I was a vegetarian years ago.
I had so much more energy than I do now and I felt healthier than ever.
I got away from that years ago, as I hired and was working with coaches to support my fitness goals. I was consuming lots of chicken breast and other animal products, as a way to put on muscle mass and obtain enough protein.
In many ways, I felt like I was compromising my health for fitness. I definitely looked better, but my energy and health took a hit.
After re-attending the Tony Robbins seminar, Unleash The Power Within for the 7th time, I've decided to re-commit to becoming a vegetarian.
Watch the video below to learn WHY.
(Click here to watch on YouTube)
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One of the things that stopped me from becoming a vegetarian again was the lack of role models I had in this area.
Most of the role models I had were fitness models and mainstream fitness icons, that all supported consuming animal products to get enough protein in their diet.
I ended up developing the limiting belief that “I can't be vegetarian and put on muscle”. I felt I needed to get more protein in my diet and that I had to eat like the people that I looked up to.
What shifted it all was finding new references to support my new belief that vegetarian bodybuilding is possible.
I found new role models and sources of inspiration.
I interviewed my friend Wade Lightheart, a Canadian national bodybuilding champion that went to Mr. Universe as a vegetarian.
I discovered Bill Pearl and studied his philosophies as a vegetarian bodybuilder.
I watched YouTube videos of Jim Morris, a 78-year vegan bodybuilder that looks remarkable… at 78 years old!
And I discovered Robert Cheeke, a vegan bodybuilder and founder of VeganBodybuilding.com.
By studying these people, I was able to adopt their beliefs and mindset around vegetarian bodybuilding.
I was able to build confidence that I can do this.
In fact, it has made me more excited than ever.
What I'll Be Eating…
You might be wondering… what will I be eating?
Well, I'm planning on eating much of the same foods I currently eat… except to be cutting out chicken, beef and dairy.
I MAY considering eating fish (especially the non-toxic ones), as I believe there's some fantastic benefits from them (such as the Omega 3's in the fish oils). In fact, Tony Robbins was vegetarian previously and decided to eat fish for the health benefits of it.
I also MAY consider eggs occasionally as well.
But for the most part, I will be consuming raw plant-based proteins (I like Garden of Life brand), raw nuts, beans and legumes.
With all of my meals, I will be taking MassZymes, which are rich in protease and help digest and absorb protein from my foods. I'll be consuming a lower protein diet than I typically would, but expect to be absorbing and assimilating much more from it than ever. I'll also be consuming P3OM Probiotics, which also help in digestion and breaking down protein.
Why Are You Becoming A Vegetarian?
I understand many people have different beliefs around food and nutrition. Many might be asking WHY are you becoming a vegetarian?
Well, a few reasons…
First, animal flesh and dairy products are extremely acidic for the body. If you understand pH balance, acid/alkaline, then you'll know the dangers and affects of acidic foods.
Chicken and beef contains uric acid in it. Uric acid is the urine acid of the animal, which is contained in the blood. Not unless you're eating kosher meat (the blood is drained), then you're consuming A LOT more acid than your body can handle.
Third, before animals are killed at a slaughter house, they have adrenaline shoot through their body. Adrenaline is one of the most potent drugs in the world and it isn't healthy to be putting that in your body through another animal. Not only that, but on a more spiritually conscious level, you're taking in the fear and horror of another being.
And finally, I watched a great interview from Ellen Degeneres years ago. She shared her experiences watching a popular documentary called Earthlings, which forced her to become a vegan. You can watch the interview here.
In the interview, Ellen says: “After watching Earthlings, I decided that I just can't participate in that level of suffering in the world.”
Ultimately… the biggest reason is this:
I FEEL MUCH BETTER.
While there are so many different beliefs from others on what is good for you and what isn't… I've found the ultimate test to be how YOU feel.
If you feel great eating meat and dairy products… and that it increases your energy, then go for it.
If you feel great as a vegetarian and it increases your energy and health, then go for it.
Just test it out for 30 days and see WHAT WORKS FOR YOU. That is the ultimate test and the most important thing I've found.