on a day off from training. Today was a straight cardio day. I rode the upright bike for one hour this morning. I will be training back and calves tomorrow.

I will be using my blog to answer any questions that you may have. Therefore, feel free to fire away with questions.

Thank you for your support in my quest to win Team U. God Bless & Peace.

Nice! Thanks for starting one of these, I bet it'll be a big help to many people.

Yes, You are a total inspiration Joe. Keep this updated, it will probably motivate a few of us.

You look awesome.

Yay!!!!!!!!! I am so happy you started a training journal here Dr. Joe!!!

Umm... this is you fat??? Wow! That is what I call discipline. Nice to have you here and looking forward to updates!

I have a question. Will you be increasing your protein intake now that your in comp training? I believe I read somewhere that for your body you find that you don't need to do a 1 gram per pound minimum. Does that change during comp season as far as protein goes?

I keep protein intake to about 1 gram per pound of lean body mass. For me, at my current weight of 165 lbs, I take in about 150 grams of protein per day. I know this is low by bodybuilding standards, but it works for me.

I maintain the same protein intake pretty much year round. However, with that being said, I will make adjustments to any aspect of my nutrition plan if I feel something is not going right.

Thanks for firing up a blog Joe! Much appreciated!
Do you eat protein powders or do you try and stick to whole foods?

I stick to whole foods at the present time. I do take Xtend, which is a branched chain amino drink, during my workouts. Peace.

Thanks for putting up this blog. It will be very nice to watch a competitive vegan bodybuilder in action!

i second what josh says. Lookin sharp Dr. Joe!

Good work. I'm looking forward to seeing you dieted down.

Looking great Joe. Give it hell!!!

I actually have a friend who is going to compete in that show (much higher weight class). Hopefully I'll be there to watch in Sept.

But for now I'll follow along.

Hey Dr.Joe, how tall are you?

Thanks Kurt! I figured he would have to be about that height to be 165 and look that big. I am about 165 but I look nowhere near that good because I'm a half foot taller.