Lindsay Platoshyn

Name: Lindsay Platoshyn
Year of Birth: March 17, 1984
Height: 5'5"
Weight: No clue, I don't keep a scale in this house.
Birthplace: Roswell, Georgia, USA
Current Residence: California
Sports: Biking [absolute favorite! especially with my loving husband as my wingman], free weights, dancing, walking, yoga, belly dancing

I am all over the place when it comes to "what I do", I model, do photography, graphic design, jewelry design, cook, craft. Extremely versatile! I come from a huge family, 6 kids including myself, I am also a twin. My whole family is a meat eating bunch.

I absolutely love biking with my husband in the great outdoors of California, it is so freeing, wind in the hair, it doesn't get any better. Photography & photo editing is my love, as many people tell me I have an amazing eye for it, one day I hope to hang my photography in a gallery and sell it as well. I am really random, silly, have fullblown A.D.H.D., but always find color in my life and share it with others.

Why did you become vegan?
I've always adored animals, the processing and obvious killing of animals I am not too keen on. Realizing what you eat really does effect you mentally and physically, I decided to take the dive into veganism, with the help of a nutritionist & this forum.

When and why did you become interested in fitness?
Growing up, I was indeed active, swimming, cheerleading, tennis, basketball, etc. I became pretty sedentary and completely unaware of fitness through college and after, it wasn't until 2011 that I did a TON of research on nutrition and fitness, you REALLY do have to fuel your body right to exercise. In the past I had done it wrong so many times, restricting calories and trying to exercise, that just obviously doesn't work! I soon learned I had to eat, and A LOT to get to the level I wanted to be. Now that I can bike, work out, and do so much more than I ever imagined, it's truly a blessing & it feels good to finally be alive.

How would you describe your nutrition program?
Making sure to eat real food, as opposed to fake mock cheeses and meats [these can slip in,& that's okay] I find that REAL foods [beans, legumes, etc] are really the way to go when getting proteins/carbs. Frozen foods are the devil, and I make SURE to read the labels if I have to buy them. I have to admit, a certain food tracking website [i won't name] has helped me actually GAIN weight, as opposed to lose. I just make sure to get a ton of variety in to my diet, and daily. Proteins, fats, and carbs. Also, I make sure to savor my food, calm down people! You don't have to eat that sandwich in 5 seconds, enjoy it! I love having a filling breakfast with muesli, it really keeps me satisfied. I make sure to eat 3 meals, and 3 snacks. Never going hungry is the key! oh and completely restricting a food item I find is never good, I can have my vegan ice-cream, okay? [damn you sweet tooth!] Everything in moderation.

How would you describe your training program?
It's pretty random, but daily I try to get some kind of work out in everyday, even if it's doing housework! Concentrating on arms, legs, abs for certain days, and light cardio in-between on other days. [hey I like to keep my curves!]

What kind of supplements do you use if any, and why?
Multivitamin, red star nutritional yeast, B12 pills on occasion, and a calcium chew. Just to be safe! Sometimes I drink Vega before a workout as well.

How do people react when they find out you are vegan?
They always wonder how I get my protein, hah! Easily! Mostly people are just curious about it and want to know more.

What are some common misconceptions about veganism?
That they're a bunch of pompous cult like hippies. Sure, there are some that are a bit too extreme and boasting, but there are legit amazing vegans out there who are really welcoming. A lot of the time people go into veganism without ANY knowledge of the right foods to eat, and don't realize they are lacking extremely on fats or protein. You gotta know what you're doing and have your eyes open with veganism. You can't just eat chips and hummus.

Have you had success in promoting veganism / vegetarianism to others? If so, how did you go about it?
I have found a lot of vegan friends through this forum, and on other websites. I don't go out of my way to promote it ,but I am not against doing so!

What do you think the most important aspect of training is?
Consistency! if you fall off the bandwagon you can ALWAYS get back on again.

What do you like best about being vegan?
Eating a CLEAN diet! and preparing most of the foods myself so I know exactly what I am eating without wondering. Also coming up with crazy new recipes. Did I mention EATING? nomnomnom.

What do you like best about being fit?
Being able to walk up a flight of steps and not being out of breath. The old me would've been.

What advice do you have for people who are just starting out with training?
Start out slow, find workouts that YOU enjoy doing, not ones you're being forced into. there are so many ways to get fitness in, explore them all!

What advice do you have for people who are thinking of becoming vegan?
Consult a nutritionist! Seriously, I know people say that all the time but for real, you really need to talk with one to find out what you need to eat to thrive.

What motivates you in life?
My husband. He's been there for me day in and day out. I wouldn't be alive without him. I love you booboo.

What do you think of veganbodybuilding.com? Has it helped or inspired you?
yes! both! it's really touching to sit and think about all the people on this forum that have helped me, I wouldn't be here where I am without a certain few who touched my heart & guided me to the healthy side.

Do you have any other thoughts you'd like to share? Keep on trucking! Eat, live, love, exercise. Thrive.

oh and check out my website & jewelry design!