Mac Danzig

Name: Mac Danzig
Year of Birth: 1980
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 168
Birthplace: Ohio
Current Residence: Los Angeles, CA
Sports: Professional Mixed Martial Artist (MMA fighter)

Tell us a little about yourself, what you do for a living, what hobbies / interests / passions you have
I am a professional MMA fighter with the UFC. I am a nature lover with a passion for photography. I love to travel to remote places and capture images of the beauty in nature, whether it be landscapes or wildlife itself. Any time at home is spent with my daughter.

Why did you become vegan?
Because I only have control over one person; myself. And I decided that I did not want to contribute to the consumer industries that cause so much unnecessary animal suffering. Once I became Vegan, I realized that there are a plethora of other benefits besides just the moral and ethical reasons, but those are the issues that helped me pull the trigger.

When and why did you become interested in fitness?
I've always been physically active and interested in sports since I was a young child. I can't imagine living any other way.

How would you describe your nutrition program?
Vegan, whole foods. Minimal processed food or refined sugars. Lots of water.

How would you describe your training program?
Balancing ridiculous amounts of intensity with mental focus, technique and positivity.

What kind of supplements do you use if any, and why?
I use Vega, The Ultimate Meal and also a few other protein powders such as Plant Fusion and Sunpower when i am in hard training and need the extra protein with low calories. Normally, I just try to eat a balanced diet and the need for
supplements decreases.

How do people react when they find out you are vegan?
Most of them are puzzled and/or amazed. I feel like we are still living in the dark ages of diet. Most people have no clue what eating healthy consists of. The information out there in the mainstream is still very poor.

What are some common misconceptions about veganism?
The most common misconception is that it isn't healthy and that you cannot be strong or physically active on a vegan diet. The truth is quite the opposite.

Have you had success in promoting veganism / vegetarianism to others? If so, how did you go about it?
I prefer to lead by example. I choose not to wear veganism on my sleeve as though it's a club or religion that I want to convert others to. That sort of approach ultimately pushes people away. Nobody likes to be forced into something, even if it's good for them. I would rather live my life positively and make an impact with the choices I make. I have been lucky enough to gain mainstream success and have inspired many people to become vegan simply by competing. I love hearing from people who tell me that I inspired them to try cutting out all animal products from their diet.

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

What do you like best about being vegan?
Knowing that I am doing my best as a consumer to not contribute to the awful industries of the world that cause so much suffering.

What do you like best about being fit?
It feels amazing. I can't imagine physically existing any other way.

What advice do you have for people who are just starting out with training?
Don't stop if you don't see immediate results. These changes don't happen overnight. Training shouldn't be something you "try out", rather it should be a total addition to your life.

What advice do you have for people who are thinking of becoming vegan?
Don't "think", just "do"! It's easy.

What motivates you in life?
Specifically: my daughter. In a broader sense: love and happiness; the exhilaration of experiencing life.

What do you think of veganbodybuilding.com? Has it helped or inspired you?
I'm not specifically into bodybuilding at all, but I think the site is awesome. It is an amazing resource and a very strong online presence, not only for the cause of veganism, but for spreading good information about training and diet. Part of the major misconception about diet today is the idea of meat and protein requirements being of the utmost importance to an athlete. So much of what people go by is based on the ramblings of those who followed and idolized Schwarzenegger and Ferrigno, who were bodybuilders. That diet is overwhelmingly unhealthy. By simply existing, Veganbodybuilding.com is proving that 1) you can be strong on a vegan diet, and 2) bodybuilders do not need animal products to be successful. Therefore, the site is invaluable.