Carolyn ScottHamilton

Name: Carolyn Scott-Hamilton
Year of Birth: 1976
Height: 5'3”
Weight: 115
Birthplace: Bogota, Colombia, South America
Current Residence: Los Angeles, CA
Sports: Hiking, Dancing, Yoga, Tennis, P90X and TurboFire
Website: www.HealthyVoyager.com

Tell us a little about yourself, what you do for a living, what hobbies / interests / passions
you have: I am the creator, writer, host and executive producer of The Healthy Voyager site, brand and shows; www.HealthyVoyager.com. I'm a holistic nutritionist, chef and author as well as an avid traveler!

Why did you become vegan?
In 1999, I read Fit For Life, a book from the 70's about health and food combining. The light went off in my head about how animal products directly affects our health and well being and I never looked back.

When and why did you become interested in fitness?
I've been a dancer since I was 3 years old, ballet, jazz, hip hop and lyrical. In college I became interested in martial arts as an extension of dance and fitness for the body and mind. Now, I like to practice a variety of workouts and fitness activities for my body, mind and spirit. I love working out because it's the 1 time in my day that I only focus on that and nothing else.

How would you describe your nutrition program?
I'm a whole foods vegan. I eat clean, pure, plant based foods daily. I try to eat at least 50% raw each day and I leave myself some wiggle room for weekends, outings, events and parties to indulge in vegan treats every now and again ; )

How would you describe your training program?
I work out 6 days a week and each workout lasts at least 30 minutes. About 3-4 days a week I work out for an hour and include strength training either with weights or yoga.

What kind of supplements do you use if any, and why?
I take a pre-natal vitamin, ground flax seed, vitamin c and b complex daily. I rotate out my protein mixes for variety.

How do people react when they find out you are vegan?
It depends on the context but usually people are very curious about what I eat. Or I get “you don't look vegan” since I guess most folks assume we're all unshaved hippy chicks who don't like fashion or makeup ; ) I welcome all reactions as I have an answer for everyone ; )

What are some common misconceptions about veganism?
That we are deprived of delicious food, that we are unhealthy, that we hate all meat eaters and that we're all stinky hippies ; )

Have you had success in promoting veganism / vegetarianism to others? If so, how did you go about it?
Absolutely! My Healthy Voyager Brand is followed around the world with about 70% being non-vegetarian. I have always led by example, being funny, positive and welcoming. I live my life, eat how I eat and people tend to take more notice to that than if I were preaching. It's worked very well so far as both of my parents are now vegan and many people in my circle of friends and family.

What do you think the most important aspect of training is?
Finding the right workout for you and not beating yourself up to be perfect. Not everyone will love yoga or get something out of it, not everyone should lift massive weights and bulk up. Do what you can, when you can and be sure you like what you're doing as that's the only way to stick with it!

What do you like best about being vegan?
Everything! My energy, my health, the delicious food, the animals I'm saving and the example I set for others to lead healthier lives.

What do you like best about being fit?
Feeling good in clothes as well as out of them ; )

What advice do you have for people who are just starting out with training?
Try every type of fitness that appeals to you, not what you think you should do or what someone tells you to. You may find that a karate class is the best way for you to get fit as opposed to hours in a gym or that a dance class kicks your butt more then a yoga class. Mix it up, have fun and do what's best for you.

What advice do you have for people who are thinking of becoming vegan?
Do it! And do your research as it is very easy nowadays to become and unhealthy junk food vegan. If you need to take baby steps, that's ok. Cold turkey isn't for everyone. Get acquainted with the top vegan online resources for information, recipes, tips, products, etc. Also, it's always fun to do something with a friend to keep each other on track and supportive.

What motivates you in life?
Family. Knowing that I'm on the verge of starting a family, I want to be the best and healthiest I can be for them. My career successes are directly affected by my health and message so it is all combined into 1 big reason to be healthy and fit!

What do you think of veganbodybuilding.com? Has it helped or inspired you?
I think it's great because it proves to the naysayers that buff doesn't equal beef! Killer bodies require focus in training and clean fuel, not animals. It's a fantastic resource for anyone who wants to reach optimum health as well as optimum bod!

Do you have any other thoughts you'd like to share?
For anyone looking for ways to live and travel more healthily, be sure to visit my site at www.HealthyVoyager.com!