The OC Fit Expo Offered Many Vegan Choices 🙂
I have always loved to attend fitness expos for the opportunity to get additional certifications and knowledge of upcoming products and supplements. I used to attend expos more frequently when I was a fitness instructor but after retiring, they’ve been a thing of the past. This year, after committing to switching from a 24-year vegetarian diet to a vegan lifestyle I was really excited to attend the expo in Orange County to see what it could offer me. In the past (about 10 years ago) there was very limited fitness products/ supplements for vegans. This year, I was really surprised to see so many vegan and plant-based products and companies. It was really satisfying to see that the fitness industry has taken quite a shift to offer so many of these products: protein shakes and bars, amino products, coconut products and waters, coffee creamers, energy drinks, pre/post supplements and much more vegan stuff. I will write about several of these great companies in the days that follow.
Before, there was this notion that people that did not consume meat or animal by-products could not put on muscle. Now, so many athletes and fitness competitors have proven that to be false. As long as we eat a balanced diet and exercise using challenging weights, anyone can achieve a fit body…obviously with time and commitment.Â
Since many of you have written to ask what a vegan person who is trying to lose weight and put on muscle should eat, I’ve taken the opportunity to put a sample below. Always remember to consult your doctor before starting a new diet and/or exercise regimen.Â
Meal #1: Vegan protein (ex. Egg substitute, seitan, tofu), ¼ cup of oatmeal, 1 cup of steamed or fresh veggies.
Meal #2: Protein shake with unsweetened almond, rice, pea, nut or coconut milk and ½ tbsp. of coconut oil
Meal #3: ½ cup of tofu with tomatoes, avocados, cucumber, and spinach inside an Ezekiel wrap.
Meal #4: Vegan protein shake with unsweetened almond, rice, pea, nut or coconut milk and ½ tbsp. coconut oil.
Meal #5: Baked small sweet potato, vegan protein and 1 cup of vegetable/salad with ½ tbsp. olive oil mixed with lemon and vinegar.
