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  • Legacy Profiles

    Older profile pages of vegan athletes & models, from the original Vegan Bodybuilding & Fitness website.
    Guest
    Name: Richard Augustus Campbell
    Year of Birth: 1976
    Height: 6'0
    Weight: 200 pounds
    Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario Canada
    Current Residence: Toronto Canada
    Sports: Bodybuilding
    Website: www.livityfiness.com

    2011 IDFA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS & PRO
    (International Drug Free Athletes) November 2011
    1st show- Bodybuilding Heavyweight Novice category 3rd place

    2012 WBFF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
    (World Beauty Fitness & Fashion) August 2012
    2nd show- Muscle Model Open category 6th place

    Tell us a little about yourself, what you do for a living, what hobbies / interests / passions you have.
    I was born and raised in Toronto Canada. I attended Humber College where I received a Child & Youth Worker diploma. I have been Child & Youth Counselor for the past 15.5 years who works in an elementary school for a living full-time.

    I started my career in a high school for the first 4.5 years then I transferred to the elementary sector. I deal with the emotional and social need of the students on a daily basis. I am an advocate for the children and I love what I do for a living. It gives me an opportunity to help people in need. I teach social skills lessons for the children from kindergarten to grade 8. I run one to one and group counseling for the children. I my profession I also work in a behavior class room to help assist children who have difficulty with their behavioral issues.




    I am also a part-time certified personal trainer for the past two years. I love to read fitness and nutrition articles to help better myself and my clients. I am a fitness competitor in bodybuilding and muscle model competition shows. I started to compete in the fall of 2011. In my first show I placed 3rd place in a natural bodybuilding heavyweight division in the novice category. In my second competition I placed 6th place in the muscle model division in an open category in the summer of 2012. I am now in the beginning stages of my contest prep for my third show which will take place in the fall of 2013 in a natural bodybuilding competition in the heavyweight division. I am very driven when it comes on to fitness and living a healthy lifestyle, it's a way of life for me.

    I love to watch NFL football and track and field events. I am always willing to try new and excited things. I am also very passionate about my family out of everything I do in life my two daughters and my wife are my motivation for everything. As a father I want to be the best role model I can be for my daughters so they can life a healthy and positive lifestyle physically, mentally and spiritually. To summarize me in a nutshell, I am a very positive person who likes to help people better themselves and to live life to the fullest.



    Why did you become vegan?
    I became vegan for moral, ethical & spiritually reasons. Eating vegan feels right for the mind, body & soul.

    When and why did you become interested in fitness?
    I became interested in fitness as a young boy growing up in elementary school, playing basketball, volleyball, track & field. I also played football throughout high school for 4 years. I also played football in a men's league for one season after I finished high school. I was sidelined from fitness for a bit due to injuries, then in January of 2011 I continued my fitness journey by getting involved in training in bodybuilding and fitness competitions.

    How would you describe your nutrition program?
    The nutrition program naturally changes based on the fitness goal. I like to eat very clean. A cheat meal for me may consist of toasted Ezekiel bread with cashew butter, soy butter or almond butter and a piece of vegan chocolate cake. I keep my diet simple, but it is filled with lots of variety. I typically don't count all my calories only when I am starting to prep for a bodybuilding show. I intake the majority of my carbs in the first part of the day. I also incorporate Vega sport protein shake into my diet. I take in roughly three protein shakes a day. I consume 7-10 meals a days depending on the day and what I may be training that day. This includes full meals, protein shakes and snacks. My meals consist of lots of beans, nuts, vegan protein shakes, (brown rice, hemp and soy, & tofu) and for carbs — oats, whole wheat bread and fruits/veggies. I also intake vegan meat alternatives eg: Sol cuisine veggie/vegan burgers. I have no processed foods in my diet. I eat roughly 1.5g of protein for each pound. I drink lots of water, dandelion root tea and green tea for my liquid sources.
    This is roughly the intake ratio in my nutrition program:
    Protein: 70%
    Carbs: 20%
    Fats: 10%
    This will change depending on my goals.



    How would you describe your training program?
    I would describe my training program typical for a bodybuilder. I typically train 1-2 muscle groups per training session sometimes 3 for 6 day a week with 1 rest day. I tend to train my weaker parts twice a week. I like to focus on compound exercises
    A typical week might look like this:
    Sunday- Back & Traps
    Monday- Chest & Triceps
    Tuesday- Legs 7 Calves
    Wednesday- Back, Biceps & Forearms
    Thursday- Shoulders, Triceps & Traps
    Friday- Off -Rest Day (I do stretching on my Rest day)
    Saturday- Chest, Arms (Biceps, Triceps & Forearms) This training plan is not set in stone. I may switch it up depending on how sore I may be that week. I may also change my training plan depending on my fitness goals. I like to take time to focus on my weaker parts. When I get closer to a bodybuilding competition my training changes for contest prep. I spend roughly 1.5 hours per training session.



    What are some common misconceptions about veganism?
    Vegans do not get enough protein.
    Vegans are weak, skinny and sickly.
    The vegan diet is restrictive and boring,
    The vegan lifestyle is expensive.
    The vegan diet isn't masculine enough.

    What advice do you have for people who are just starting out with veganism or training?
    Do your research on veganism/vegan diets.
    To be able to make this transition work, some people see themselves as committed vegans immediately, but work it out over a period of a few months.
    Get support from like minded people.
    Cut out animal products in groups, one week or one month at a time until the transition is complete, starting with whichever ones happen to be easiest to drop.
    Find variety in your diet so you don't get bored of the same foods.
    Get involve in social media support groups/ holding a social.
    Know your limits in regards to training.
    Try new things, always keeps it fresh.


    Do you have any other thoughts you'd like to share?
    Be passionate in everything you do.
    Look at the positive thing in life, because things could be much worse.
    Be humble.
    Stay focused.
    Never give up.
    Check out my personal training website @ www.livityfiness.com


    Guest
    Name: Richard Blackman
    Age: 36
    Height: 5'10
    Weight: 170
    Birthplace: London, England
    Current Residence: Dallas, Texas

    Why did you become Vegan?

    I came from a poor family from south east London, England so cheap junk food and cheap meat was a way of life, I was brought up a meat/junk food eater up until my mid twenties. Up until then I had lived to eat, infact food was a great comfort to me and I used it to deal with the stresses in my life! I ate anything and everything I could, no matter what the ingredients. The only thing I didn't like was seafood! Absolutely no thought what so ever of health or nutrition went into my eating habits. It simply felt so good to eat cooked food that I just assumed that if it wasn't safe It wouldn't be sold in the stores. As the years went by, I got the regular colds and flu's that everyone else was getting but one day for some reason it stopped being normal to me and I began asking myself why I felt it was normal to get sick. I also started to get more sensitive, I felt bloated, blocked up, full of mucus and constipated! then I realised I'd always felt like this but for some reason I was only just starting to notice it.

    Eventually it reached the point where I couldn't eat anymore cooked food. The more I ate the more bloated I felt and I could hardly breathe because of the mucus build up. So that summer I stopped eating altogether and for some reason I started eating fruit. I had never touched fruit before that. I started with mangos, melons and grapes, I was in HEAVEN! it felt so good that I wished I could eat 100% fruits all the time. I did some research and found out about the Fruitarian Lifestyle and as they say "the rest is history". My main goals are to prove to the world that a Fruitarian living on just fruits can build quality muscle and to also change the face of Fruitarianism as we know it.

    How did you get interested in fitness?

    It's in the blood. My Mother was a champion sprinter and her brother was British middle wieght boxing champion. My first real experience with fitness was being taught olympic wieght lifting at a after school program when I was 11 years old. I showed much promise and beat the current school boys champions winning lifts during training within a week of starting. There was much talk of entering me into the following years contest but I chose to join the school Rugby League team instead.

    What is your sports background?

    I started as an sprinter at primary school then went on to playing Rugby League in secondary school where the highlight of that was playing for London Schools in the curtain raiser for the Great Britain vsx Australia game. I went on to play open age amature rugby while I was still 14 years of age, which is where I was spotted by Yorkshire League scouts. From there I made it onto the Yorkshire County team and played in the famous "War of the Roses" games, then went on to play for the Great Britain Young Lions under 19 squad against France. All of this ended up with me turning pro with Oldham Rugby League Club and the London Bronco's.

    How would you describe your current training program?

    Intense compound exercises!!! I do Calisthenics/bodywieght exercises and I strive for progression so every workout should be harder than the last one. My workout mantra is "ain't nuttun to it...but to do it!" My goal is to get as big as I can get, the healthiest way possible and be happy doing it.

    How would you describe your current nutrition program?

    I spent many years living the Fruitarian lifestyle. I make an effort to stay away from cooked/junk foods; eating raw fruits that my body craves for is what I thrive on. I don't use any supplements, drink water, eat greens, eat nuts or seeds simply because I don't crave them.

    Tell us a bit about a fruitarian diet.

    A Fruitarian is simply a Raw Vegan who loves fruits. In my opinion the Fruitarianism Lifestyle is a very personal journey for each individual living it! I truly believe that to understand Fruitarianism you must first try to understand the concept of Breatharianisn. I personaly think that breatharianism holds all the answers to how we can survive on a fruitarian lifestyle. The more I look into it, the more I'm convinced that fruits were designed to attract us and attract other animals for the sole purpose of spreading it's seeds. We would be better off if we lived off of fresh air and the energy of the sun and fruits in small amounts, and not the vast quantities of cooked/junk foods we eat today!

    I also believe that back in the days we were foragers and we ate whatever we could find such as raw nuts in their fresh natural state,etc. Fruitarianism is a natural progression from Raw Veganism which is a progression from Veganism/vegetarianism. When you embark on a Fruitarian lifestyle you must also get past the mystery, myths and sensationalism that surround it. Yes, becoming a Fruitarian is sheer bliss. It re-educates you and your body, brings it back to nature, teaches you that we are the students and nature is the teacher. It's beauty is in it's simplicity and honesty but the journey to this point demands commitment.

    There are many things to keep in mind. One of them is that nothing in this world is pure anymore. There are many things that are done to fruit before it even gets to us. For instance, some oranges are boiled so they last longer in the stores some are even dyed orange so they look.....orange! Some bananas are gased to last longer in the stores, in these modern times the reality is that Fruitarianism falls way short of what it should be due to modern day harvesting, pesticides, gases and storage. The treatment of fruit these days is nothing short of disgusting, but get used to it! Ideally to be successful on a Fruitarian diet you need to have gone through a cleansing process for a number of years, but every now and again somebody that has not been through years of cleansing comes along that is completely drawn to to being a Fruitarian.

    I was one of those people. All I wanted to do was eat fruits and nothing else. In my opinion, at the end of the day, if you have made the decision to take the Fruitarian path you need to be aware that you're doing it without the experience of years of cleansing and that it's going to be extremely challenging at times. There's going to be times where nothing makes sense! Eating fruits is a very liberating experience and I don't think that people really understand how much davastation cooked food/junk food has caused to their bodies. They read a book written by a self proclaimed rawfood guru that's speaking from a over romantisized/idealistic prospective, but as people read and enjoy these books they don't take their own bodies or instincts into account.

    Fruitarianism is part of an ancient way of living which probably goes back to the dawn of time! Back then we didn't need to go through a detoxification process to go raw because we were already raw. I for one, count myself lucky to have a body that is still able to function considering the amount of cooked food abuse I've put it through over the years! A lot of people are not so lucky and when it comes to them making the choice to go raw their bodies struggle to make the conversion. Then they quit and cave in to their addictions and blame their failure on fruits! I think this is where a lot of our doubts about Fruitarianism stems from. From that and the fact that there are very few 100% fruit eating Fruitarians willing to stand up and lead the way.

    What are your favorite foods and why?

    My absolute favorite foods are fruits of all kinds because as the saying goes, "You are what you eat." I would have to say that my favourite fruit is the one that my body craves for and that craving will change depending on the weather and what my body is needing at the time.

    What are your favorite exercises and why?

    My goal is simple; to get as big as I can living a Fruitarian Lifestyle, so it's got to be the compound exercises hands down!!! I particularly love Dips, pull-ups, shoulder press and bench press.

    What are some of your sports highlights or best lifts?

    My whole Rugby career. As for wieghts it goes as follows:

    Press ups:1900 reps in an hour
    Dips:800 reps in an hour
    Chins:420 reps in an hour
    Calf Raises 4000
    305lb bench press
    88lb pullup
    180lb Dip

    What advice would you give to people just starting out as a vegan athlete?

    Don't let any body tell you you can't achieve your goals as a Vegan!!!

    I think it also depends on your mentality and your approach towards exercise. For me, I'm an all or nothing kinda guy so I tend to give it all I got and push myself to my limits and beyond. I would say to give it all you got but make sure you put your body/health first. It's more important to feel good than to look good, and last but not least....stay natural!

    Is there anything else you'd like to add about your vegan fitness lifestyle?

    Yes. I would like to thank my wife for being my tower of strength and for being an inspiration to me on my Fruitarian journey.

    Thank you very much for your time!

    You're welcome Robert, and thank you so much for being such an active pioneer in the Vegan world.
    Guest

    Richard Watts

    By Guest, in Profiles, from legacy VBBF website,

    Name: Richard Watts
    Year of Birth: 1982
    Location: England
    email: [email protected]
    other websites:
    facebook.com/vegansidekick
    www.heavymetalninja.com

    Tell us a little about yourself, what you do for a living, what hobbies / interests / passions you have.
    For the last few years I have given my time to Robert Cheeke - creating this website, t-shirts, and any other graphics he needs for facebook and so on. I also have my own support page for vegans on facebook. In my spare time I like to play heavy metal music, work out at the gym, punch the Body Opponent Bag, read books and graphic novels, play videos games (especially God Hand). I also love TV and movies, but I can't list all those. But I will mention Firefly as one of the finest shows ever made, which was ignorantly cancelled by schmucks.


    Why did you become vegan?
    I became vegetarian when I was about 5 or 6 when I first realised where meat came from. My mother was sem-vegetarian, but through pestering from my brother and myself, she became fully vegetarian. The idea of hurting or killing animals has always been preposterous to me. Given our intelligence as humans, we have the ability to do so much to benefit the planet, so it sickens me that animals and nature are instead exploited.

    Growing up, we ditched all animal-tested products, and didn't use leather. But it was only when I was into my late teens that I considered veganism. I had previously thought it was a bit of a waste of time, because you-don't-have-to-kill-animals-to-get-eggs-and-milk. However, I was becoming annoyed with the basic idea of using animals, exploiting them, whether or not they are killed in the process. So I became vegan when I was 18.

    I didn't know any other vegans, and just did what I felt was right. But, as I read more and more, I realsed just how ridiculous the animal industries are. Indeed, you don't kill an animal to *get* milk or eggs, but males which are born in the breeding process are useless, and therefore killed. A horrifying thing to consider. The same thing with all animal products - whether or not they are treated "humanely" or with the standard cruelty, the end is the same, which is slaughter. Farm animals are also bred as products, so they are genetically inferior, suffer all kinds of health problems especially in the joints, because they are selectively bred to be as big as possible. They are a bastardization of their natural origins.


    When and why did you become interested in fitness?
    I had been fat since I was about 9 years old. At 17, I got tired of it, and decided to diet. I got a lot of the really excessive weight off, but then I started to hit the gym, and got hooked. I've been on and off ever since - these days more ON than OFF thankfully... Seeing other athletes and what they've achieved, really inspires me, and I really want to represent veganism in the most positive way possible - and that means being physically presentable and outwardly healthy.
    How would you describe your nutrition program?
    I've always had a big problem with food, over-eating on junk and sweets, huge servings, eating late in the day, you name it, I have done it. But I had a real break through in 2012 when I cleaned up my diet completely for a couple of months, and the results were fantastic! I cut out anything which was pointless in my diet, and just focused on what was important for health. That meant I was having a fruit smoothie in the morning, then a small (25g) serving of nuts (often walnuts, sometimes almonds) later in the morning, along with more fruit through the day. Then at night I'd have a big serving of vegetables - broccoli, sweet potato, kidney beans, sweet corn etc. No oils, just steamed or boiled. The weight fell off me and I felt great! I try to keep to this kind of diet now.


    How would you describe your training program?
    These days I typically do a full-body work out. I do a short warm up, then I go through each body part, doing heavy, compound exercises one after the other - just for one set per body part. I do it like a circuit. Once I've hit everything once, and put everything into each movement, I then go around with more moderate weights and wear myself out, and at the end I do some isolation stuff. At home I have a bar for pull-ups, and I often do several cycles of push-ups, chin-ups, and squats, with some boxing.

    What kind of supplements do you use, if any, and why?
    I take a B12 supplement just in case. I sometimes take a general vitamin tablet, again, just in case. I take a scoop or two of soy protein powder, to get some convenient protein. I try not to rely too much on supplements, my diet is focused upon fresh wholefoods which provide me with what I need.




    What are some common misconceptions about veganism?
    Yeah, you know it already, the main one is the protein... which is ridiculous... The average person only needs 5-10% of their calories to come from protein. If you can't get that in your diet, then I don't know what you're eating. Another misconceptions is that it's somehow "feminine" or "gay" to care about animals. I mean, that whole notion hinges on discrimination against homosexuals, women, or anybody who strays from the fabricated notion of what is "masculine" in the first place, which is crap. But on top of that, compassion surely has to be seen as virtuous. Additionally, another misconception is that it's expensive to be vegan... which it isn't. I think really it all stems from ignorance. Most people don't know any vegans, so they go from what they hear in movies, which often depict vegans as flakey hippies. What advice do you have for people who are just starting out with veganism?
    If you're doing it for the animals, then just go for it. It'll be a load off your mind. Be humble, be prepared to change and adapt how you live, and learn more. Don't assume you know it all at any point. There's always something else you'll find out about, and don't be afraid to take a stand, change your perspective and say "no" to things you know to be wrong.

    If you're doing it primarily for health, then perhaps you could take it in smaller steps. Do a vegan day once or twice a week. Hell, even a vegan meal once or twice a week. Get used to just eating plants, and accept that it is not alien. Another way to do it is drop things off one at a time. Get rid of the thing you eat least anyway, so if you don't eat much fish, just get rid of that totally. Then chicken, then whatever else. Week by week, so you're replacing things steadily. Talk to other vegans, there are lots of people on this site happy to give advice.

    What do you think the most important aspect of training is?
    Find something you can do consistently. Bits here and there won't do it. You need to be doing it week after week, so find something you can do and keep motivated with. It doesn't matter so much what that is (well, depending on your goal), but it's going to be a long term thing. Also, keep track of what you're doing. Take photos of yourself weekly to make sure you're actually having an effect - and if you are, this will let you know and motivate you so much. Same with your training, keep track of what weights you're lifting, what intensity you're going at, how long you're doing cardio etc... otherwise it's easy to plateau and not improve. You want to beat your last effort, and if you can't remember what that was, then you can't aim for it.


    How do people react when they find out you're vegan?
    I guess honestly, most of the time people don't say anything to me. I think it can be easy to think negatively, because the times that people do actually say something, it is negative. But, most people don't seem to really care. Obviously, when the subject eventually comes up, I think most people do have a problem with veganism, they think it is pointless, and that you're basically pedantic or misguided to want to be vegan. But the times when people react there and then when they find out, they often have questions stored up, because I'm the first vegan they've met. If not the first vegan, then certainly the first vegan male. But - thankfully they are always surprised by my physical condition, and I hope it at least dislodges something in their brain concerning the dreaded protein nonsense.

    Do you have any other thoughts you'd like to share?
    Yeah, veganism to me is just a logical practice. I treat others with respect, even if I disagree with them, and I know that people come to veganism for all kinds of reasons. And whatever the reason, the results (for the planet) are the same. Whether it is for religious, spiritual, health, practical or ethical reasons, it is a good thing to do. But for me, it is 100% about ethics. It is something deep inside me that hates injustice, exploitation, sadism, cruelty and suffering. It's simple to me, that I don't want anybody or anything to suffer. When you see so many healthy athletes out there doing well on a vegan diet, and as I know first hand how easy it is and inexpensive, there really is no excuse that I'll hear.
    Guest

    Rob Bigwood

    By Guest, in Profiles, from legacy VBBF website,

    Name: Rob Bigwood
    Age: 27
    Height: 5'11
    Weight: 230 lbs.
    Birthplace: Camden, New Jersey
    Current Residence: New York, New York
    Sports: Professional Arm Wrestler
    Website: http://blog.rbigwood.com/


    Why did you become vegan?
    After realizing what exactly I was putting into my body. Growing up you don't think about what is in those pretty package designs. I ended up doing some research online and was horrified to find out how these animals were being treated up until being butchered. Factory farming is a real disgusting industry and people should take the time to look into it.


    When and why did you become interested in fitness?
    I have always been good at arm wrestling, only been beat twice in my entire life before turning professional. My mom use to beat up on the guys when she was younger - I guess I got those genetics!




    How would you describe your nutrition program?
    It's pretty simple. Lots of oats, grains, nuts, tofu, fruits, beans, vegetables and Vega products after certain workouts.


    How would you describe your training program?
    My entire workout is done in my apartment. Dumbbells, garage springs, weighted pull-ups, push-ups and static holds. I also arm wrestle with a couple guys from Brooklyn.


    What kind of supplements do you use if any, and why?
    Vega Protein (I'm an ambassador), a Multivitamin + Vitamin D , Flaxseed Oil, Glucosamine and Chondroitin.



    What are some common misconceptions about veganism?
    That being a vegan or vegetarian is feminine and we don't get any protein with all the salads we eat!


    What do you like best about being vegan?
    My entire diet and lifestyle is guilty free. I'm an animal lover and don't consume or hurt any for my own personal benefit.


    What do you like best about being fit?
    I'm honestly not that fit, just a really strong arm wrestler.



    What advice do you have for vegan athletes who are just starting out?
    Do some research and make sure your getting the right protein, fats and carbohydrates. Find the right supplements that work for your body. Also, it isn't the quantity but quality of what your putting into your body.


    What motivates you to continue to be a successful vegan athlete?
    I enjoy educating people and I also enjoy breaking stereotypes and proving ignorant people wrong.


    How has the website www.veganbodybuilding.com helped or inspired you?
    It gives you an opportunity to meet other link-minded people. It's always a good thing to surround yourself with people of the same positive interests. It's a great place to learn and educate yourself with this particular lifestyle.



    Guest

    Robbie Hazeley

    By Guest, in Profiles, from legacy VBBF website,

    Name: Robbie
    Age: 52
    Height: 5Ft 11'
    Weight: 180LBS COMP TIME 195 Offseason
    Birthplace: Coventry England
    Current Residence: Paignton Devon England
    Sports: Bodybuilding
    Why did you become vegan?

    For my health


    When and why did you become interested in fitness?

    Six years old just loved sports from an early age
    How would you describe your nutrition program?

    Spot on
    How would you describe your training program?

    Spot on

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

    I take alot of supplements comp time up to 60 a day all the basics eg vit c b-complex etc and off course the main ones for Bodybuilding eg Buckwheat protein powder, Scivation Xtend,Gaba,Cee,Dhea,Amino acid complex, Branch chain amino,s,L-Glutamine etc.
    What are some common misconceptions about veganism?

    Meateaters do not think you can get big and muscular on a vegan diet
    What do you think the most important aspect of fitness is?

    Nutrition
    What do you like best about being vegan?

    The food I eat
    What do you like best about being fit?

    Women like it

    What advice do you have for vegan athletes who are just starting out?
    Seek out a good Trainer [like me]

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

    Just go for it nice and slow and once fully Vegan you will not turn back
    What motivates you to continue to be a successful vegan athlete?

    Self motivation I have a very good mind set
    Guest

    Robbin Castillo

    By Guest, in Profiles, from legacy VBBF website,

    Name: Robbin Castillo
    Year of Birth: 1990
    Height: 190cm
    Weight: 95kg
    Birthplace: Netherlands
    Current Residence: Traveler
    Sports: Breakdance fitness yoga
    Social Media: facebook robbin castillo
    E-mail: [email protected]

    Tell us a little about yourself, what you do for a living, what hobbies / interests / passions you have
    Personal development from physicall to spiritual.
    Why did you become vegan?
    Dont have a good reason to eat dead bodies. Yogi's showed me a lot of knowledge.
    When and why did you become interested in fitness?
    I've basically been training all my life.


    How would you describe your nutrition program?
    First thing, I take Big cup green tea with one lemon
    Bread with humus, advocado or seeds
    Dinner: potatoes, rice, beans, peas, vegetables
    Porridge with soya milk, coco-oil, hemp seeds, chia seeds, raisins goji fruits and some kind of oatmeal

    How would you describe your training program?
    streching/yoga every day plus:
    Monday breadance practise
    Tuesday fitness
    Wednesday training at home with my bodyweight
    Thursday fitness
    Friday breakdance
    Weekend some more bodyweight training
    What kind of supplements do you use if any, and why?
    With my tea I take Spirulina

    How do people react when they find out you are vegan?
    When I tell em that I am, then usually we have a conversation and then they surely understand.


    What are some common misconceptions about veganism?
    They think you will get weak and dont get all the nutrients that you need.

    Have you had success in promoting veganism / vegetarianism to others? If so, how did you go about it?
    Examples get followers... Yes, when I have certain conversations sometimes seeds get planted in their minds and they start to think about it, and sometimes they also dont see the reason no more to eat dead bodies.
    What do you think the most important aspect of training is?
    That all the energy can flow with ease.



    What do you like best about being vegan?
    Always being fit, and enjoying all kinds of different tastes... when one door closes the other one opens.
    What do you like best about being fit?
    Feeling good and doing all kind of moves.



    What advice do you have for people who are just starting out with training?
    Listen to yourself, reason with yourself.
    What advice do you have for people who are thinking of becoming vegan?
    Think about it, do your research and be strong.


    What motivates you in life?
    Getting closer to god.

    What do you think of veganbodybuilding.com? Has it helped or inspired you?
    When I was doubting about taking the step, this site give me good motivation to go for it.
    Do you have any other thoughts you'd like to share?
    Give thanks to the most high.
    Don't be a hypocrite.
    Guest

    Robert Cheeke

    By Guest, in Profiles, from legacy VBBF website,

    Name: Robert Cheeke
    Birth date: March 2, 1980
    Height: 6'
    Weight: 185 lbs
    Birthplace: Corvallis, OR
    Current Residence: Always traveling
    Sport: Bodybuilding

    Why did you decide to stop eating animal-based foods?
    I grew up on a farm and developed an appreciation for farm animals similar to the respect and appreciation someone might have for a dog or a cat. Given this perspective of farm animals and my closeness to them through my involvement in 4-H, raising them as pets, it seemed fitting to stop eating my animal friends. I no longer wanted to contribute to animal cruelty and suffering and decided to go vegan, as a teenager in the agriculture town of Corvallis, OR in the mid 90's.


    How long have you been vegan?
    I have been vegan since December 8, 1995 (when I was 15 years old and 120 pounds — By 2003, I was up to 195 pounds and a competitive bodybuilder running www.veganbodybuilding.com).


    How would you describe your training program?
    Like my nutrition program, my training program is rather typical for a bodybuilder. I train one or two muscle groups per workout and train with weights about 5 times a week.
    A typical week may look like this:
    Monday — Chest
    Tuesday — Legs
    Wednesday — Back
    Thursday — Rest
    Friday — Shoulders
    Saturday — Arms and Abs
    Sunday — Rest
    I don't follow that exact plan, but it is an example of what an average week may look like.
    I train for 60-90 minutes at a time and I train with intensity and I also have fun.
    I train with a purpose based on what my short and long term visions are. When I am preparing for a bodybuilding competition my training changes significantly and the time I spend in the gym increases to 2-4 hours a day. I try to make training fun because the more fun it is the more I want to do it and the more I train the better results I get and that brings personal fulfillment.


    What are some of your favorite sources of protein?
    I honestly don't have a single favorite source of protein. I eat a wide variety of foods based on what I'm in the mood for, where I am on a given day, what my training and competition schedule is like, and so on. In general, I like to eat Thai, Indian, Mexican, Japanese, and Ethiopian foods. These ethnic foods tend to be comprised of rice, vegetables, beans and legumes, and greens. Overall, they are incredibly filling, calorie and protein-rich and very tasty. If I feel like I want additional protein on top of my whole- food based meals, I'll use plant-based protein powders such as Vega, which is primarily made up of hemp, pea and rice protein.


    What are some of your favorite vegan foods?
    I love fruits more than anything else. I travel regularly and have the amazing opportunity to pick fruit off the trees and eat the freshest, tastiest fruit available. Berries in the summer are perhaps my ultimate favorite, but I'm also a big fan of more traditional fruits available in anywhere America year-round including bananas, apples, oranges, and grapes.
    My second favorite type of food is probably burritos. I eat burritos almost every day. They are made of up some of my individual favorite foods including rice, beans, and avocado and all together are calorie-
    rich, protein dense, and of course very tasty and filling. Yams and potatoes, quinoa, kale and artichokes are some of my other favorite whole foods. Thai and Indian dishes, especially Masaman and Yellow Curry and vegetable samosas and Aloo Matter, are by far my favorite dinner meals. Avocado rolls are another menu item I indulge in regularly.


    Do you measure the amount of protein you consume daily because of your bodybuilding?
    When I am preparing for competition or in bulking-up phases of my bodybuilding program I do measure my daily intake of protein. My levels of consumption are far greater than that of someone who isn't training for my specific sport, but I've noticed that consumption of 1-1.5 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight, combined with intense resistance weight training sessions one or two times a day, allows me to build muscle, get stronger and improve as a bodybuilder.
    When I am not training regularly, I don't consumer nearly as much protein, probably less than 1 gram per pound of bodyweight, because I am not creating tears in muscle and therefore don't need as much protein to repair, recover and grow.


    You started as a serious distance runner, how did you decide to start bodybuilding and are there any advantages to began a vegan also?
    I was a 5-sport athlete in high school (soccer, cross country, wrestling, basketball and track & Field) combined with a few other extra-curricular sports I did on my own (skateboarding, tennis, dancing) and after high school I chose to pursue cross country distance running in college. I was an NCAA collegiate runner at Oregon State University in 1999 and enjoyed it, but knew that in the back of my mind and in my heart, I always wanted to be a muscular person. I stopped running and started picking up weights immediately. I gained 30 pounds in my first year of real dedicated training and went on to win multiple bodybuilding championships and have competed more than 10 times over the past decade.
    A vegan diet/lifestyle is very conducive to success in athletics because plant-based whole foods provide the best sources of nutrition, coming from their original forms. The nutritional components we need to thrive are vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids and glucose and those all come in their original and best forms from fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, seeds and legumes. Whether we're referring to running, swimming, football or bodybuilding, all athletes and non-athletes alike, can benefit from a plant-based, whole food vegan diet/lifestyle.
    Do you receive messages via your website and YouTube Channel from people about their conversion to a vegetarian or vegan diet in some part due to the information about it you have shared?
    I get emails, Facebook messages, Twitter comments and YouTube comments every day. I am pleased to know a lot of people have found my work and the work of my fellow vegan athletes to be inspirational and I am happy that collectively we're saving a lot of lives and progressing forward in our quest for compassion and peace.


    When you travel how do you maintain your diet and how do choose your foods when you eat at restaurants that typically don't cater to vegans?
    In 2011, I traveled about 250 days out of the year. This was for my Vegan Bodybuilding & Fitness book tour, my work with Vega — a plant-based whole food nutrition company, and my work with the new documentary film Forks Over Knives. I drove thousands of miles in my car around the US and Canada and took nearly 50 flights, attending vegetarian, vegan, health, fitness, and animal rights themed events in all corners of North America.
    As a bodybuilder I learned a decade ago to pack food with me at all times. I carry fruit, protein and energy bars, protein powder, nuts, and other vegan snacks and sometimes full entrees everywhere I go. Whether in the car, or on a plane, I always have lots of food with me.
    When I'm stopped in a given city for a few days I seek out various restaurants and grocery stores. I'm very easy —going and don't always desire a vegetarian or vegan restaurant, but seek out ethic food restaurants, grocery stores and co-ops or even farmer's markets during the summer. I eat at Mexican, Thai and Indian food restaurants most often, followed by regular trips to the grocery store to stock up on produce and snacks. I've been to more vegan restaurants than I can count, and I do like to support vegan businesses where they exist, primarily in major cities.
    Any restaurant is going to have some sort of vegetables, greens, fruits, etc. and whether the items are listed on the menu or not, I can find suitable food even if I end up in the least likely veg-friendly restaurant or town.
    What has been the best part of becoming a vegan?
    The best part of being vegan is knowing I am saving lives and being a role model for others to do the same. Seeing a rescued animal get a second chance at life is priceless and heart-warming.


    Are other bodybuilders curious about your diet when you meet them?
    Vegan Bodybuilding is becoming a lot more mainstream than it used to be. When I started www.veganbodybuilding.com in 2002, I was the only vegan athlete I knew of. Now we have over 5,000 members on our website and we're discovering new vegan athletes all the time from professional and elite levels of our major sports to weekend warriors and everyone in between. Vegan athletes aren't quite as mysterious as they used to be so I don't have to answer the protein question quite as much as I did 10-15 years ago. In general, other bodybuilders are curious as to what I eat since mainstream bodybuilding culture still embraces meat, eggs and whey protein as their primary sources.
    If I can share my story of going from 120-pound non-vegan to a 195-pound champion vegan bodybuilder, and share the stories of many others who have had similar or greater results, and have a positive influence on people, I am thrilled to do so. I plan to get back on the competitive bodybuilding stage in 2012 after taking a couple of years off for my busy book tour.
    -Robert Cheeke
    www.veganbodybuilding.com
    @RobertCheeke on Twitter
    Guest

    Robert Wraith

    By Guest, in Profiles, from legacy VBBF website,

    Name: Robert Wraith
    Year of Birth: 1982
    Height: 5' 10”
    Weight: 160lbs
    Birthplace: Toronto, Canada
    Current Residence: Toronto, Canada
    Sports: Distance running. Former provincial cross-country champion (OFSAA 1996), Yoga.
    Tell us a little about yourself, what you do for a living, what hobbies / interests / passions you have
    I work in the music industry, mostly with pop-songwriters, but you can find me late nights playing power ballads on my piano. I also handle a lot of music for film and TV. Currently working on a new electronic project called deadcaa7.


    Why did you become vegan?
    My initial reason for becoming vegan was for my yoga/meditation practice. In a yoga diet, or satvic diet, meat is considered tamastic. In other words energy is taken away from you when you eat these foods. And I agree!! These days being vegan is still about being satvic, but with the added benefits of not eating the beautiful animals of this planet!
    When and why did you become interested in fitness?
    I have always been an active person. In my teens is when I really took things to the next level. Hardcore training with a coach and a team can really set you apart from the competition. At that time it was all about WINNING, now I just really enjoy the benefits of being a healthy adult (ie. Being able to walk up the stairs!).


    How would you describe your nutrition program?
    Complete. I really do focus on keeping my body well fed. I've cut out most sugar and sweetners, and I drink a lot of water, which keeps my body very happy.
    How would you describe your training program?
    1 step below intense. I had a bad injury playing soccer last year. I broke both my tibia and fibula and had to have surgery to patch me up. I'm still in rehab mode but I do push things to my current limits.
    What kind of supplements do you use if any, and why?
    I focus on protein supplements such as spirulina and sprouted brown rice powder. These really help stabilize my body both pre and post workout.


    How do people react when they find out you are vegan?
    The ask me why I don't eat honey lol!! Then they say that they thought I'd be skinnier.
    What are some common misconceptions about veganism?
    That you won't get enough protein! Ha! And that vegans are really preachy — I do not preach unless they ask me about honey!
    Have you had success in promoting veganism / vegetarianism to others? If so, how did you go about it?
    I have. All of my family and friends talk to me about it ALL the time. Which I think is great for awareness. They introduce me saying “This is Robert, he's vegan”


    What do you think the most important aspect of training is?
    Intensity — Without it training just becomes a hooby.
    What do you like best about being vegan?
    Not having to eat meat.
    What do you like best about being fit?
    The way my clothes fit.
    What advice do you have for people who are just starting out with training?
    Learn how to stretch!
    What advice do you have for people who are thinking of becoming vegan?
    Do it now!!
    What motivates you in life?
    The fact that it took 13 billion years or so for me to be born.
    What do you think of veganbodybuilding.com? Has it helped or inspired you?
    I love the site. I buy my supplements online, and love that I feel part of a community.
    Guest
    Name: Roshan Bharwaney
    Year of Birth: 1981
    Height: 6'1”
    Weight: 168 lbs
    Birthplace: Hong Kong
    Current Residence: Singapore
    Sports: Taekwondo 4th degree black belt (master)

    Tell us a little about yourself, what you do for a living, what hobbies / interests / passions you have
    I create, market, deliver, and evaluate leadership and organizational development programs and initiatives worldwide for WPP, a world leader in marketing communications. I've worked for WPP in 25 countries across all continents (except Antarctica) since 2005.
    In my free time I train in, teach, and write about Taekwondo. I began my Taekwondo journey while attending college and have maintained it since. I supplement my Taekwondo practices with strength and endurance training. I've taught Taekwondo at Duke and Columbia Universities. I currently train with the Singapore National Taekwondo Squad.




    Why did you become vegan?
    I became vegan in 2008 for three reasons: 1) environmental impact of the animal agriculture industry, 2) animal cruelty, and 3) health.
    When and why did you become interested in fitness?
    Growing up, I wanted to be able to do what action movie stars could do. After I began martial arts training at university, my motivation shifted. I loved the challenge, training with others, and seeing improvements in my abilities.

    How would you describe your nutrition program?
    I make sure every meal has a good quantity of protein, carbs, fiber, and fats. I usually have oatmeal for breakfast. I add chia seeds, almonds, and soymilk. If I have them on hand, I add black sesame seeds. Like most Asians, I like my lunches hot. I usually have South or East Asian food with rice or noodles. The protein tends to be lentils, beans, soy, seitan, or chickpeas. In the evenings I often have pasta with lentils, tofu, or mock meat. I rotate the type of vegetable I use to accompany the pasta. I snack on a wide variety of foods: fruit, bread with peanut or almond butter, protein shakes, nuts, raw carrots, hummus, soymilk, vegetable and mock meat dumplings, and more. I rarely eat processed sugary foods.



    How would you describe your training program?
    Taekwondo has three main divisions: sparring, forms, and breaking. These days I spend 90% of my time in sparring training and the other 10% for forms. I usually train six times per week. My Taekwondo training is usually two hours long. In Taekwondo sparring you need many abilities: endurance, explosiveness (the ability to step on the gas when you need it), flexibility, strength, agility, accuracy, decisiveness, coordination, balance, technical skills, and mental toughness. You have to be a well-rounded athlete. Some of my workouts burn more calories than what some consume in a day (1,200+).

    What kind of supplements do you use if any, and why?
    I take a daily multivitamin that contains B12. I drink a protein shake most days (usually pea, since I eat soy quite often). Once or twice a week I take a calcium pill.


    How do people react when they find out you are vegan?In Singapore there are very few vegans. You can count the number on your fingers and toes. I usually have to explain what veganism is. It's usually met with silence. East Asians are usually non-confrontational, so they aren't usually comfortable asking why I'm vegan. In other countries it's usually met with surprise.

    What are some common misconceptions about veganism?
    Some people think the only reason to go vegan is for the animals — they don't realize the other impacts of a vegan lifestyle. While animal exploitation is part of my motivation, my prime reason for being vegan is the impact on the environment. Also, because of my Indian background, many people mistakenly assume my veganism is linked to Hindu beliefs and that I also avoid alcohol. Another misconception I encounter is that vegans avoid gluten.
    What do you think the most important aspect of training is?
    Self-discipline



    What do you like best about being vegan?
    First, that I'm doing my part to help the environment, animals, and my health. Second, I can look at animals in peace since I don't contribute to harming them. Third, after a huge meal I can get up, walk around, and feel fine. Before I became vegan I'd often feel bloated and heavy after a big meal.
    What do you like best about being fit?
    You can extend the springtime of your youth for a very long time!
    What advice do you have for people who are just starting out with training?
    If you are completely new to martial arts, work on your endurance and flexibility for a few weeks to give you a good foundation. You'll be able to practice techniques with better form if you aren't out of breath, which means you'll develop proficiency in them more quickly. Also, with better circulation and flexibility, you will be less likely to pull a muscle or have another kind of injury.


    What advice do you have for people who are thinking of becoming vegan?
    Some people can stop consuming animal products cold-turkey. Some people phase things out gradually. Both methods require discipline. I chose the second method. I cut things out gradually so that I could adjust my habits and incorporate alternatives over time. First I cut out red meat, then seafood and poultry at about the same time, then dairy, and finally eggs.
    What motivates you in life?
    Wanting to make a difference.

    What do you think of veganbodybuilding.com? Has it helped or inspired you?
    It's changing the perception that vegans are physically weak. It encourages vegans to be healthier so that they can be better advocates.
    Guest

    Roxanne Thaler

    By Guest, in Profiles, from legacy VBBF website,

    Name: Roxanne Thaler
    Year of Birth: 1979
    Height: 5"2
    Weight: 126
    Birthplace: Brooklyn,N.Y.
    Current Residence: Yorktown Heights,N.Y.
    Sports: Bikini Competitor
    Website: www.RoxanneThaler.com
    Facebook page:
    Roxanne Thaler~ All About Holistic Nutrition & Fitness page
    Email: [email protected]
    Why did you become vegan?
    I Love animals. I couldn't stand the thought that because of my old shopping habits, that was part of the contribution to animals being slaughtered! I just never liked the taste, texture and the look of meat! I was becoming very ill to top it all off. Like I said, I love animals, I LOVE my Doggie Saige, who just happens to be one of the most important love's of my life...she is fourteen years old
    When and why did you become interested in fitness?
    I was always pretty active. I used to dance as a kid and into my teen years. Jazz, Hip-Hop, Ballet, African Dance but I learned mostly on the streets for dance. As a kid, in elementary we used to go behind the red brick house at recess and all of my friends would teach me how to dance;) As I got older, I kinda moved away from dance and became more interested in just being fit. After a while, I had went through some life changes and became very unhealthy as a result. Since realizing where I had started and where I had ended up so unhealthy at a point, I decided to get back into the swing of things. Except this time I took it a step further. I loved my results so much that I decided I wanted to help other people. Thats when I became a NASM Certified Personal Trainer.


    How would you describe your nutrition program?
    I am a Raw Vegan. A lot of Fruits, Veggies, Nuts and seeds.
    How would you describe your training program?
    It changes ALL the time. Right now I'm on a little bit of a resting training period, so for me its 3 days total body circuits, HIIT and Steady state cardio. However, in a week that all changes for contest prep.
    What kind of supplements do you use if any, and why?
    Sunwarrior protein, Maca, some herbs, Raw Garlic, Chlorophyll and probiotics.

    How do people react when they find out you are vegan?
    There are two types of reactions. Usually the first is, "wow, what about protein?" and the second is "Really? so what do you eat besides salad?".
    What are some common misconceptions about veganism?
    That it is Impossible to compete on a Vegan Diet! That Vegans cannot build quality muscle. and last but certainly not least...Vegans are all frail and skinny looking. Do I look Frail and/or skinny? lol



    Have you had success in promoting veganism / vegetarianism to others? If so, how did you go about it?
    Yes. My family and friends have become interested just by my results, so they have come to me for advice and I usually lead them towards the Peta website, alicia silverstone's "The Kind Diet" book or for competitors Veganbodybuilding.com and refer them to my Wellness coach WBFF Pro Channa Serenity.

    What do you think the most important aspect of training is?
    Consistency, variety (make it fun) and Focus.
    What do you like best about being vegan?
    I feel healthier than ever, I have way more energy to get me through my workouts, the food is awesome and knowing that I didnt contribute to the harm of any animals for the love of a sport!


    What do you like best about being fit?
    I feel very balanced and calm. Then of course there is the whole aesthetic part which is just the added bonus!
    What advice do you have for people who are just starting out with training?
    Learn about everything and anything. There is so much info out there. The more variety, the better. Make it FUN! Maybe go to some Fitness camps(alot of famous Non-vegan competitors hold these, I'll be holding some of the first Vegan camps in the near future), You'll definitely learn alot while your there and make new Fitness friends while your at it!
    What advice do you have for people who are thinking of becoming vegan?
    Experiment and have fun. There is an alternative for almost every meat option out there when you are making the transition if need be! Check out Vegan websites for recipes and Vegan forums (such as www.veganbodybuilding.com) where you can talk to other Vegans. Also if you can, Speak to a professional to help you meet your own personal nutritional needs!
    What motivates you to continue to be a successful Vegan Athlete?
    I feel healthier than ever before. I want to share that with the world and show people in the Bikini Competition and Fitness Industry that competing as a Vegan is highly attainable, just look at these amazing Vegan Athletes on Veganbodybuilding.com's profile section!


    What do you think of veganbodybuilding.com? Has it helped or inspired you?
    I think that Vega BodyBuilding.com has opened the door for Vegans in the Fitness industry. In fact if it weren't for Veganbodybuilding.com I might not have met my Wellness Coach Channa Serenity, who has helped me tremendously with my health and is guiding me through my next Competiton as a Raw Vegan Athlete. This is the best site to network with other Vegans and help get the word out about who we are and what we stand for! Do you have any other thoughts you'd like to share?
    Yeah, Vegans are Awesome!


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