Ep 4: Vegan Fitness with Nimai Delgado & Bianca Taylor
Nov 29, 2017
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Nimai Delgado, an IFBB Pro Bodybuilder, and Bianca Taylor, a passionate fitness advocate, tackle the misconceptions surrounding veganism and protein. They share personal journeys, including how veganism aided Bianca's recovery from an eating disorder. Nimai emphasizes that thriving on less protein is achievable, while both guests debunk myths about demonizing carbs and fats. They discuss the importance of whole foods, supplements, and finding balance in vegan fitness, inspiring listeners to embrace a compassionate lifestyle without sacrificing health.
Nimai Delgado and Bianca Taylor demonstrate that vegans can build strength and athleticism through a well-planned plant-based diet rich in protein alternatives.
The podcast stresses the importance of personal research and community support for those transitioning to a vegan lifestyle, especially in managing nutritional needs.
Both guests share their transformative journeys, revealing how veganism has fueled their passion for fitness and activism, leading to personal fulfillment.
Deep dives
The Misconception of Veganism in Fitness
There is a prevalent misconception that vegans cannot be fit or strong, particularly in the fitness industry. Many people question where vegans get their protein, often implying that a plant-based diet is insufficient for athletic performance. This episode challenges that notion by highlighting successful vegan athletes, such as professional bodybuilder Niemey Delgado, who has never eaten meat yet boasts an impressive physique. The discussion emphasizes that veganism does not hinder one's ability to engage in physical activities at high levels or achieve fitness goals.
Nutritional Adjustments for Vegan Fitness
Transitioning to a vegan diet may require individuals to adjust their nutritional intake, particularly when it comes to protein. Vegan athletes often find alternative sources such as plant-based proteins, legumes, and whole grains essential for muscle building and recovery. The podcast highlights specific protein-rich foods like tofu, tempeh, and pea protein powders, which can effectively meet dietary needs without relying on animal products. By prioritizing nutritional research and planning, individuals can successfully optimize their diets for fitness, ensuring adequate protein intake is maintained.
The Importance of Research and Community
The hosts emphasize the significance of doing personal research when adopting a vegan lifestyle, especially for fitness enthusiasts. Many athletes enter the vegan space without a clear understanding of how to manage their dietary needs, leading to potential deficiencies or misconceptions. Engaging with online communities and following established vegan fitness influencers can provide essential guidance and inspiration. The podcast encourages listeners to reach out to others in the vegan fitness community for support and advice, building a network that fosters shared knowledge and empowerment.
Creating a Balanced Vegan Meal Plan
Listeners are introduced to practical and convenient vegan meal options that align with fitness goals, such as smoothies and Buddha bowls. These meals can be easily prepared and can include a variety of nutritious ingredients, helping to ensure balanced macro and micronutrient intake. The conversation includes suggestions for quick recipes that integrate grains, legumes, vegetables, and healthy fats, allowing flexibility in daily eating patterns. By making meal prepping a habit, individuals can streamline their diets and avoid unhealthy food choices while staying aligned with their fitness targets.
The Role of Veganism in Personal Purpose
Both guests share how their commitment to veganism has transformed into a broader purpose in life, fueling their passion for fitness and activism. Their personal journeys reflect a dedication not only to physical health but also to ethical values, leading to a desire to inspire others. Niemey Delgado articulates the motivation behind his bodybuilding career as a means to challenge stereotypes about vegans, while Bianca Taylor discusses how her transition has led to self-discovery and fulfillment. This narrative reinforces the idea that veganism can be a catalyst for positive change, both individually and collectively.
‘Where do vegans get their protein from?’ is probably a question you’ll hear often as a vegan. Fortunately, insufficient protein in plant-food diets is a myth devised entirely by a misinformed non-vegan society, and even more fortunately we have two vegan fitness-buffs on today’s episode, both distinctly NOT lacking in protein, to show us that it’s possible to build strength and muscle with plant foods alone. Listen in as the ChickPeeps chat to the incredible IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Nimai Delgado, and Personal Trainer and Lifestyle coach, Bianca Taylor, who are challenging the vegan stereotype. Also on this episode…
Robbie and Evy talk about their fitness routines and how going vegan affected their attitude to health and fitness.
Nimai discusses being a lifelong vegetarian.
He shares insights into his Hindu heritage and being raised Hindu in the deep south.
‘Being a child vegetarian taught me a lot of acceptance, it taught me a lot of patience growing up.’
Bianca explains how she found veganism at a point in her life when she was ‘searching for something bigger to live for.’
How finding veganism helped Bianca recover from an eating disorder and heal her relationship to food.
What the hec is a ‘macro’?
Nimai explores just how much protein we all need and how we can in fact thrive on much less protein than is recommended.
Why we shouldn’t demonise carbs and fats (hoorayyy!)
Bianca: ‘I don’t consider it a diet, it’s a lifestyle.’
Supplements: Bianca and Nimai share what you need to supplement for an optimal vegan diet (‘It’s more for insurance than a deficiency.’)
Tips on cultivating a healthy relationship to the gym and making it a passion rather than an obsession.
Nimai’s ‘Mr.Olypmia’ goals!
Does being vegan help this world? Nimai has done the math…