Aura Andrew

Name: Aura Andrew
Age: 27
Height: 5'4”
Weight: 135
Birthplace: CA
Current Residence: Albuquerque NM
Sports: bodybuilding

Why did you become vegan?

It all started when I read the book “skinny Bitch” I was raised a lacto-ovo vegetarian, and didn't realize the horror of the dairy industry until that book, then I really became interested in reading about the health benefits as well.

When and why did you become interested in fitness?

When I was 16 I did my first tae bo video and I loved it! I didn't really get into weights until about age 22 when I picked up a copy of oxygen magazine, I wanted to look like the girls in there, muscular and beautiful, later I learned the health benefits of fitness and I continue to love it.

How would you describe your nutrition program?

Vegan, organic lots of fruits an veggies

How would you describe your training program?

I change it up quite a bit, been doing 4 days split front of body then back of body, working my legs every time to burn more calories. Cardio for 20 min after. But next week I'll probably be onto something new.

What kind of supplements do you use if any, and why?

There is a lot of controversy on supplements, some say as a vegan we are missing certain vitamins such as B12, some say we get enough through the food we eat, so I like to get as many vitamins as I can through fruits and veggies. My favorite supplement would be Vega. I also use rice protein.



What are some common misconceptions about veganism?

That we don't get enough nutrients or protein, that all vegan are skinny and starving, that it's an unhealthy diet...

What do you think the most important aspect of fitness is?

Health and well being

What do you like best about being vegan?

That I can eat healthy wonderful food that doesn't harm animals or the environmentI can help people see that this is the healthiest diet there is. I love that just by eliminating meat and dairy people can start to eliminate disease!

What do you like best about being fit?

The way it makes me feel, I have more energy and I look pretty good as well.

What are your strengths as an athlete?

I am best at weight lifting, which is my favorite part of working out.

What advice do you have for vegan athletes who are just starting out?

Stick with it and don't give up, it takes time to build muscle and adjust to being vegan, if necessary start slow. Results will come with consistency and hard work

What advice do you have for people who are thinking of becoming vegan?

Do it! Just jump in, that's how I did it, one day I was eating cheese and eggs and the next I quit. You will feel more energy, of course you can take it slow too, but I think it is easier to get rid of the junk cold turkey, that way you can get used to new flavors and forget about old ones, if you do it slow you might find it harder to give up the flavors your used to.

What motivates you to continue to be a successful vegan athlete?

Knowing that I am doing good for the animals, the environment, and myself, knowing and seeing the other vegan athletes success, and being a part of a community that cares about these things.

How has the website http://www. veganbodybuilding. com helped or inspired you?

Seeing the transformation of other vegans is very inspiring, veganbodybuilding. com has helped me to see that it is possible to have muscle on a vegan diet!

Is there anything else you would like to add about your vegan fitness lifestyle?

I just hope more people will get inspired to become the best they can be, I would love to teach people the benefits of a vegan lifstyle.