No Meat, No Problem: Raw Veganism Is the Secret Weapon in Weight Training

Hey there, fit raw beauties! Today, we're diving into a topic that might seem as unlikely a combo as bananas and broccoli: raw veganism and weight training.

But trust me, these two are a match made in health heaven!

Let me take you back to the crazy days of Covid. There I was, a lifelong weight training enthusiast, suddenly locked out of my beloved Barry's Bootcamp classes indefinitely. But did that stop me? Heck no! I took to the great outdoors, deadlifting at 5 AM at the outdoor gym across the street in 43 degrees because... well, it was the only gym open. If there's one thing we raw vegans know, it's how to adapt!

Now, you might be wondering how long I've been on this raw vegan fitness journey. Well, I've been high raw for over 4 years now, and I've been weight training consistently since I transitioned to this diet. I'll be honest - I was skeptical at first too. The idea of fueling intense workouts with just raw living foods seemed... well, bananas! But let me tell you, I actually prefer lifting on raw foods as opposed to cooked vegan proteins now. The energy is insane!

Recently, I decided to put my routine to the test. I meticulously tracked everything I did over 6 weeks to see what a raw vegan diet could really do for my fitness goals. The results? Mind-blowing! I proved that you can lose body fat, build muscle, and lose weight on a raw food meal plan. But it gets even better - during this time, I hit personal records (PRs) in the gym on pull-ups, deadlifts, and squats.

This journey has shown me firsthand the incredible potential of combining raw foods with weight training. It's not just about maintaining strength - it's about thriving and reaching new heights in your fitness journey. So, whether you're a seasoned raw vegan or just curious about this lifestyle, I'm here to tell you: yes, you can be a raw vegan and a badass in the weight room!

But can I really build muscle on all this fruit?" I hear this all the time, and let me tell you - it's as bogus as a seedless watermelon. The idea that a raw vegan diet can't provide enough protein for muscle building is one of the biggest misconceptions out there.

Here's the truth: protein is simply a collection of amino acids, and your body doesn't care where these amino acids come from. The proteins in fruits and vegetables are just as good as animal protein - and often better. Why? Because they come with bonus nutrients like fiber and antioxidants, and they're easier for your body to process.

In contrast, animal protein requires more work for your body to break down, which can be taxing on your digestive system. Your body is incredibly smart and efficient - it can build muscle from the amino acids in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds without breaking a sweat.

When you're eating clean, whole foods, your body becomes a pro at using the nutrients you give it. So yes, you can absolutely achieve your fitness goals while nourishing your body with vibrant, plant-based foods.

Remember, strength grows from the ground up!

Ready to start your weight training journey? Let's keep it simple with what I call the "Core Four":

While the Core Four are fantastic, don't stop there! Mixing in different weight-bearing exercises will help you build a well-rounded routine and keep things interesting. Here are some great additions to consider:

Now, here's a secret that might surprise you: you don't need to spend hours in the gym to see results. In fact, my typical workout is just 30-45 minutes, tops.

Here's how I break it down:

- 5-6 weight exercises (about 25 minutes)

- 2 ab exercises (about 5 minutes)

That's it! The key is focus and intensity. I aim for 30 minutes of concentrated effort, minimizing rest between sets. This approach not only saves time but also keeps your heart rate up, boosting the overall effectiveness of your workout.

Remember, it's not about how long you're in the gym, but how smartly you use that time. A focused 30-minute session can be far more beneficial than an unfocused hour of exercising.

Here's a pro tip: time your higher protein meals around your workouts. This could mean a pre-workout smoothie with some added hemp seeds, or a post-workout salad loaded with sprouted lentils and sunflower seeds.

For the complete list of protein rich raw foods I ate to transform my body, check out my FREE guide linked above!

Starting a weight training routine as a raw vegan isn't just possible - it's a powerhouse combination! You're fueling your body with the cleanest energy while challenging it to grow stronger.

Remember, every mighty oak started as a little acorn. Start with bodyweight exercises if you're new, and gradually add resistance as you build strength and confidence. And don't worry about spending hours in the gym - a focused, efficient workout can give you amazing results.

Ready to lift your way to a stronger, fitter you? Let's grow this fit raw community together! If you found this post helpful, share it with a friend who might need a little nudge to start their own weight training journey.

Here's to strong bodies, clean eating, and living our best raw vegan lives!