Dave Sheahan

Name: Dave Sheahan
Year of Birth: 2nd March 1978
Height: 5 foot 11 inches
Weight: 11 stone 7 pounds
Birthplace: limerick Ireland
Current Residence: Lanzarote (Canary Island)
Sports: Triathlon
Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/DaveSheahanPage
http://www.facebook.com/govegangrow
http://www.twitter.com/davesheahan1
http://www.twitter.com/govegangrow
http://www.instagram.com/davesheahan1978
http://www.youtube.com/user/maxman682
http://www.youtube.com/user/govegangrow

Website(s):
http://www.dave-sheahan.com
http://www.govegangrow.com

E-mail: [email protected]


Tell us a little about yourself, what you do for a living, what hobbies / interests / passions you have

DAVE SHEAHAN is a plant based vegan triathlete, High Performance Coach and Founder “Go Vegan Grow” working with individuals and corporations in achieving sustained high performance and realising their full potential. Adopting and following a wholefood plant based lifestyle forms a major part of all of Dave´s coaching programs.

Coming from a bodybuilding and personal trainer background the idea of going vegan was not just alien but plain crazy up to 10 years ago when his son was born and his vegan wife decided he would
be raised vegan. Watching his child's incredible development on a plant based vegan diet made Dave take notice and over a number of years researching he made nutritional changes until making the decision to adopt a 100% wholefood plant based diet on 1st January 2012. This also lead to Dave founding Go Vegan Grow which educates and supports both vegans and non vegans in successfully adopting a plant based lifestyle through books, trainings, membership site and events.

Competing as a Vegan Triathlete and working as a High Performance Coach means improved performance and recovery are of prime importance to Dave both personally and with his clients. In following and recommending a plant based lifestyle both areas have improved dramatically as well as Dave witnessing many health conditions, pains and injuries disappear as a result of nature's diet.

Dave is also the founder of Formula 4 Success, has also been a Body for Life Champion, Coach of Body For Life Champions 5 years running, NSCA International Competitions Coach For Ireland, shortlisted for UK Gladiators and has completed many events including the New York and Paris Marathons before putting his sole athletic focus on competing as a plant based triathlete.

Dave Sheahan has authored and co-authored many books and his 20+ year career so far also includes 10 Years owning and managing his own branded chain of fitness centres with over 50 staff and contractors and speaking at and running educational events all over the world.

Why did you become vegan?

I became interested in exploring the plant based lifestyle as I watched my son raised as a vegan. Then as I learned more I moved more plant based to see if improved recovery and performance as I had read and heard. Then after so much proof and knowledge from reading/watching/listening I made the decision to go 100% plant based vegan Jan 1st 2012

When and why did you become interested in fitness?

I have always played sports since about 7 years of age. I got into fitness specifically at 17 with my first visit to the gym and never left. I loved the impact it had on my own body and self image and then as a tool to help others achieve the same. For me being fit and healthy both mentally and physically is the catalyst for success in all areas of life

How would you describe your nutrition program?

Since 2015 I predominantly eat wholefood plant based vegan. Before that I consumed much more processed vegan food. These days I eat lots of fruit, grains ,pulses, beans and such Here is a typical day for me

Green Smoothie — kale, spinach, apple, celery, cucumber, banana, Peanut Butter, Sevenpoint2 greens, sevenpoint2 shake

Porridge(oatmeal) with various nuts, seeds, banana and strawberries/blueberries

4 slices of 5 seed bread with hummus, cucumber, tomato, lettuce, onion, olives pasta/rice with chickpeas/beans and lots of veg or could have rice or potatoes as a casserole or curry or tagine or pie.

Muesli with rice/wheat flakes and rice milk another smoothie as above

These would be a typical 6 meals I have most days but there will be other variations in what I will eat too. We are quite varied in what we eat

I eat good fats — avocado, nuts, seeds and oils. But control quantities too. Don't focus too much on how much protein getting in as know getting enough. Avoid junk food 5 or 6 days of the week and then the rest of time can have something if want as a treat. I drink only alkaline
ionised water. Avoid processed foods majority of the time as mentioned



How would you describe your training program?

I exercise 6 days a week. Over the years it has varied in terms of what I do depending on what I am training for. These days (apart from off season) I train for triathlon so lots of cycling(both spinbike and road), running (treadmill and road) and swimming (open water only) as well as resistance training a few times a week and lots of yoga and flexibility work daily.

For cardio it is a mixture of HIIT interval type training and steady paced workouts as needs to be both for triathlon training. And for resistance usually intense like supersets or tri sets or circuit style. I do a lot of bodyweight exercises too.

What I actually do in each session will depend on what stage of the triathlon season I am at.

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

I only use 3 supplements that are organic and natural and vegan — sevenpoint2 greens, shake and recovery —
http://www.sevenpoint2.com/formula4success



How do people react when they find out you are vegan?

Nowadays because of the circles I am in there is not too much shock or negative reaction. When I first went vegan I got a lot of negativity and shock. But I just deal with it through education and awareness. I let people make their own informed decisions

What are some common misconceptions about veganism?

can't get enough protein. Cant build muscle. Athletes shouldnt'be vegan. Vegans are skinny weak and unhealthy. It is just a fad and cult. It is just propaganda and sensationalism.

Have you had success in promoting veganism / vegetarianism to others? If so, how did you go about it?

Yes. As a high performance coach with a global audience I am blessed to have the ability to spread the awareness around the world. Through Go Vegan Grow which I founded we educate and motivate people to adopt a plant based lifestyle. I and we have been instrumental in hundreds of people around the world changing to a plant based vegan lifestyle.. Also through webinars and our show The Go Vegan Grow Interview (had Robert Cheeke on a recent show) and offline events and our social media campaigns we are having a growing influence.

So I have success by raising awareness and education. These are the tools

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

Recovery. Training is the stimulation. Nutrition and sleep are the recovery. You can train all you want but if not getting adequate recovery it is a waste of time and energy

What do you like best about being vegan?

How it makes me feel. So much energy. And as an athlete the incredible performance and recovery benefits I have experienced. I have never experienced better in my lifestyle. Also now with such awareness of what really goes on with food and food industry I feel good that I can impact peoples lives as well as those of animals and also the planet

What do you like best about being fit?

There is no better feeling than being able to do what you want and feeling energetic and vibrant and alert. It impacts all areas of life

What advice do you have for people who are just starting out with training?

Create a consistent routine. Don't jump in too fast. Start with a realistic target like 20 mins x 3 days a week. The key is creating a habit. And engage in activities you enjoy. Never do anyhting you actually hate.



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

Again make little steps in right direction. Don't run before you can walk. Start having more plant based meals replacing some meat based ones. Start educating yourself importantly reading books and watching videos and movies and follow the work of the most prominent leaders in the movement. Create new habits

What motivates you in life?

To make a difference in people's lives. Leave a legacy and to have done my little bit to make a difference

What do you think of veganbodybuilding.com? Has it helped or inspired you?

It is just fantastic and we are blessed to have this resource. It has inspired and educated me as it has done for thousands around the world. It gives a reference point too to show proof re vegan athletes of all kinds of discplines and sports