gstrong

Hey everyone! I am new to the site. I went vegan in December of 2010, and then struggled to stay on it because it was "too hard". Basically, it was less effort to eat "normal" stuff and not have to come up with creative ways to get all my nutrients since I was still new to it. I moved across the country w/ my wife and daughter and used that as a pretty good excuse too... All of that to say, I am not a stranger to the vegan lifestyle, but I'm not a pro either. I have read Brendan's book a while back and learned a ton from it, and it's a big part of why I can't really feel good about living a non-vegan life. My real "dilemma", though (if you can even call it that), is that I am wanting to get into bodybuilding and am not sure that I can achieve the results that I want as a vegan. I am looking for some input from some of you to see what your take is and see if I am just not getting it. When I have looked at pretty much every photo of a vegan bodybuilder that I can find, they are extremely lean...and aside from their competition photos, you wouldn't really be able to tell that they were a "body builder" (like if you just saw them on the streets). I know that on the homepage of VBB, there is an article about Torre Washington. He even said in there that when he has his clothes on, people think he's just a little guy. Is this just the fate you hold if you are a "vegan" bodybuilder? Or, does this have to do more with your natural body type? I am about 5'11", but have always been a bigger guy. I am overweight, but even with that aside, I have pretty broad shoulders (most people have told me I am built like a football player). So, I guess in my ignorance, I am wondering if since I have that type of build, will I be able to achieve the "look" I want as a vegan? Or is being smaller (since the diet is so lean) just kind of what comes with the territory as a vegan? I also have questions on supplements, creatine, etc...But, I will save those for now. This is my biggest, burning question. Thanks a lot everyone. And I apologize if this post wreaks of noobie.

I'm new here - hence the introduction. I am Gavin, and am in the US. I became a vegan almost a year ago, mainly because of laziness and letting things like moving across the country, starting a new job, etc. effect my eating habits. I was on the go, and slowly the vegan in me died. I have still maintained no dairy and no beef - mainly because after reading The China Study, I couldn't bring myself to it. So, here I am, getting my life back in order. I have some questions and need some advice, so I will head over to the right category for that Thanks!