VEGAN DETOX FOR BODYBUILDING – Why Bodybuilders and Athletes Have More to Gain from Detox?

 

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

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Many vegetarian bodybuilders credit their youthful appearance to the inherent detoxing properties of their diets, which naturally combats the aging process.

Anyone can benefit from a vegan detox diet…however, bodybuilders and athletes have more to gain from detox than the average person. Many aches and ailments you suffer from are due to toxicity, which directly affects your performance and recovery.

Whether you’re experiencing headaches, itchy skin, joint problems, or a lack of energy, toxicity is likely to blame. These factors decrease your performance in the gym and prevent you from getting the results you crave.

The main goal of a vegan detox is to eliminate toxins and poisons from your body so you can perform at your highest potential. It’s nearly impossible to avoid environmental toxins like lawn fertilizers, food toxins like chemical preservatives, and product toxins like hairspray.

Ingested toxins can’t be broken down by digestive enzymes, your liver, or your immune system, so they build up until you do something about it. As a vegetarian bodybuilder, you depend on your body to work like a well-oiled machine at all times.

So what are you waiting for?

How Can Vegan Detox Help Vegetarian Bodybuilders?

Bodybuilders who want to gain muscle mass or who want to get ripped have a lot to gain from a vegan detox. If you’re looking to build muscle mass, detox will help nutrients and protein reach your muscles more efficiently. Without toxins in the way, nutrients from the vegan foods you consume can better find their way through your intestines and blood stream.

According to bodybuilder, Henry Chervenka, fat melts way faster when you detox, and it helps you get ripped faster too. “This is because the detox not only cleanses your small and large intestine, but also cleanses the chemicals and filth in your fat cells.” Once you get the toxins out of your fat cells, your cardio and lifting workouts can burn fat the way they’re supposed to.

In an interview with Iron Man Magazine, Ori Hofmekler, author of The Warrior Diet, explained that:

“Detoxification is part of the equation that defines life. Survival depends on the balance between two critical processes: material coming in and material coming out. If either of those processes is impaired, the body loses its capacity to sustain health.”

Key Foods to Include

• Legumes, lentils, soybeans
• Flax and hemp seeds, nuts
• Broccoli and spinach
• Whole grains, oats, granola
• Fruits
• Peanut, soy, or almond butter
• Quinoa
• Tofu
• Olive oil
• Sweet potatoes
• Raisins

Vegan Detox vs. Traditional Detox

There are countless detox diets on the market these days, so what makes a vegan detox diet more effective than the other ones out there? If you’ve already committed to a vegan lifestyle, then your answer is obvious. However, vegan detox diets are even beneficial for bodybuilders who occasionally eat meat.

Meat, cheese, and eggs used to be the staples of a bodybuilder’s diet. It’s a common misconception that athletes can’t compete on plant-based diets there’s no way they can get enough protein.

Ask world-class vegetarian bodybuilders and athletes like Bill “Mr. Universe” Pearl, gold medalist Carl Lewis, MLB first baseman Prince Fielder, Iron Man world champion Dave Scott, or mixed martial arts fighter Mac Danzig what they think about that.

According to a Colorado State University study, athletes gain the most from carbohydrates stored in the body. When you get your carbohydrates from vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, your body breaks them down and stores them in your muscles as glycogen. This glycogen supplies energy, thereby boosting your workout performance.

The concepts of “vegan” and “detox” are practically go hand in hand. Vegan diets are raw, pure and natural. The whole point of a detox is to bring your body back to it’s original raw, pure, and natural state. It is only in this state that you can train harder, lift heavier, and endure longer.

Benefits

• Cleans out wastes and toxins from the body
• Reduces your risk of future exposure to toxins
• Provides your body with additional nutritional boosts while cleansing
• Allows your organs to rest between workouts
• Stimulates the liver to drive toxins out of the body
• Promotes toxin elimination through the kidneys, intestines, and skin
• Improves circulation of the blood

The Best Time

Fitness experts recommend detoxing at least once a year, although three or four times a year is optimal. Medical director of Helios Clinic, Dr. Peter Bennett, N.D, suggests beginning a detox plan as soon as you begin to notice symptoms of sluggishness, fatigue, or other unexplained symptoms.

Before changing your diet, make sure to cut out all refined sugars, saturated fats, coffee, and alcohol, which are obvious obstacles to your fitness goals. Minimize your usage of personal care products and household cleaners that have a chemical base to increase the effectiveness of your detox.

The Daily Rundown – What It Looks Like

(courtesy of Jen Reilly, R.D., L.D., registered dietitian based in Washington, D.C.)

• Upon Waking (7:00 AM)
  Large glass of filtered water with cucumber slices (in the water) and a dash of cayenne
• Breakfast (8:00 AM)
  Green-Apple Juice (Serves 1):
  JUICER: 2 kale leaves, handful spinach, 1 stalk celery, small handful parsley, and 2 tart apples. Serve over ice.
  BLENDER: Same recipe, but add 4-8 ounces water and a handful of ice.
• Morning Snack (10:00 AM)
  Herbal tea, 1 cup raspberries or other berries
• 1 Hour Later (11:00 AM)
  Large glass of filtered water with cucumber slices (in the water)
• Lunch (12:00 PM)
  Mango Summer Salad
  1 cup brown rice
• Mid-Afternoon Snack (2:00 PM)
  Large glass of filtered water with lemon wedge
  Hummus with sliced veggies
• Pre-Dinner Snack (4:00 PM)
  Herbal tea; 15 raw almonds
• Dinner (6:00 PM)
  3 cups lightly steamed broccoli
  ½-1 cup cooked quinoa
  ½ cup cooked lentils
  Large glass of filtered water with lemon wedge
• Before Bed (8:00 PM)
  Chamomile or other herbal tea

Tips to Enhance Your Experience

• Drink at least two or three quarts of water each day
• Eat plenty of fiber each day
• Eat fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C
• Sweat out toxins in a sauna at least once a week
• Take deep breaths to allow oxygen to fully circulate through your system
• Use a dry brush on your skin to remove toxins from your pores
• Incorporate martial arts and yoga into your fitness routine

What to Expect After

Sudden changes in diet can sometimes result in withdrawal symptoms, although relatively minor. Many bodybuilders take natural vitamins to supplement their diets, although nutrients should be consumed through food as much as possible. After the initial shock dissipates, you’ll likely feel more energized and overall healthier.

For more ideas about vegan detox for bodybuilding, watch this video - VEGAN What I Eat In A Day As A Model | Plant Based Clean Eating & Body Detox Recipes | Sanne Vloet

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 – VEGAN DETOX FOR BODYBUILDING

Weight Loss Facts and Myths - WEIGHT LOSS MYTHS, SEX BURNS CRAZY-CALORIES

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

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The following are myths regarding obesity and weight loss…

…each of which is commonly thought to be experimental and/or evidence based:

Myth: Small sustained changes in energy intake or expenditure will produce large, long-term weight changes.

Truth: The 3500 kcal intake or expended equates to a 1 lb weight loss or gain was derived from very low-energy diets.

Myth: Setting realistic goals for weight loss is important, because otherwise, patients will become frustrated and lose less weight.

Truth: In fact, the reverse may be true.

Myth: Large, rapid weight loss is associated with poorer long-term weight-loss outcomes, as compared with slow, gradual weight loss.

Truth: In fact a recommendation to lose weight more slowly might interfere with the ultimate success of weight-loss efforts.

Myth: It is important to assess the stage of change or diet readiness in order to help patients who request weight-loss treatment.

Truth: Readiness does not predict the magnitude of weight loss or treatment adherence among persons who sign up for behavioral programs or who undergo obesity surgery.

Myth: Physical education classes, in their current form, play an important role in reducing or preventing childhood obesity.

Truth: The level required may not be achievable.

Myth: Sexual intercourse burns 100-300 kcal.

Truth: It is actually about 21 kcal in a man in his mid-30s.

The following are facts about obesity:

1. Heritability is not destiny; moderate environmental changes can promote as much weight loss as the most efficacious pharmaceutical agents available.

2. Diets (i.e., reduced energy intake) very effectively reduce weight, but trying to go on a diet or recommending that someone go on a diet generally does not work well in the long-term.

3. Regardless of body weight or weight loss, an increased level of exercise increases health, and physical activity or exercise in a sufficient dose aids in long-term weight maintenance.

4. Continuation of conditions that promote weight loss promotes maintenance of lower weight; obesity is a chronic condition requiring ongoing management.

5. For overweight children, programs that involve the parents and the home setting promote greater weight loss or maintenance than those that are school or out-of-home structured settings.

6. Provision of meals and use of meal replacement products promote greater weight loss.

7. Some pharmaceutical agents can help patients achieve clinically meaningful weight loss and maintain the reduction as long as the agents continue to be used.

8. In appropriate patients, bariatric surgery results in long-term weight loss and reductions in the rate of incident diabetes and mortality.

Author(s):Melvyn Rubenfire, MD, F.A.C.C. (Disclosure)

Topic(s):Prevention/Vascular

© 2013 American College of Cardiology Foundation

To find out more about weight loss facts and myths, watch this video - Dietitians Debunk 18 Weight Loss Myths

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 – Weight Loss Facts and Myths

 

Vegetarian Diet and Cancer Prevention - #1 WAY TO AVOID CANCER IS…EATING PLANTS

 

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

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We attempt to educate and celebrate the benefits of a vegetarian bodybuilding diet for building muscle and strength. But the benefits of a plant-based diet extend well beyond the positive impact on the environment and the ability to still maintain adequate protein intake.

Plant-based diets have proven time and time again to reduce the prevalence of chronic illnesses. In particular, plant-based diets are increasingly showing to have a preventative effect on the incidence of cancer, whose pathways are still mysterious to us.

Broccoli should be a staple in your diet for many reasons, and here’s a good article on how broccoli fights cancer.

The evidence has been mounting to the point where even the American Institute for Cancer Research advocates limiting red meat intake and eliminating processed meats altogether from our diets.  Plant-based diets are recommended by the AICR and other health professionals all over. And it’s not just about the anti-oxidants as has been assumed in the past.

Research performed at Cornell University and published in the Journal of Nutrition, suggests that it is not enough to gain anti-oxidants from supplements. Rather, from consuming whole fruits and vegetables, there is a synergistic effect from combining the naturally occurring anti-oxidants with the phyto-chemicals inherent in natural foods. In fact, it is estimated that one-third of all cancer deaths in the US could be prevented through including more fruits and vegetables in our diets.

The evidence suggests that antioxidants or bioactive compounds are best acquired through whole-food consumption, not from expensive dietary supplements.

While that study advocates for simply including more plants in our diet, a paper published this year from research conducted at Loma Linda University, took it a step further advocating for the protective effect of vegetarian diets compared to non-vegetarian plans.

Comparing dietary data from nearly 70,000 participants, researchers found significantly lower incidence of cancer in vegetarian participants vs. non-vegetarian participants. Within the different vegetarian diets compared (Vegan vs. Lacto-ovo Vegetarian), vegan diets showed a significantly more protective effect as well. In particular, vegan diets showed significant preventive results against female-specific cancers.

Researchers are not in argument on whether or not a vegetarian diet is protective against cancer. This is clear. The data has delivered the verdict. Yes, it is. However, the reasons for why are still unclear.

Some suggest that the lower BMI commonly found in vegetarians compared to non-vegetarian populations could be a confounding factor as obesity is a predictor of chronic illnesses such as cancer. Also, in vegan populations, Vitamin D deficiency could negate some of the protective effects of a vegan diet in cancer. That’s why it is an important Vitamin to monitor in vegan and vegetarian diets. Still, the evidence across the board, has shown the additional benefits of a plant-based diet when obtaining anti-oxidants and phytochemicals from naturally occurring sources.

With the lower incidence of cancer, the positive impact on the environment, and the American Dietetic Association supporting the nutritional and preventative benefits of well-planned vegetarian and vegan diets, it’s no wonder there is an increase in advocacy for plant-based diets today.

Can I Get a Witness???

Furthermore, vegetarians tend to have a lower body mass index and lower overall cancer rates

Vegetarian diets seem to confer protection against cancer. Impact: Vegan diet seems to confer lower risk for overall and female-specific cancer than other dietary patterns.

Fruit and vegetables are known to contain a complex mixture of phytochemicals that possess potent antioxidant and antiproliferative activity and show additive and synergistic effects. The phytochemicals interfere with several cellular processes involved in the progression of cancer.

It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence, and for athletes.

For more ideas on vegetarian diet and cancer prevention, watch these 2 videos below –

Cancer Treatment: Why a Vegetarian Diet Helps

Can we eat to starve cancer? - William Li

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 – Vegetarian Diet and Cancer Prevention

9 Tips on How to Make Fitness a Lifestyle

 

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

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9 TIPS FOR MAKING TIME FOR FITNESS

“I’ll get back to the gym when work slows down.”

“I’ll stick to my meal plan as soon as I find time to go shopping.”

“I like the idea of a vegetarian diet, but meal planning overwhelms me.”

How many times have you told yourself something like this?

I’m busy. You’re busy. We’re all busy.

Whether it’s family, school, or work, we all have our excuses for not making time for fitness. But if health and living the good life is a top priority, treat it as such. And the reality is…you won’t ever magically find time, you have to make time.

To live a healthy lifestyle, you’re going to have to make time.

Do you want to be a half-baked vegan or vegetarian bodybuilder?

Real talk folks…how you spend your time simply breaks down to priorities. Your priorities dictate your actions. Your actions dictate our character.

I’m not asking you to choose between the gym and your family or job. But if health and fitness are important to you, the people in your life will understand, if they don’t, it’s selfish of them to want to hold you back from actualizing the best version of yourself you can be.

Without further ado, here are some tips on making time for vegetarian meal planning and workouts in your busy schedule…

1. Buy in Bulk

Few of us actually enjoy the costly and time-consuming task of grocery shopping.

According to family physician Joel Fuhrman, MD, author of the bestselling book, Eat to Live, “We are spending less than half as much of our incomes on food today than we did 40 years ago, but we spend three times as much on medical care. Instead of buying good-quality, healthful food, we eat ourselves into chronic diseases that cost a fortune to control with drugs, and the drugs don’t work very well and have side effects too.”

Carolyn Scott Hamilton, author of The Healthy Voyager’s Global Kitchen, says, “Cook once and eat thrice is my motto. I cook up a big pot of beans and a bit pot of rice and use them throughout the week in different ways.”

Buy these vegetarian-friendly foods in bulk, whenever possible:

• Whole grains
• Nutritional yeast
• Veggie burger mix
• Beans and lentils
• Nuts and seeds
• Vegetable broth mix
• Tea
• Instant hummus

2. Meal Planning Apps

If you’re like most people these days, you’re addicted to your smart phone. It’s time to put that device to work for you! Here are a few meal planning apps worth checking out:

How to Cook Everything Vegetarian

Eden Foods

Green Kitchen

3. Meal Planning Emails

Don’t have time to research meal ideas in cookbooks, or even online? Let the research come to you! Sign up for vegetarian newsletters like ours (sidebar on the right), or from your favorite sites to have vegan bodybuilding recipes delivered to your inbox.

If money is less of an issue than time, you could look into a meal planning service like Veggie Meal Maker, Go Meals Go or Food on the Table. Just make sure these services are designed by a legitimate nutritionist with vegetarian foods in mind, so you’re getting the nutrition you need without being ripped off.

4. Prep the Night Before

A good portion of a vegetarian’s time is spent with a knife and a cutting board. As you find yourself preparing more vegetarian meals, you’ll start to get a feel for what can be prepared in advance. Get a nice set of plastic containers and zip lock bags, and get to work the night before so that you can start the next day off right!

Foods to have on hand for quick meals

• Sweet potatoes
• Brown rice
• Hummus
• Pre-Cooked Quinao (good source of protein)
• Spinach
• Carrots
• Bananas
• Broccoli (good source of protein)
• Oatmeal
• Pre-Cooked Beans (good source of protein)

5. Salads and Smoothies

Salads and protein-packed smoothies can be a vegetarian’s best friend. These are quick and easy options to keep you going throughout the day. And with all the vegan recipes you can find here and online, you can keep things new and fresh to add a little vibrancy to your meal plans.

6. Schedule Workouts

You didn’t miss your 9am business meeting or your 4pm parent-teacher conference, did you? The things that are really important to us we tend to schedule so that there’s no way we miss it. Same concept here. Make your dedication to fitness and your body a must!

Whether you keep track of your days on a paper desk calendar or on a smart phone app, schedule your workouts as you would anything else in your day. Instead of erasing your calendar entries after workouts, jot down how many reps you did and what your max weight was. Calendars are not only a good tool to keep you on schedule, but they also help you keep track of your progress by motivating you.

7. Interval Training

Most of us don’t have time for two hours a day in the gym anyway. Interval training is one of the best ways to shake-up your bodybuilding routine, maximize fat loss, and get your heart rate up.

With just 30-45 minutes a day, three times a week, you’ll achieve better results at a faster rate without taking as much time as traditional cardio. A recent University of Guelph study in Canada found that interval training done on alternate days for two weeks can increase a woman’s metabolism by 36%.

Figure competition coach, Terrance Stokes, offers the following recommendations for high intensity weight training:

• Use weights that only allow about 6-8 repetitions
• Choose compound exercises, plyometrics, or exercises that involve using your body weight
• Group the exercises together in a circuit type fashion with minimal rest between sets – repeat these circuits multiple times (10 minutes to 45 minutes depending on your conditioning)

8. Family Fitness

Living an active lifestyle is tough if you’re the only one doing it. Knock out two birds with one stone by making fitness a family affair. It’s time to make “family time” and “fitness time” synonymous.

Instead of plopping down on the couch to watch TV after dinner, suggest a family walk around the neighbourhood. Stay active on weekends by heading to the backyard or local park for a good ole’ fashioned ball game, coupled with quality time.

9. Twenty Minutes is Better

Yes, twenty minutes is better than nothing, and some days you feel on top of your game and you don’t feel like crushing a workout. While other days you simple don’t have the time for a sixty-minute session. No biggie.

Just take a moment to thank yourself for working out at all and honouring your body with good health. And remember, even your worst workouts help you stay on track and keep the momentum going forward, both physically and mentally.

Summary

Believe it or not, you don’t need to be in the gym to get a good workout. Turn “downtime” into workout time to take advantage of those spare moments that get away from us too quickly.

Do calf raises while standing in line, do lunges to get from one room of your house to another, and practice yoga poses during commercial breaks.

No matter where you are, you have one set of weights with you at all times: your own body weight. Technology can be a burden in our lives, but it can also help with meal planning in a pinch.

I probably don’t need to remind you, but life is never going to be less busy, but it is what you make of it. So plan ahead when you can, make the most of each present moment, and see the results you crave in your future.

More Meal Prep and Training Resources

If you got something out of this post, I think you’ll want to see what we have put together with our V3 Bodybuilding program.

For more tips on how to make fitness a lifestyle, watch this video - How to Start a Healthy Lifestyle in 2020: Fitness + Goal Setting Tips that Changed My Life!

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 Make Fitness a Lifestyle

How to Gain Muscle and Get Abs from a Plant-Based Diet?

 

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

Listen on Spotify

FITNESS MODEL GAINS MUSCLE AND GETS ABS

Chris Ballester is an Aussie vegetarian bodybuilder who gets it.

And by that I mean he looks muscular, and more importantly, he looks vibrantly healthy.

My shape has improved drastically since becoming vegetarian. So for me I can honestly say the advantages have been putting on lean muscle mass and having a lot less fat around the midsection.

Being vegetarian is the way of the future for many reasons. It might take awhile, but I think we will see many more vegetarian athletes in the years to come.

Name: Chris Ballester
City/State/Country: Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Age: 28
Height: 5’7″ (175cm)
Type of competing: Fitness model
Weight/Competition Weight*: 163lbs (74kg)

*I have only recently started competing. I did not diet for my first comp as it was a spur of the moment decision to enter. As such I pretty much maintain this weight/shape year round at this stage.

When and why did you become a vegetarian bodybuilder?

In 2010 I started to transition to vegetarian, by slowly cutting out meat and then fish from my diet. Growing up as a heavy meat-eater I found this approach worked for me. I eventually became a vegetarian on 2 January 2013 and haven’t looked back.

I became vegetarian because I’ve always loved animals and I don’t want to hurt/kill them. I was brought up eating animals like most people, so I thought it was normal when I was younger. However, you get to a point in life where you have to make your own path, and decide for yourself what you believe is right.

I think that goes for anything in life. I could never hurt an animal so I definitely couldn’t eat them. That’s my way of thinking now… I can’t just ignore/pretend that I don’t know about the suffering. I had to take responsibility for my own actions and align my behavior to my ethics.

When and why did you start to compete?

I have only just recently started competing as a friend of mine was competing so I thought I would give it a go. However I plan on competing more in future. I love being able to promote a vegetarian diet through my example rather than preaching to people etc.

Advantages of being a vegetarian?

My shape has improved drastically since becoming vegetarian. So for me I can honestly say the advantages have been putting on lean muscle mass and having a lot less fat around the midsection. I never had a six pack when I ate meat and I’ve been training for many years. Everyone knows you can’t get a six pack without a good diet!

I think being vegetarian has also given me a drive to try to succeed as I feel in a way I’m viewed as the underdog and I have something to prove.

People are usually surprised when I tell them I’m vegetarian. People I meet including friends and family are always quite interested and supportive, which is great.

Describe your diet while preparing for a competition:

I tend to stick to the same diet pretty much all year round at the moment. I don’t really bulk or cut as such I prefer to stay in a maintainable condition. I like maintain my shape and be healthy and not go to extremes.

I do make adjustments as I learn more etc. However I would generally lower my carb intake if I felt I needed to improve my shape for a comp or photos etc.

Favorite food in your prep diet:

I really enjoy quorn products for dinners and cashews for snacks. I also don’t mind the odd protein bar to help with my sweet tooth and bananas after I train. This is same off season.

Describe your diet off season:

Generally, I eat a high protein diet like a typical gym goer, however I try to limit most of my carb intake to breakfast and after I train, so I can stay fairly lean all year round.

Supplements?

I take protein powder (whey and rice protein), BCAAs and Glutamine for breakfast, before I train and also after I train. These are my top 3 supplements I would recommend for anyone to consider including vegetarians/non-vegetarians. I find these help me to recover so I can train most days.

Describe your training for a competition (favorite exercises, weekly training schedule, etc):

• Monday – Basketball (social competition) for cardio
• Tuesday – Chest/abs
• Wednesday – Legs
• Thursday – Rest day or light cardio
• Friday – High intensity interval training/weights (30 minute session)
• Saturday – Back/abs
• Sunday – Shoulder/arms

My sessions are usually around 45 minutes to an hour maximum. My favorite exercises at the moment are hanging leg raises (abs) and dumbbell bench (chest).

Describe your training off season (favorite exercises, weekly training schedule, etc):

I do change things up from time to time, but generally I am fairly consistent with my training all year round.

Thoughts on the future of vegetarian bodybuilding?

I honestly think that it will only get more popular as time goes on. Being vegetarian is the way of the future for many reasons. It might take awhile, but I think we will see many more vegetarian athletes in the years to come.

Any advice or tips for those thinking about becoming a vegetarian bodybuilder?

You should definitely do it. You will feel great, both physically and mentally. I’m now in the best physical condition of my life, by far! There are also so many options to choose from with regard to protein etc and types of food that you won’t miss out on anything. My other advice would be let your body/actions do the talking.

Feel free to follow me on my facebook page: facebook.com/chris.ballesterc

For more ideas on how to gain muscle and get abs from a plant-based diet, watch this video - What I Eat In a Day - Plant based (How to get Abs and Lean)

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 Gain Muscle and Get Abs from a Plant-Based Diet?

3 RECIPES WITH TURMERIC FOR VEGAN BODYBUILDING DIET

 

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

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Turmeric is symbolic to the quality of health that vegetarian bodybuilders enjoy.

If you start incorporating just one new spice into your diet this year, make it turmeric.

To get you started, I’m giving you three delicious recipes with turmeric.

Medical researchers, nutritionists, and dietitians have been praising this powerful yellow spice for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cancer prevention properties.

Since turmeric also aids weight loss, this spice holds a lot of potential for bodybuilders and athletes who need to get in shape for competition season.

If you’re just learning about the health benefits of turmeric, it’s easy to write it off as a simple curry spice in Indian cuisine. But curry is just the beginning!

There are hundreds of other nutritious and delicious uses for turmeric in healthy recipes and everyday convenience foods. And since turmeric is vegetarian-friendly, it’s a great spice for meatless dishes that already give your body the nutrients it needs to perform its best.

What Turmeric Does for Food

• Adds a natural earthy taste
• Balances and tempers stronger flavors in spicy food
• Enhances bland foods with bold, full-bodied flavor
• Brightens up neutral-colored ingredients to inspire festive dishes

Simple Foods That Go Well with Turmeric

• Pasta and rice
• Soups and stews
• Leafy green sautés
• Open-faced cheese sandwiches before broiling
• Blended fruit smoothies

Breakfast Recipe: Omelet with Turmeric, Tomato, and Onion

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs or egg substitute
• 3/8 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ tsp brown mustard seeds
• ¼ tsp turmeric
• 2 chopped green onions
• ¼ cup diced tomato
• Dash of black pepper

Preparation:

1. Whisk eggs and salt together.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mustard seeds and turmeric. Cook 30 seconds or until seeds pop, stirring frequently. Add onions and cook 30 seconds or until soft, stirring frequently. Add tomato and cook 1 minute or until very soft, stirring frequently.
3. Pour egg mixture into pan and spread evenly. Cook until edges begin to set (about 2 minutes). Gently lift edge of omelet, tilting pan to allow some uncooked egg mixture to come in contact with pan. Repeat procedure on the opposite edge. Continue cooking until center is just set (about 2 minutes). Loosen omelet with a spatula and fold in half. Carefully slide omelet onto a platter and cut in half and sprinkle with black pepper.
4. Yields 2 servings. Enjoy!

Lunch Recipe: Barley Salad with Turmeric, Almonds, and Apricots

Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cup pearl barley
• 3 ¼ cups water
• 2 ¼ tsp canola oil
• ¾ thinly sliced red onion
• ½ cup sliced dried apricots
• ¾ cup sliced almonds
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 2/3 cup plain low-fat yogurt
• 2 tbsp locally-sourced honey
• ½ lemon, juiced
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Pinch of ground nutmeg

Preparation:

1. Rinse barley in a fine sieve. Bring water to a boil in a heavy saucepan. Stir in barley, and return to a boil. Cover and reduce heat. Simmer until water is absorbed, about 45 minutes. Cool to room temperature.
2. Pour oil into a small skillet and place over medium heat. Add onion and saute until golden brown.
3. In a serving dish, combine barley, onion, apricots, almonds, and parsley. Toss everything together.
4. In a small bowl, mix together yogurt, honey, lemon juice, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, and nutmeg. Pour over the barley mixture and toss well to combine. Serve at room temperature.
5. Yields 6 servings. Enjoy!

Dinner Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower with Turmeric and Cumin

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sunflower oil
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp turmeric
• 2 tsp crushed red pepper
• ½ tsp sea salt
• 4 heads cauliflower–halved, cored and cut into 1-inch florets
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 1 tbsp chopped mint

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°. In a small bowl, combine the oil, cumin, turmeric, crushed red pepper, and salt.
2. On 2 large rimmed baking sheets, drizzle the cauliflower with the spiced oil and toss well to coat. Lightly season with salt, if desired. Spread the cauliflower in an even layer and bake for about 1 hour, until browned and tender; switch the baking sheets halfway through cooking.
3. Meanwhile, in a pie plate, bake the pine nuts for about 1 minute, until toasted. Let cool.
4. Transfer the cauliflower to a large serving bowl. Sprinkle with the pine nuts, cilantro and mint and serve.
5. Yields 8 servings. Enjoy!

Summary

You can easily make these recipes for a vegan bodybuilding diet as well (use coconut yogurt, 86 the honey, etc.)

Unlike some holistic herbs and spices, turmeric is affordable and easy to find in local grocery stores. The average 7-ounce package or bottle of turmeric powder costs $7 or less, and a bottle of 90 turmeric (curcumin)capsules costs about $7 as well – depending on where you shop.

Always choose non-irridated, organic turmeric because some brands are so chemically-produced that all the healing nutrients get left behind in the processing.

Spices like turmeric don’t spoil, but they do lose their strength over time. This means that you have about a year to reap the full health benefits of your turmeric before it begins losing its potency. Turmeric should be stored in a glass or metal container at a temperature below 70-degrees Fahrenheit.

Is turmeric for vegan bodybuilding diet good? Watch this video - Health Benefits of Turmeric | Dr. Josh Axe

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 – Turmeric for Vegan Bodybuilding Diet

Are Eggs Good for Building Muscle?

 

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

Listen on Spotify

ARE EGGS HEALTHY, AND THE TRUTH ABOUT EGG YOLKS

Are eggs healthy? Absolutely.

Do vegans eat eggs? No, but most vegetarians do.

This article talks about the nutrition of eggs, and discusses the broader topic of ethics.

Eggs do contain a large variety of nutrients, as well as dietary cholesterol. While the latter does not appear to cause nor promote cardiovascular diseases in healthy persons, diabetics may need to exert some caution if eggs are not consumed alongside a weight loss program. – Examine.com

The article of the quote above goes on to say that there isn’t an increased risk (of stroke and coronary artery disease) in persons consuming one-six eggs a week or “greater than six eggs a week” relative to no egg consumption overall.

That means I can potentially eat 16 eggs a day without any risk of my heart exploding. It also means what I’ve been reading in vegan, fitness, and mainstream magazines is either intentional misinformation or unintentional ignorance.

Can we compassionately eat eggs?

Yes, I think it’s possible. Some vegans will argue that all egg production is inhumane, that even if the egg carton states they are “free range” or “cage free” somewhere down the line the hens are still being mistreated. This can be true in some cases, but not all. This is more misguided information being unfairly widespread. In reality, we can get eggs from local farmer’s markets that are compassionately raised/produced.

Recently, it has been well-documented that plants themselves have a form consciousness, so we don’t truly know if they experience any physical pain just because they don’t have a central nervous system.

Well, actually, some experts say they do:

A number of studies have shown that plants feel pain, and vegetables are picked and often eaten while still alive. – Phil Cohen, Sydney, Australia

This is the pattern of science since its birth. The moment we think we “know” something, we discover something else that disproves the previous “truth” and completely changes our perception about the world we live in.

Producing food inhumanely (plants, animals, or abuse of human labor) is never a good thing. Humans must consume life in some form for nutrition. However, we can all agree that unnecessary suffering doesn’t have to be a part of the equation.

Are egg whites healthy?

Yes, they are, but you should think twice about ordering that egg white omelet.

By tossing the yolk, you’re essentially throwing out the most nutrient dense part of the egg. Yolks are rich with B-vitamins, trace minerals, vitamin A, folate, choline, lutein, and other powerful nutrients.

There’s no question that vegetarian bodybuilding is easier with eggs integrated into the meal plan.

In fact, they are one of 7 “fatty” foods for a flat stomach.

Eggs are one of the few foods that I would classify as “superfoods.” They are among the most nutritious things we can eat without question, containing virtually every nutrient we need. Omega-3 enriched eggs are even healthier.

Little-Known Fact: There is not much protein in the actual yolk (relative to the whites); however, the protein in the yolk has a high concentration of the amino acid Leucine.

For those who want an alternative, you can consider this egg substitute below.

VEGAN EGG SUBSTITUTE THAT’S MADE OUT OF PLANTS

Vegan egg substitute made out of peas, sorghum, and nine other plants.

Us vegetarian bodybuilders need our protein and I think you would be happy to know that Hampton Creek Foods has produced something revolutionary!

This High-Tech startup is shaking up the $9 Billion Dollar Chicken Industry, by demonstrating that we can create something more effective with a compassionate vision (eating less animals). It has been said these plant-based eggs are healthier, stay fresher longer, and cost approximately 19 percent less than real eggs.

From what I can tell, the bottom line is that they are using science and culinary expertise to replicate egg products at a fraction of the cost. The good news is that have already made their way to the shelves of stores like Whole Foods.

How do they taste?

In blind taste tests, Bill Gates, Tony Blair, Fast CoExist’s Ariel Schwartz, and Huffington Post’s Nile Cappello couldn’t tell the difference between products baked with Beyond Eggs and those that weren’t.

Watch this video to find out are eggs good for building muscle -5 Reasons Eggs Are The Best Muscle Building Food (10+ Scientific Studies)

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 – Are Eggs Good for Building Muscle?

How to Get Enough Vegan Protein to Build Lean Muscle?

 

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

Listen on Spotify

WHY MOST NEW VEGETARIANS GO BACK TO MEAT

The truth is, for as harmful as meat consumption can be (especially red meat), it’s still the most convenient source of protein available to bodybuilders.

This is one of the primary reasons new vegetarians eat meat again. Most of us are insanely busy already, and if you add on top of that our training needs (grocery shopping, meal prep, gym time), convenience matters.

Can you build muscle without meat? Absolutely!

There are many misconceptions about this path of nutrition, so I wanted to get into some of the nuances behind why people decide to try a plant-based diet, and then go back to eating meat again. It should prove useful to those who are new vegetarians or thinking about trying it.

The HRC formed a coalition a few years ago to study why people go vegetarian or vegan.

According to HRC:

A small proportion of U.S. adults (1-3%) are “actual” vegetarians or vegans, although about twice that number describe themselves as vegetarian when asked. Research on the motivations for both actual and self-described vegetarians (and vegans) finds that members of these groups select their diets based on multiple factors.

Usually including one primary motivator and one or more secondary motivators.

The most frequently cited factors are related to ethics and health. Vegans are more often motivated by ethics than any other reason. The most significant barriers to vegetarianism and veganism are concerns about preferred taste, nutritional deficiencies, and convenience.

Why do vegetarian bodybuilders choose a plant-based path?

Health, of course, is a major diet motivator. Research published in Climate Change found that reduced meat intake also reduces the number of dietary greenhouse gas emissions. A vegetarian diet additionally lowers risk for disease and boosts life expectancy, while red meat has an adverse effect on these aspects of health.

But in a majority of the former vegetarian cases, health is the only motivator for going veg in the first place. Other reasons include:

• compassion for animals
• general disgust in animal products (e.g., mad cow disease)
• taste
• influence from significant other

Interestingly, former vegetarians told the HRC they disliked their diet for “making them stick out in a crowd” and being unable to interact with other like-minded dieters and see the diet as part of their identity — not because of the food they were limited to.

84% of Non-Meat Eaters Abandon Their Diet for Animal Products (Source: Medical Daily)

Is there something that pulls you away from the path of plant-based nutrition that wasn’t mentioned here?

• not convenient
• standing out from others (or being teased)
• too boring, not enough flavor or variety
• not getting enough protein

For more ideas on how to get enough vegan protein to build lean muscle, watch this video - How to Build Muscle On A Vegan Diet - The In-Depth Guide

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 Get Enough Vegan Protein to Build Lean Muscle?