Tough As Nails Vegans

I think it’s a shame that some people out there who hear the word “vegan” automatically thinks of some scrawny, pale, weirdo with dandruff throwing red paint on old ladies wearing fur coats. I hear the word “vegan” and think of a very well educated, compassionate health nut, who can probably school the average guy on nutrition, and when I say nutrition, that also includes information on protein! Yes, that’s correct, vegans get plenty of protein!

One time I was in the gym and overheard one of the trainers telling their clients that in order to get big and strong they would have to eat a whole lot of chicken, eggs, and steak. I couldn’t help but cringe upon hearing this the same way a kid reacts to nails on a chalkboard.

I think the way my 6 foot frame wears my weight makes me appear to be a relatively lean guy. I know I personally am not much of a physical specimen that’s going to make jaws drop and strike fear in the hearts of men, but I know for a fact that for a 155 pound guy to Deadlift 225lbs and bench well over my body weight, I am a strong, healthy, and physically fit guy, who NEVER eats ANY meat or dairy! EVER!

I can honestly say I have never felt stronger, faster, and sharper mentally than I do nowadays and I attribute that to my diet. A plant based diet.

Here are my top 5 favorite vegan people.

1. Patrik Baboumiam

If you ever want to take up log throwing as a new hobby, talk to Germany’s Strongest Man Patrik Baboumiam!

Setting world records for the past two years, and wowing audiences with his awesome strength, Patrik’s record of the 397 pound log lift has yet to be broken, and he does it all on a plant based diet!

Um… I thought you needed steak and eggs to get big and strong?

NOPE!

Just listen to the friendly giant…

“being vegetarian makes you a better athlete!” -Patrik Baboumiam.

2. Jake Shields

The same guy that has the sickest Jui Jitsu in all of Mixed Martial Arts, is the last Rumble on the Rock 175 lb (79 kg) champion, the first and last Elite XC Welterweight Champion, the former Shooto Middleweight Champion, former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion, and the #3 ranked welterweight in the world, happens to be kick ass and take names on a plant based diet!

“But I thought, you needed steak and eg-” CHOKE OUT!

Overwhelming opponents from bell to bell for years with an exceptional record of 26-5-1, Jake Shields is definitely representing the tough-as-nails vegans of the world!

3. Rip Esselstyn

A Texas firefighter helped his whole team lower their cholesterol, and shed pounds away by turning them on to a plant based diet? In Texas? Awesome! Hey, if you’re in that line of work, I would hope you’re in top condition!

The physical test most firefighters are required to pass in order to be considered a candidate for the firefighting line of work consists of arduous work requiring above average physical fitness. Often the work is performed in extreme weather conditions and in a chaotic environment. These fitness tests, developed by exercise experts, measures aerobic capacity (endurance) and muscular fitness.

Rip Esselstyn, author of the Engine 2 diet, son of Dr. Esselstyn (author of the CHINA STUDY) climbs up and down the polls of his firehouse using only his arms while repeating the words “real men eat plants.”

Storming into houses ablaze while wearing heavy gear to rescue victims all on a plant based diet! That’s awesome! My only quam with Rip is that my girlfriend is obsessed with him.

4. John Joseph

Lead singer for one of my favorite New York Hardcore bands the Cro-Mags, author of one of my favorite books “Meat is for Pussies,” star of the Rocks Off Lower East Side walking tour, and everyone’s favorite tough guy!

If you’ve ever been to a Cro-Mags show, you might think John Joseph was half his age the way he runs around the stage screaming into the microphone like a psychopath! His contagious energy puts the twenty something year old mosh pitters to shame!

At 49 the guy continues to preform live shows, write books, do walking tours, AND is currently training for an Iron Man!

I hope by the time I’m his age I have half the energy this dude has.

5. Rich Roll

Hey, when was the last time you swam 6.2 miles, biked for 261.4 miles, and ran for 52.4 miles over the course of three days?

This three day event that I’m talking about is what’s known as the Ultraman race that takes place annually in Hawaii. Rich Roll, one of the 25 most fit guys of 2009 declared by Men’s Fitness magazines knows what I’m talking about!

Rich, who is an absolute endurance animal eats Ultraman competitions for breakfast with a side of Triathlons and a 5k to drink!

Do you know what this plant based maniac did for FUN in May of 2010? 5 consecutive days, each day consisting of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile run, known as the Epic Five. An unprecedented, totally crazy/awesome race for the absolutely elite endurance athletes of the world.

The one and only reason I mention the plant based lifestyle to my clients is this: It’s the healthiest way to live. Meat and dairy can cause cancer. Consuming meat and dairy can clog your arteries. Meat and dairy makes you fat. And coming from a guy who ate nothing but meat and dairy for the first 26 years of his life, take my word for it: Have an open mind, don’t get stuck in your ways, you’ve got to try this out! You may like the way you look, feel, and function!