The following bodybuilders demonstrate that you can beef up without the beef. From protein-packed diets of tofu, legumes, and grains to rigorous training routines, these bodybuilders demonstrate that strength, health, and compassion can go hand in hand. By ditching animal-based products, they avoid fueling an industry that confines billions of animals in cramped, unnatural conditions and takes a massive toll on the planet, as according to some estimates, animal agriculture generates more greenhouse gas emissions than the entire transportation sector. These athletes are breaking stereotypes—and building a kinder, cleaner, more sustainable world. Get inspired by their ethics, strength, and dedication to making a difference.
Guilherme Abomai
Guilherme Abomai became the first vegan to win the super heavyweight title at Mr. Olympia Brazil. After going vegan three years ago to address digestive issues, he found relief and improved performance with foods like tofu, oats, and fruit. His success showcases the benefits of vegan nutrition!
Dominick Thompson
Ironman triathlete and bodybuilder Dominick Thompson made the switch from vegetarian to vegan for all the right reasons. “Thinking animals can be used in a humane and safe manner to produce dairy products is simply not true …. The cruelty and torture that can be involved is just as bad as the slaughtering.” When asked if the transition was difficult, he explains, “[D]oing something I passionately believe is right made it an easy transition.”
Nimai Delgado
Here is the California-based mechanical engineer and plant-based powerhouse in our “Kale Yeah I’m Vegan” shirt!
Korin Sutton
Sutton offers a digital cookbook, Where Is the Protein Being Vegan?, on his website and explains, “I’m vegan because I truly love life. Each living species on our planet is amazing and has a complex and beautiful life to live and sure enough can experience the world much like we do, to our surprise, which can include thriving or suffering.”
Samantha Shorkey
One of Shorkey’s claims to fame is receiving her pro card in 2014, when she won first place and the overall bikini title at the 2014 INBF South Western Natural Championships. With regard to being vegan, she says, “I do my best to make conscious decisions that do not contribute to the exploitation, death, and suffering of our animal friends.”
John Lewis
Also known as the “Badass Vegan,” Lewis has partnered with the VeganSmart supplement company to demonstrate that you don’t need whey to build your best body. With regard to being an inspiration to others, Lewis explains, “Having so many people tell me that I am motivation for them to go vegan … motivates me to work even harder.”
Patrik Baboumian
The German bodybuilder and strongman believes that true strength isn’t about bulging biceps or how many pounds you can deadlift. It’s about extending kindness, showing gentleness instead of cruelty, and exercising compassion. In terms of #VeganGains, Baboumian explains, “I got heavier, I got stronger, I won the European championship title in powerlifting, I broke three world records so everything was going perfect … my blood pressure went down, and my recovery time was so much faster so I could train more.”
Anastasia Zinchenko
Not only is Anastasia a true “Vegan Warrior,” as her nickname suggests, she also holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry. Feel lazy now? Download her vegan meal plan to start firing on all cylinders, too!
Berto Calkins
Also known as the “Tatted Vegan,” Calkins is full of insightful sound bites about being vegan: “Although I did not go vegan for health reasons, I realized the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle soon after.” He describes his plant-based diet as “a gateway to enlightenment and a path to not only physical health but also mental health.”
Ryan Scott Nelson
Scott has made it his duty to promote animal rights and a vegan lifestyle through plant-powered bodybuilding. In an Instagram caption, he explains his ethos in his own enthusiastic words: “If you really want to make a change, GO VEGAN! Eating animals and their byproducts is f*cking up Mother Earth and her climate. Plus it’s cruel AF and just downright weird! It’s 2017, the choice is yours. Take animals off the plate!”
Erin Fergus
Fergus was named Women’s Physique Pro by the Organization of Competitive Bodybuilders. She couldn’t contain her enthusiasm on Facebook, exclaiming, “A vegan pro, how about that?! I MADE HISTORY AGAIN FOR THE ANIMALS!”
Max Seabrook
Not only is Seabrook an animal rights activist, he is also currently in medical school, is a certified personal trainer, and holds a B.Sc. in human biomedical science. You could say he’s “killing it” with kindness! As for going vegan, he describes it as the “best decision of my life.”
Crissi Carvalho
Carvalho was named International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness and Arnold Classic Bikini Master 2016 and has released a digital book, Vegan Fitness Food. “Getting back to nature is so important on so many levels,” she writes. “We need to stop animal cruelty, in particular mass industrial slaughter farming, and become more environmentally aware and help maintain and create more sustainable ecosystems.”
Torre Washington
Washington holds a degree in engineering and explains that it’s his “artistic engineer” side that keeps him interested in the sport of body sculpting. “I’ve been vegan since 1998 .… It wasn’t common for a vegan to be a competitive bodybuilder, but that didn’t discourage me, it rather gave me more passion to pursue my dream.”
Derek Tresize
Derek Tresize, coauthor of The Vegan Muscle & Fitness Guide to Bodybuilding Competitions, exemplifies the power of vegan protein with his impressive physique!
Robert Cheeke
Robert Cheeke, the New York Times bestselling coauthor of The Plant-Based Athlete, has been a dedicated vegan for 29 years and a living testament to plant-powered strength.
Feel like heading to the gym?
Take a look at our healthy vegan meal plan guide and this list of vegan supplements. The Way of The Vegan Meathead: Eating for Strength is also a great resource for those interested in #VeganGains.
Are you still thinking about going vegan? Every animal is someone—so please start making a difference today! Order our FREE vegan starter kit to help you make the transition:
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