Kelly Colobella

Name: Kelly Colobella
Year of Birth: 1976
Height: 5'5"
Weight: 175
Birthplace: Salt Lake City, UT
Current Residence: Salt Lake City, UT
Sports: Football, Power lifting, triathlon
Facebook: facebook.com/KellyColobella54veganAthlete

Tell us a little about yourself, what you do for a living, what hobbies / interests / passions you have.
I have owned "Cakewalk Vegan Bakery" for 5 years and provide the country with "Dillos vegan snack cakes" (vegan "twinkies"). I am currently studying to become certified as a personal trainer, and nutritionist (probably to absolve my guilt of the sugary treats I sell). I have a (vegan) son, am an activist, and play semi-pro women's tackle football. I am interested in getting into "Strongman" competition, I think this will be my next athletic progression.

Why did you become vegan?
When I was younger (probably 6 or 7) I was served my pet "Squiggly" the pig. I didn't go vegan right away but this made me understand that food is animals and sparked the idea that I did not want to eat them. I became vegetarian at 12 years old and vegan a few years later. Knowing the horrors of what happens to animals who are exploited for the food industry to me, is unbearable.

When and why did you become interested in fitness?
I've always been athletic but after my son was born I wanted to be a good example of fitness and health to him so I got more serious competing in triathlon. I won a few races and discovered that my physique is better suited for strength sports and began lifting and playing football. The sport of women's tackle football has changed my life, I love every thing about it, especially the fact that I get to be a part of history in the making.

How would you describe your nutrition program?
I eat very similar foods each day to ensure I am getting the right/ enough nutrients to sustain my body through the amount of training I do. Protein, greens, slow carbs, fats... Six meals a day. I am trying to drop a little weight so I try to be as cautious as I can with my nutrition. Being a baker sometimes makes this difficult.

An example of how my day might break down:
Breakfast: oatmeal, berries, and flax
Lunch: Giant salad with tofu, chick peas, lots of lettuce, and other veggies
Dinner: Greens, sweet potatoes, Beyond Meat
Snacks: Apples, Vega meal replacement shakes, raw veggies

How would you describe your training program?
I lift heavy 3 times a week in the mornings, in the evenings I add some high intensity training, sprints, hill sprints on my bike, run bleachers, do high intensity functional fitness, and yoga.

What are some common misconceptions about veganism?
I feel that people believe information from unreliable sources such as Doctors (who are not trained in nutrition), articles online, books written by imbeciles, and advice of friends. Just listen to your body, it will tell you everything you need to know. There's no reason you can't get everything your body needs from the Earth.

What advice do you have for people who are just starting out with veganism or training?
One of my early problems was thinking that I knew everything about nutrition. I was not eating enough food for my training and almost ruined my metabolism. If you feel tired more often than you should, aren't losing the weight or building the muscle you feel like you should, it doesn't hurt to seek the advice of a professional nutritionist . Also, make sure you get enough sleep so your body can properly recover, and don't over train. These are all mistakes I made when I started getting serious with my training.

Do you have any other thoughts you'd like to share?
Listen to your heart, and your conscience... always follow your dreams.

Follow me on Facebook:
facebook.com/KellyColobella54veganAthlete