Interviews
Q & A
1. Please tell me a little more about yourself and your social media.
1. Hey everyone, by means of introduction my name is Callum, I’m 32 and I live in London. I’ve been a personal trainer for 10 years and am also a qualified sports nutritionist, focusing heavily on the health and performance benefits of a plant based diet.
2. How long have you been vegan?
2. For about 4 years now and I feel so much better for doing so!
3. Why did you decide to go vegan?
3. I initially went plant based for my health, as I just wasn’t feeling great from my typical bodybuilding diet, albeit a healthy balance of food groups. Now, I am very aware of the environmental benefits of a plant based diet, as well as performance both in and outside of the gym.
4. How has it changed your life, health and outlook?
4. Going plant based is the single best thing I’ve done for my health and well-being. I used to get quite sick when I was younger, suffering with a “dodgy” tummy and tonsillitis on a regular basis. In fact, even after I had my tonsils out at the age of 23/24, I still suffered from tonsillitis symptoms; however, when I cut out dairy from my diet my stomach settled and I haven’t had the symptoms of tonsillitis since. Furthermore, I can’t remember the last time I had a cold or the flu, and I 1000% put this down to not eating animal produce and eating far more nutrient dense whole foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
5. What’s the hardest thing about being vegan?
5. Eating out, although it is getting much easier!
6. What’s your favourite meal?
6. Thai holy basil tofu and chilli!
7. Are there any foods you miss or crave?
7. I mean, I did initially, but that soon subsided, I guess it was just habit. I ate quite a lot of meat alternatives, but nowadays I prefer to just eat veggies, and use pulses and tofu etc as meat substitutes.
8. Have you convinced any friends or family to change their lifestyle?
8. I’ve had several friends who have since gone plant based, not because I preaches about it to them, I just presented the science and let them make their own decisions. Even friends who aren’t fully plant based/vegan have certainly reduced the amount of animal produce they eat.
9. Who/what is your biggest inspiration?
9. As cheesy as it sounds, I would say my parents, I’m so lucky for the upbringing they gave me and for the positive traits they instilled in me.
10. What advice would you give someone who is thinking about going vegan?
10. I would recommend making small swaps over a period of weeks, the easiest I found was swapping dairy first and increasing the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables you eat. Then start to reduce your meat and fish intake, before cutting it out completely. Also, supplement with a quality multi vitamin D and B vitamin.
"Going plant based is the single best thing I’ve done for my health and well-being."
I initially went plant based for my health, as I just wasn’t feeling great from my typical bodybuilding diet, albeit a healthy balance of food groups. Now, I am very aware of the environmental benefits of a plant based diet, as well as performance both in and outside of the gym.
