
Name: Justin Laign
Year of Birth: 1988
Height: 6'1''
Weight: 171
Birthplace: Canton, OH
Current Residence: Newport News, VA
Sports: Mountain Biking, Surfing, Rock Climbing, Running, Crossfit, Bodybuilding
Tell us a little about yourself, what you do for a living, what hobbies / interests / passions you have.
My name is Justin, most people call me Jay. I am an active duty enlisted Air Force Network Systems Administrator. I am currently finishing up school to become a Physician Assistant. I enjoy anything that has to do with being outdoors. I am interested in all genres of music and movies. I have very little interest in people that don't care to learn.

Why did you become vegan?
I recently chose to go vegan from being a vegetarian after doing a lot of research and watching documentaries. We are constantly reminded of the risk factors involved in choosing to not eat and live a healthy lifestyle that I decided to completely remove myself from having said choice. This is one thing that I have complete control over and I refuse to throw it away.
When and why did you become interested in fitness?
I have always been involved in some type of physical activity and physical training. I have been a physical training leader for the Air Force for six plus years. I did not start bodybuilding until 2009.

How would you describe your nutrition program?
My nutrition program is very simple, but unique. I eat a lot of red and garbanzo beans for the majority of my protein and fiber intake as well as lentils and soybeans for my high protein choice intakes. An example meal is garbanzo beans over brown rice with 1 cup of edamame (raw soybeans) and arugula salad with assorted sliced vegetables and olive oil. All beans are boiled to texture of choice and simply seasoned with raw sea salt and black pepper. For my fruit intake I usually have 3-4 smoothies a day with assorted organic fruits. The basis of the smoothie is simply ice cubes, water, choice of fruits, and I either use coconut milk or rice milk as well. Now, for my pre and post workout smoothies I add 1 to 2 scoops of “spiru-tein” protein blends or hemp blend by Nutiva, as well as a full tablespoon of peanut butter. One of my favorite side dishes by far is mashed sweet potatoes. With a high source of fiber, this is definitely a powerhouse choice of mine, all by simply adding a little bit of olive oil and coconut milk to mix. The main areas I focus on are my healthy fats and oils, which I get from olive oil and peanut butter, my protein intake, drinking a lot of water (no less than 1 gallon per day) and my carb intake, which I get from rice and whole grain breads.

How would you describe your training program?
I have a very dynamic take on my training program. I do a high intense training regime 2x per week and the remaining training days are geared towards bodybuilding. I finish each work out with a core routine for my abs. Yes, I do workout 7 days per week, with one day of all lightweight and low reps which is considered my resting day. One full week training regime usually looks something like this;
Monday: Chest and biceps. Core
Tuesday: HIT (high-intense training). Core
Wednesday: Legs. Core
Thursday: All exercises lightweight low reps. Chest, rear delts, biceps. Core
Friday: Traps, Triceps, and Lats. Core
Saturday: HIT. Core
Sunday: Shoulders and lower-back. Core
What are some common misconceptions about veganism?
The most popular comment I receive is “how do you plan on maintaining a bodybuilder physique and being a vegan.” This is probably the most overused/overhead statement and misconception about veganism today. I smile and continue making gains.
What advice do you have for people who are just starting out with veganism or training?
Don't get discouraged. Live the lifestyle to make sure you can teach your great great grandchildren the ways of being fit and a vegan.
Do you have any other thoughts you'd like to share?
Stay Fit. Stay Vegan. Stay Focused
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