Tips from a Vegan Bodybuilding Champion - How to be a Successful Vegan Athlete?

 

Click HERE to Find Out How You Can Build Muscle & Lose Fat By Eating Plants

VEGAN BODYBUILDING LEGEND SHARED SECRET TO GOOD POSTURE

“Keeping my waist tight has enabled me to keep my posture, which keeps excess strain off my joints and muscles.”

It is my pleasure to introduce Jim Morris, a former vegan bodybuilding champion.

Update: Morris died on January 28, 2016 at the age of 80.

Jim was a soft-spoken, humble man who was a professional bodybuilder for over 30 years and competed against many of the greats, including Arnold Schwarzenegger. He said that his health greatly improved after he made the switch to a plant-based diet in 1985.

Q: Who was your hero as a child?

Al Jones was my hero.

My parents separated when I was a year old. Al was a co-worker at the laundry my mother worked at. He had a family of his own, but he would find time to spend with me. Al would help me with my scouting merit badge projects.

He took me to museums, car shows (Motorama), Coney Island, the Sportsmen’s Show, the circus, and Broadway theaters. During our time together, I learned a lot about life through his example.

[Interesting fact: From 1974 to 1988, Jim was Elton John’s personal bodyguard. In effect, Jim is a hero himself.]

Q: Do you meditate?

I meditate daily. It is part of my life, and I do it without planning, schedule, or limit. It happens on its own and is open-ended.

Q: What are your hobbies outside of fitness?

I spend most of my day in my yard. I enjoy moving stuff and being a part of the ongoing creative process in the yard.

Q: What words of wisdom would you tell your 13-year-old self?

Believe in yourself!

I didn’t start bodybuilding until I was 19 years old. Ever since the first day, the gym members started asking me questions about how I had built my body; I was hooked.

Q: What are some of your bodybuilding feats?

• In 1972, I won Mr. USA.
• In 1973, I won the AAU Mr. America competition.
• In that same competition, I also won Most Muscular, Best Arms, and Best Chest subdivisions, along with setting records for Largest Winning Margin (30 points), Oldest Winner (37 years-old), and Only Openly Gay to win.

• In 1974, I won Mr. International.
• In 1978, I was inducted into the Physical Fitness Hall of Fame.
• In 1996, I came out of retirement and won Mr. Olympia Masters Over 60.
• In 2015, I was inducted into the Venice Muscle Beach Hall of Fame.

Q: Why did you initially become vegetarian?

In 1985, my partner Jim Brown and I bought a house and immediately found ourselves with three adopted dogs. I quickly learned of their personalities as sentient beings, and mainly watching them interact with Jim. I came to realize them as individuals and equal beings. From there, it was automatic for me.

In January of 1969, I went to Los Angeles to ask Bill Pearl’s advice about bodybuilding. I was so taken with him, I moved to Los Angeles to learn from him. Bill taught me the mechanics of training and training others. With Bill’s guidance, I was able to win the Mr. America.

I decided to become a vegetarian in 1985 at age 50. In 2000 at age 65, I became a vegan.

(Pearl became a vegetarian at age 39 and is the most well-known vegetarian bodybuilder next to Jim)

Q: In what ways has your health improved?

During the first 15 years [of being plant-based], my overall system became more unified and strong. Since becoming vegan:

• I no longer have any joint pain or stiffness.
• I no longer have any allergy symptoms.
• I no longer wear eyeglasses.
• All of my digestive problems have cleared up.

“I don’t experience the joint pain that many other iron athletes my age constantly complain about.”

Q: Tips on bulking up?

To bulk up, I increase the weight/poundage I am training with, which stimulates my system to eat more food, and then I eat whatever my appetite indicates.

Q: Supplements or hormone therapy (as your age would require)?

• Take 200 mg of testosterone weekly.
• Four teaspoons of hemp seeds daily.
• One aloe vera leaf daily.

Q: If you have to pick only three exercises, what would they be?

• Squats
• Push-ups
• Chin-ups

Q: How has your training regimen changed over the years?

I think what you’re asking is: “How have you dealt with the advancing age in your training?” (Expecting some sort of compromised intensity.)

My training regimen and my life are one and the same.

All of the components of my life – goals, nutrition, and activities – are the same as those of my training regimen.

I do not think of them as different.

As I learn and incorporate that knowledge into my life, it becomes part of my always-changing training regimen.

Depending on my circumstance at the moment, I will workout differently in the gym.

So the changes in my regimen are constant, as they always have been and always will be.

The last time “I got into shape” was to do the PETA poster of the Rodin “Thinker” sculpture two years ago [photo on the right].

That followed the 75th commemorative photo session two years earlier, so I was in pretty decent shape to begin with. So starting from that point was easy.

Q: What unique tips can you share that have led to your success in bodybuilding all these years? Why do you think you have been able to train well into your 70s?

I have accepted responsibility for my life. Which includes conscious responsibility for the condition of my body.

I have always kept my midsection in shape. No matter what condition of the rest of my body, fat or skinny, whatever. My waist has always been my priority.

It has kept me from wasting time with processed and non-nutritious food. Keeping my waist tight has enabled me to keep my posture, which keeps excess strain off my joints and muscles.

Q: What future trends do you anticipate in health and fitness?

Veganism will be the next “organic.”

I think “meals” as we know them [with multiple food groups] will become obsolete.

There will be mostly nutrient-specific meals which may consist of only one type of food. I think people will eat only when they are hungry, and then one item will be enough to satisfy them.

I think workouts and exercises will be more functional and geared toward enhancing our day-to-day movements and habits.

Q: What advice do you have for someone who wants to try vegan bodybuilding?

Go for it.

The only difference is in the food. Everything else is the same. The workout, the exercises, the poundages, and the rest periods – everything except the food.

And while you are at it, eliminate processed and refined food as well.

To get more ideas on how to be a successful vegan athlete, watch these 2 videos below –

WHAT I EAT IN A DAY BUILDING VEGAN MUSCLE | LEAN GAINS

Advice for New Vegans! (B12, Protein and more)

Author Bio:

Chris Willitts (creator of V3), is the founder and owner of Vegetarian Bodybuilding.

V3 Vegetarian Bodybuilding System is a mixture of science and author’s advice, providing users with optimal diet and exercise. This system is designed for vegans and vegetarians only.

A lot of research has been put in this program. Furthermore, a lot of professional bodybuilders and athletes tried and tested the program, praising its progressiveness and efficiency.

The program is about taking control of your own body and health according to your potential and needs. And worry not; you’ll get plenty of proteins with this system. It will boost you with energy, and you’ll feel just a strong as any carnivore would (perhaps even stronger, depending on how much you invest in your exercise). It avoids vitamins deficiency and provides you with a lot of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 

Instead of saying things like “I think a plant-based diet is good for athletes and bodybuilders,” the V3 Vegetarian Bodybuilding System claims “I know a plant-based diet is good for athletes and bodybuilders, and I have results to prove it.”

To find out more, visit the website at V3 Bodybuilding – How to be a Successful Vegan Athlete

ARVID BECK HAS SUCCESS WITH SIMPLE VEGAN MEALS FOR BODYBUILDING

 

Click HERE to Find Out How You Can Build Muscle & Lose Fat By Eating Plants

“Over the years I learned that a lot of completely different routines and approaches can and do work if you train properly.”

Name: Arvid Beck
Occupation: Security guard
City/State/Country: Dusseldorf, Germany
Age: 32
Height: 5’8″
Type of Competing: Figure Bodybuilding
Weight: off-season 198lbs. / competition 176lbs.
Website: www.arvidbeck.de
Facebook: facebook.com/arvidbeckbodybuilder

Q: Who is your hero?

In general, ANYONE who decides to go vegan for the sake of the animals and the planet! In terms of bodybuilding: Frank Zane!

Q: What one thing would you change about yourself?

Sometimes I wish I was bit more outgoing and extroverted. Believe it or not, I’m a shy guy most of the time. And yeah, I’m pretty sensitive.

Q: Tell us about the path that led you to plant-based fitness.

I became vegan for pure moral and ethical reasons. I never really liked to consume animal products. Just like most people, I was brainwashed to believe that I HAD to eat meat if I wanted to do bodybuilding.

But there came a point, especially after watching “Earthlings”, where I just thought: That’s it. I’m done with meat, I’m done with milk, eggs, or any animal products. I couldn’t support the inhumane treatment of animals any longer.

Q: Describe what you eat in a day.

My meals are also pretty simple. I’m neither a great cook, nor do I have the time to create fancy dishes.

I prefer to have a few big meals instead of several smaller ones. So usually I’ll have the typical three meals per day and eventually some snacks in between, mainly fruit.

• Breakfast: Half a package (250g) of oatmeal, with cinnamon, bananas, and some soy or rice milk.
• Lunch: Rice, couscous, quinoa 250g (uncooked) with some peas or kidney beans in tomato sauce or with curry, and some fruit after that.
• Dinner: Huge salad and another portion of grains and legumes.

Q: Favorite pre-workout meal ?

I always train early in the morning on an empty stomach. But even if i train in the afternoon or in the evening, I won’t eat for at least 3 hours before the workout. I feel better and more awake that way.

Q: Philosophy on supplements and which ones you take?

Supplements should simply be what the term indicates. They shouldn’t be the foundation of your diet, which is actually the case with a lot of athletes nowadays.

The supplement I will always take on a daily basis is B12, anything else is more or less optional. But I use kelp tabs, sometimes zinc, depending on what I eat.

For bodybuilding, I like creatine, glutamine and bcaa/leucine. Especially when in a calorie deficit during contest prep. Sometimes I use citrulline before my training to get a better pump.

Q: Describe your training regimen.

Basically there are only two training setups that I use:

1. Full body workouts, with 1-2 days off in between
2. Push/pull split

Most of my training sessions take me about 80-90 minutes, and I rest 2-3 minutes between sets (depending on the exercise). The volume can vary a lot, depending on the exact training routine and goal.

Of course, the volume will be a lot higher when I do split training. For full body workouts I usually prefer a low volume approach that’s more geared towards intensity, like HIT.

Over the years I learned that a lot of completely different routines and approaches can and do work if you train properly. So it’s also question of personal taste in my opinion.

“A training routine should not only work, it should also be fun to you. That’s more important than anything else in my eyes.”

Because enjoying what you do will give you the long term motivation. Of course that doesn’t mean a training shouldn’t be hard or exhausting.

Q: What tips can you share that have led to your success in bodybuilding? How does that carry over into your life?

“I think consistency is the most important thing in bodybuilding.”

You won’t get anywhere without.

Why? Because you need constant training for YEARS, if you really want to reach your full potential.

You can train and diet as hard as you want, but if you’re only willing to do that for a few weeks/months per year, you won’t build the physique of a champion.

You have to hang in there year round, if you don’t:

• You won’t have good days and workouts all the time.
• You won’t always be in the mood for a tough training session.
• You won’t always be happy when you have to restrict your calories or ditch your favorite foods.

“But hey, that’s part of the game! Nobody said it’d be easy. If it was, everyone would look like a top athlete.”

But if you have the will to stick with your plans, you will reach your goals one day. If you really want something, you’ll find a way. If not, you’ll find excuses.

It’s a lot easier to achieve other things in life, if you apply the same kind of mentality.

Q: What are the three biggest trends you see in fitness right now?

Crossfit is certainly a huge global trend at the moment.

Natural bodybuilding also gets a lot more attention.

Physique and bikini competitions seem to be a big thing right now.

Wherever you go, no matter which federation or contest, the physique class will always be the one with the most athletes! Sure, for some athletes it’s just the first step into bodybuilding, but I think a lot of the competitors really like and prefer this kind of look, instead of the mass monster look of modern professional bodybuilders.

Q: What are the next big goals you have for yourself?

Well, the most important thing to me right now is certainly to be a good father for my little boy! Besides that, I wanna improve my physique to place better in future competitions so I can be an even better example for what you can achieve as a vegan bodybuilder. I wanna reach as many people as I can, to show them that there’s no need for animal products.

To get more ideas about the simple vegan meals for bodybuilding, watch this video -  VEGAN MEAL PREP FOR MUSCLE | EASY HIGH PROTEIN MEALS

Author Bio:

Chris Willitts (creator of V3), is the founder and owner of Vegetarian Bodybuilding.

V3 Vegetarian Bodybuilding System is a mixture of science and author’s advice, providing users with optimal diet and exercise. This system is designed for vegans and vegetarians only.

A lot of research has been put in this program. Furthermore, a lot of professional bodybuilders and athletes tried and tested the program, praising its progressiveness and efficiency.

The program is about taking control of your own body and health according to your potential and needs. And worry not; you’ll get plenty of proteins with this system. It will boost you with energy, and you’ll feel just a strong as any carnivore would (perhaps even stronger, depending on how much you invest in your exercise). It avoids vitamins deficiency and provides you with a lot of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 

Instead of saying things like “I think a plant-based diet is good for athletes and bodybuilders,” the V3 Vegetarian Bodybuilding System claims “I know a plant-based diet is good for athletes and bodybuilders, and I have results to prove it.”

To find out more, visit the website at V3 Bodybuilding – Simple Vegan Meals for Bodybuilding

What is the Ideal Vegan Meal Plan for Putting On Muscle?

 

Click HERE to Find Out How You Can Build Muscle & Lose Fat By Eating Plants

ANTJUANE SIMS, THE CROSSFIT VEGAN BODYBUILDER

“YOU HAVE TO CHEAT! I’m talking about doing cheat reps. It seems that real growth comes from sacrificing form, just a little, to get those last few reps.”

Name: Antjuane Sims
Occupation: Health and Fitness Educator
City/State/Country: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Age: 41
Height: 5′ 6″
Type: Crossfit (current focus), bodybuilding
Weight: 157

Q: Tell us about the path that led Antjuane Sims to vegan bodybuilding?

I started getting bored with chicken, from purchase to preparation. The texture began to bother me, too.

I didn’t look forward to eating another chicken meal. Besides, meat is way more expensive than vegetables. So instead of chicken, I figured I would change it up a little by eating turkey, goat, and bison.

However, the same thing happened while eating those products.

I got bored eating them, and those products were just as expensive, not to mention I experienced the same uncomfortable stomach issues.

More than purchasing and prepping, I began to notice how my stomach would react when I ate those meat products.

My stomach would get warm inside, and sometimes, I felt like the meat wasn’t breaking down completely.

“Although there is no argument that the smell and taste of meat is good, the fact is, it doesn’t digest well in our system.”

I wanted to make a change.

At the same time, my friend was beginning to experiment with juicing.

I didn’t think I would get enough calories by juicing, but I decided to eliminate meat from my diet and add in the carbs.

A major part of this decision had to do with the many documentaries I watched regarding the effects of meat on our cellular health.

After watching those documentaries, I was convinced that my performance would greatly improve if I eliminated meat from my diet, because my cellular health would improve.

I decided to conduct an experiment on myself before sharing my decision with others.

“I didn’t have bodybuilding in mind when I made the decision to go meatless, but I did want to have better internal health and improved performance in my workouts.”

As a result, I’ve noticed that my strength has increased and my recovery time has improved.

My body feels cleaner on the inside. Making the decision to go meatless did become a bit of a challenge when I finally factored bodybuilding into the equation.

The challenge was what to eat in order to maintain my size or even to put on muscle. Over these past few years, I have been able to slowly figure out what works best for me.

However, in the initial stages of my transition, it was pretty difficult because I didn’t know which foods would be beneficial in achieving my goals. Although I’m still learning, I’ve primarily been eating more complex carbohydrates for size and super foods for nutrients and energy.

Q: Ideal vegan meal plan for putting on muscle:

As I continue to learn, it appears that one of the best things to do is eat complex carbohydrates:

• Sweet potatoes
• Yams
• Quinoa
• Brown pastas
• White potatoes
• Squash
• Oatmeal
• Buckwheat
• Black rice
• Red rice
• Brown rice
• Wild rice

These are my staple superfoods:

• Avocados
• Chia seeds
• Flax seeds
• Black seed
• Goji berries

I’m still learning, too. It’s best to choose foods that you like. In other words, choose what tastes good to you. Usually, the difficulty is with breakfast. For me, I have a smoothie and half cup of cooked buckwheat for breakfast.

In my smoothie, I use:

• Two cups of organic rice milk, or any other nut milk
• 1 frozen banana
• Hemp protein powder
• 2 tablespoons of goji berries
• Teaspoon of black seed
• Teaspoon of turmeric
• Half a stick of cinnamon
• Tablespoon of sunflower seed butter
• Couple of ice cubes

In my cooked buckwheat, I put:

• 3 dates
• 1 tablespoon of sunflower seed butter
• 2 tablespoons of mixed nuts
• Powdered cinnamon

Again, find out what you like to eat, and have that for breakfast.

Some people feel the need to have breakfast food for breakfast, while others can eat lunch and dinner foods for breakfast.

If you are fine with eating lunch and dinner foods for breakfast, then have a sweet potato or yam for breakfast. Add mixed nuts, cinnamon, and kale or chard or spinach or any other green leafy vegetable.

You can also have polenta with kale or spinach or any other leafy green for breakfast, too.

If you are a fan of tofu, you can easily make a tofu scramble for breakfast with whole wheat toast.

“The bottom line is to find out what non-animal based foods you like, and eat from that list.”

It also helps to go online to read various recipes to give you ideas of what to prepare and what foods to eat.

“I don’t think it’s important to eat every three hours as we’ve been taught, but I do believe you should eat when you’re hungry.”

Remember, keep it simple. When you try to overcomplicate it, it becomes overwhelming and you can become easily discouraged. Lastly, don’t be afraid to eat those complex carbohydrates!

Q: Philosophy on supplements:

I believe if one has a nutritional deficiency, it’s a good idea to take quality vegan supplements. For me, that includes creatine and B12. With so many options on the market, you really have to do your homework. I would suggest to stay away from any capsules that are coated with magnesium stearate, as this could be toxic to the digestive system.

Other than that, research the options and find out which ones work best for you. However, by sticking as close to whole food nutrition as possible, you will consume plenty of vitamins and minerals for your body’s needs.

Q: Describe your training regimen:

Working out is an interesting topic. What may work for me may not work for you.

Ultimately, when you work out, you want to be focused, intense, and have a purpose.

“Personally, I change my workout almost every time I train.”

Here’s what that means: the next time I train a certain muscle group, I’ll either do more reps, less reps, change the angle, tempo, etc.

“I even change the amount of time I rest in between sets. The number of reps I perform varies from eight to 20.”

Sometimes I even do 50 reps, depending on my workout program.

I suggest starting with the basic/ traditional muscle group combinations. Those would be chest with triceps, back with biceps, legs with shoulders.

That makes a three-times-a-week workout program.

If you’re looking to put on muscle, make sure the wait is heavy enough where you can only do between eight and 12 repetitions per set. Do a minimum of three sets per muscle group, and try doing four different exercises for the major muscle groups, i.e. chest, back, legs, and shoulders.

For the smaller muscle groups, you can do two sets with higher repetitions, such as 10 to 12. Currently, that is the way I’m training. However, I’m separating my shoulders and legs, so I’m working out four days a week instead of three.

When I work out, I use a slow tempo when I lower the weight. I go for a four-second count in the negative. I have a workout manual, including photos, that I will be releasing later this year with more detailed instruction and explanation of how to get back to the basics of exercise.

Q: What part of your daily routine is the most consistent and has helped you the most?

The most consistent part of my daily routine is prayer. I start the day and end the day with prayer. Acknowledging the one who has given me life, food, protection, and the ability to help others is priority.

If I don’t pray for strength and guidance from the Lord, it’s as if I’m telling Him I can do this on my own, and I know I can’t. It also gives me the opportunity to petition for the well-being of others, as well as ask for His protection over them.

Q: What have you changed your mind about in the past 10 years?

I’ve realized that it’s important to follow your passion. My mind has changed from following/building others’ dreams to fulfilling mine. It doesn’t matter what area of interest; find what interests you and go for it.

I believe more people would be happy if they did something that they were passionate about, instead of doing something just because they have to pay the bills. Pray for guidance, and follow your calling. We all have a purpose, we all have talent, so find yours and go for it!

Q: Fun fact most people don’t know about Antjuane Sims?

I had my very first victorious Muay Thai fight match in Thailand versus a local Thai fighter. That was one of my most incredible traveling experiences as well. Thai people are incredibly warm, kind, and hospitable.

In fact, my favorite food is Thai food. When I was there, I thoroughly enjoyed all the food I ate. One of the benefits of living in LA is that there are plenty of Thai food restaurants. It’s great to have so many options.

Q: What three pearls of wisdom would you tell your 18-year-old self?

I would tell myself that I don’t have to have the answer for everything or have to do everything. It’s okay to say, “I don’t know” and “I need help.”

I believe as teenagers, we tend to think we have all the answers to everything in life. The “shocking” reality is that we don’t. Also, as an athletic teenager, I felt that I didn’t need any help in carrying out physical tasks. I felt that if I was strong enough to do it, I could do it on my own.

“At this stage in my life, I know that it’s okay not to know something and it’s okay to ask for help.”

Another would be to be friendly even to people who are mean to you or mistreat you. Fighting fire with fire is not always the best solution. Kindness quenches fire.

Q: How much sleep do you get? How do you relax?

This is my area of defeat. I don’t sleep enough. Sometimes I get between four to six hours of sleep. There are times, though, when I get a good seven, but that hasn’t been too often lately. I relax by laying down during the day if I get a chance. I call that my recovery session.

Q: What tips can you share that have led to your success in bodybuilding? 

YOU HAVE TO CHEAT! I’m talking about doing cheat reps. It seems that real growth comes from sacrificing form, just a little, to get those last few reps.

Having a training partner is great! They can help you cheat with better form. In life, it’s the opposite. Cheating is a no go. Again, having a quality character that is shaped by the discipline of committing to a workout program, overcoming the obstacle of giving up, focusing in on getting the job done, and helping others in the process can all be gained from working out.

Q: Where do you think vegan bodybuilding is going in the future?

I believe that door is opening. I’m excited to see the attention “healthy eating” is getting, and I believe more people will adopt that lifestyle. I can see it making an impression on non-vegan bodybuilders once they gain the proper understanding and education. It took me a while to wrap my head around it, but knowledge is power.

For more ideas on the ideal vegan meal plan for putting on muscle, watch this video - EASY HIGH PROTEIN MEAL PREP 2020 | LOSE WEIGHT & BUILD MUSCLE!

Author Bio:

 

Chris Willitts (creator of V3), is the founder and owner of Vegetarian Bodybuilding.

 

V3 Vegetarian Bodybuilding System is a mixture of science and author’s advice, providing users with optimal diet and exercise. This system is designed for vegans and vegetarians only.

 

A lot of research has been put in this program. Furthermore, a lot of professional bodybuilders and athletes tried and tested the program, praising its progressiveness and efficiency.

 

The program is about taking control of your own body and health according to your potential and needs. And worry not; you’ll get plenty of proteins with this system. It will boost you with energy, and you’ll feel just a strong as any carnivore would (perhaps even stronger, depending on how much you invest in your exercise). It avoids vitamins deficiency and provides you with a lot of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 

 

Instead of saying things like “I think a plant-based diet is good for athletes and bodybuilders,” the V3 Vegetarian Bodybuilding System claims “I know a plant-based diet is good for athletes and bodybuilders, and I have results to prove it.”

 

To find out more, visit the website at V3 Bodybuilding – Female Bodybuilding Trends and Myths